Meticulously crafted Japanese omakase with theatrical flair and exceptional seafood, a truly transportive and luxurious dining art.
Will Hartman reviews Yoshino, an expensive omakase restaurant in NYC, highlighting its thrilling seafood preparations, intimate atmosphere, and exceptional service, calling it a "quietly thrilling" experience.
Experience the pinnacle of Japanese omakase at Yoshino, where meticulous attention to detail transforms fresh seafood into culinary art. From the exquisite nigiri to theatrical presentations like smoked salmon, every dish is crafted with precision. Diners rave about the quality of ingredients and the transportive atmosphere, making it a truly special occasion destination. While on the pricier side, the artistry and flavor make it a memorable experience.
Yoshino is celebrated for its meticulously prepared Japanese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on omakase and sushi. Dishes like the kinmedai soup, grilled Hokkaido scallop, various tuna preparations, and anago are frequently highlighted for their exceptional quality and artistry. While the sushi and nigiri are considered top-tier, some diners have experienced pressure to purchase expensive alcohol.
"Customers frequently praise the expertly prepared nigiri, highlighting specific dishes like the Kinmedai Soup with truffle, grilled Hokkaido scallop, and various tuna preparations. The anago is also noted as a standout."
Customers generally praise the exceptional quality of the food, particularly the sushi and omakase experience, though some have noted issues with aggressive alcohol upselling by the sommelier.
Important Note
Some diners report aggressive alcohol upselling by the sommelier, which can negatively impact the overall dining experience.
"This user mentions Yoshino is really good but not as good as Sushi Sho."
Neutral"This user states that Yoshino is very good and likely to receive a second Michelin star soon."
Positive"The commenter found the food to be good to great but agreed that the alcohol situation negatively impacted the ambiance. They observed some customers engaging in a 'pissing contest' to order the most alcohol."
Neutral"This is a follow-up comment indicating that the sommelier's pushy behavior seems to be a consistent issue."
Negative"The commenter agrees that the sommelier is pushy, recounting an instance where they were pressured to upgrade a sake choice by $200. They believe the drink list is unreasonable if such upselling is necessary for a good experience."
Negative"A lighthearted comment suggesting the food pictured is so appealing it could even be enjoyed by someone who is unwell."
Positive"The commenter points out that negative reviews for the restaurant often mention poor service and staff behavior."
Negative"The commenter clarifies that they did not personally feel pressured as they didn't order drinks, but refers to another commenter for more firsthand details."
Neutral"The commenter is interested in hearing more details about the alcohol pressure, as they are sober and prefer to drink tea during omakase meals, which would be a significant deterrent for them."
Neutral"The commenter confirms that the restaurant staff pressures customers to buy alcohol, which can make the experience uncomfortable. However, after making it clear they wouldn't purchase much, the pressure subsided, allowing them to enjoy the meal."
Neutral"The commenter had a positive experience at Yoshino, but noted that some people felt pressured to buy alcohol. They personally did not feel pressured as they were not drinking."
Neutral"A brief comment appreciating the visual presentation of the food."
Positive"The original poster lists Yoshino as a restaurant they have previously visited for omakase, without explicit sentiment."
Neutral"Yoshino was included in a list of recommended sushi spots."
Positive"Yoshino was included in a comprehensive list of restaurants that did not make it onto the 2025 NY Times list."
Neutral"Mentions Yoshino in the context of high-end sushi, noting that even chefs like Yoshino nod to Masa's unique style/influence upon arriving in NYC."
Neutral"The author suggests Yoshino for omakase for a special dinner when asked for recommendations without specific price or cuisine preferences."
Neutral"Shion 69 and Yoshino are at $480 plus, which is egregiously expensive."
Negative"this spot is on my list but it's $500pp"
Neutral"if I owned Yoshino, I'd drive it out of business and give myself mercury poisoning taking up a spot every day."
Neutral
