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Sushi Yashin
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sushi Yashin
7.6
Opened in 2016, Sushi Yashin brought a slightly sleeker sushi room to the 5th Avenue strip, leaning on an extensive special-roll lineup and a handful of cooked plates. Execution isn’t as polished as the borough’s top omakase bars, but for casual dinners with creative rolls and sake, it’s a comfortable step up from bare-bones takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Girl Roll, Taxi Driver Roll, Dancing Eel Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A contemporary 5th Avenue sushi room known for playful special rolls and a relaxed sake-fueled vibe.
Who should go: Friends craving inventive rolls and casual sit-down sushi.
When to visit: Weekend early evenings before larger groups fill the room.
What to order: Spicy Girl roll, Taxi Driver roll, Dancing Eel roll.
Insider tip: Mix one simpler classic roll with two specials to balance richness and cost.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on 5th Avenue before 6pm, but tight after peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit the room’s slightly polished vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; conversations are possible, though larger groups can raise the volume on weekends.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: No wait; midday traffic is light.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of veggie rolls and cooked vegetable appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited; a few cucumber/avocado rolls and basic vegetable sides.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications; sashimi and many maki can be made GF if you request tamari instead of soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates—the room is contemporary and not too formal, with approachable special rolls that keep the meal fun. It’s less ideal if you want a quieter, more intimate omakase-style experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, though peak weekend dinners may require a short wait, especially for larger parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The space skews adult and social, but older kids and teens who enjoy sushi will be comfortable. No dedicated kids’ menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting playful specialty rolls, sake, and a trendier sit-down sushi night than basic takeout spots provide.
Skip if: You want precision-driven omakase, minimalist fish quality, or a quiet dining room—Katsuei or more focused sushi counters will serve you better.
Sushi Yashin
8.6
A 5th Avenue sushi room known for its omakase options and a long list of playful special rolls, Sushi Yashin balances serious fish with an approachable, neighborhood feel. High delivery volume and steady dine-in traffic show how often locals rely on it for both date nights and upgraded takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Girl roll, Taxi Driver roll, Dancing Eel roll
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A busy omakase-and-rolls spot with huge multi-platform fan engagement.
Who should go: Couples and friends wanting creative rolls plus real omakase.
When to visit: Early evenings before prime-time omakase and delivery rush.
What to order: Omakase set, Spicy Girl roll, Taxi Driver roll.
Insider tip: Book the counter for omakase; the dining room feels more generic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots on 5th Avenue and side streets turn over slowly after 6pm, so expect a 5–10 minute search.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for omakase nights.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation, though weekend peak hours get lively.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer for counter seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; the room stays calm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and customizable maki are available.
Vegan options: Limited—simple veggie rolls and seaweed salad, but few full entrées.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications—sashimi and many nigiri are safe; request gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished sushi, and counter seating make it feel intimate without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, but for omakase or peak weekend hours, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids comfortable with sushi; limited space and a quieter dining room make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Creative rolls plus approachable omakase in a setting that works for both takeout regulars and date nights.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional Edomae omakase or a very quiet room—nearby high-end counters offer more focus and fewer crowds.
Sushi Yashin
8.1
Opened in 2016, Sushi Yashin is a low-key Fifth Avenue sushi bar that splits the difference between neighborhood spot and special-occasion omakase. Floor-to-ceiling windows, floral wallpaper, and a focused omakase program make it a strong date-night alternative to the higher-priced counters nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Omakase, Sashimi Deluxe, Black Cod
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A compact omakase-friendly sushi bar that feels upscale without being stiff.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting omakase intimacy without full-on luxury pricing
When to visit: Later weeknights or early weekend evenings for a calm dining room
What to order: Sushi omakase, sashimi deluxe, black cod entree
Insider tip: Book omakase in advance and sit near the counter to watch the plating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Fifth Avenue and nearby side streets is limited; expect a search during peak dinner hours. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; elevated but relaxed. Jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate—soft music and a compact room make it possible to hold a date-night conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for the sushi bar; reservations strongly recommended for omakase.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though bar seats fill first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate—vegetable rolls, salads, and select appetizers are available, but the omakase is not vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited—aside from avocado or cucumber rolls, options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Good—many items can be prepared gluten-free; tamari is usually available on request, but cross-contact should be noted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate layout, warm lighting, and polished-but-not-intimidating service make it ideal for a first date where conversation and a shared omakase experience shine.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on weeknights for à la carte, but omakase seats typically require advance booking. On weekends, walk-ins may face a short wait unless arriving early.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—quiet setting and an omakase-focused menu make it better suited for older kids or teens who already enjoy sushi. No dedicated children’s menu or stroller space.
Best For
Better for: A balanced omakase experience that feels special without the premium pricing or formality of higher-end counters in the area.
Skip if: You want extensive vegan or vegetarian sushi options, or you prefer a louder, more bustling atmosphere.