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Sushi You
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sushi You
8.3
Sushi You is a compact counter-focused omakase bar where regulars sit at the blonde-wood counter for creative, often sauce-accented nigiri. Critics and bloggers praise its reasonably priced omakase tiers and a relaxed, music-filled room that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a hushed temple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Omakase (6 pieces and hand roll), Sashimi Omakase (15 pieces), Crepe Cake
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A bar-style omakase with playful plating and a devoted following among sushi obsessives, without the formality or pricing of marquee counters.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans seeking intimate counter omakase under headline prices.
When to visit: Weeknight second seating for relaxed pacing and more chef interaction.
What to order: Sushi omakase, upgrade to full sashimi omakase, finish with crepe cake.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter and let the chef steer—ordering omakase unlocks the best sequencing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; rely on nearby paid garages (W 56th & 3rd or 55th & Lexington). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished due to the counter setting.
Noise level: Moderate—background music keeps the room lively but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for counter seats if walking in early; later slots are typically booked.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—omakase is seafood-focused; request a la carte vegetable bites but selection is small.
Vegan options: Not recommended—no structured vegan pathway and most items rely on fish or sauces containing dashi.
Gluten-free options: Manageable—chef can avoid soy sauce and certain marinades with advance notice; cross-contact possible at the counter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate counter, warm playlist, and approachable omakase format create a conversation-friendly, relaxed first-date setting without the stiffness of higher-end sushi bars.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—walk-ins are accepted early in the evening or late, but the small counter fills quickly. For prime windows, book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the tight counter and set omakase format suit adults or mature teens who can enjoy a paced tasting.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, creative omakase experience with strong value relative to Midtown’s big-name sushi counters.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional, minimalist Edomae sushi or need extensive vegetarian/vegan accommodations.
Sushi You
8.7
Tucked below street level in Turtle Bay, Sushi You is an intimate counter where the chef leads a traditional omakase heavy on seasonal nigiri and a closing hand roll. Regulars praise the personal service, high-end fish and quietly nostalgic, 80s-leaning atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
12-piece sushi omakase with hand roll, Botan ebi (sweet shrimp) nigiri, Toro served near the end of omakase
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A tiny, chef-driven omakase counter with loyal regulars and deeply personal service.
Who should go: Omakase seekers who like intimate, low-key rooms.
When to visit: Early evening seatings for the most relaxed counter.
What to order: Full sushi omakase, extra toro, any daily special nigiri.
Insider tip: Give the chef a budget and preferences and let him improvise beyond the printed omakase.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay, especially after 6pm; nearby garages on 2nd Ave typically run $25–$35 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean slightly dressy (button-downs, nice sweaters). Jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to hold a quiet conversation across the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins rarely seated and may wait 45–90 minutes if accepted at all.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner-only omakase seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — a few vegetable nigiri and a potential improvised mini-set if requested in advance.
Vegan options: Minimal; traditional omakase format is fish-forward. Call ahead to confirm if the chef can accommodate.
Gluten-free options: Generally feasible — chef can avoid soy sauce with gluten and adjust marinades if notified early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate counter, calm lighting, and attentive pacing create an ideal setting for a focused, conversation-friendly first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Not reliably. With only a few counter seats, walk-ins are rarely available. Your best chance is early weekday evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The omakase format and quiet, adult-focused room suit older teens or well-behaved children comfortable with raw fish.
Best For
Better for: Personalized omakase, chef interaction, and a serene counter experience that’s less performative than trendier Midtown options.
Skip if: You want à la carte rolls, large-group seating, or a more casual, budget-friendly sushi night.
Sushi You
8.4
Basement-level, counter-focused omakase run by chef Miku, Sushi You feels like stepping into a nostalgic, personal sushi bar with Japanese music videos on the TVs and a regular-heavy clientele. The omakase leans creative but precise, with toro, hotate, and seasonal specials making it a playful, intimate date for sushi fans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chu-toro nigiri, Hotategai (scallop) nigiri, Shima aji nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A small, personality-filled omakase bar where the chef tailors the meal to you.
Who should go: Adventurous couples who like counter seating and interaction
When to visit: Later evening seatings when the room feels most relaxed
What to order: Counter omakase, extra chu-toro, seasonal specials
Insider tip: Text or call ahead; hours and availability can shift with fish deliveries and neighborhood traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Turtle Bay is limited, especially after 6pm; expect metered spots and occasional open spaces on side streets. No valet service, so rideshare is the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—clean denim is fine, but most guests opt for elevated date-night attire given the intimate counter setting.
Noise level: Low to moderate; soft music and quiet conversation make it easy to talk without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins rarely seated. If you attempt a walk-in, expect the possibility of no availability.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—omakase is fish-forward with occasional vegetable bites; a full vegetarian progression is not offered.
Vegan options: Not suitable—vegan accommodations are effectively unavailable due to the structure of the omakase.
Gluten-free options: Moderately accommodating—chef can avoid soy sauce and certain marinades if notified in advance, but cross-contact is possible in a compact counter setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if your date enjoys sushi and intimate counter dining. The chef interaction and low lighting create an easy conversational flow, though the close quarters mean it’s best for someone you’re comfortable sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. With only counter seats and a strong regulars base, most nights book out. Call or text earlier in the day to check for cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; the space is small, quiet, and omakase-only. Teens who already enjoy sushi and longer tasting formats may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Intimate counter interaction, a personalized feel, and playful yet precise bites that appeal to sushi fans wanting character over luxury polish.
Skip if: You prefer large-format dining rooms, broad à la carte options, or need major dietary flexibility (vegetarian, vegan, or extensive allergies).