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Sushi Saint
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Sushi Saint
8.8
A tiny, reservation-driven handroll counter where the experience is built around precision, pacing, and high-flavor combinations rather than huge menus. It’s a destination-style night when you want chef-driven temaki and a curated set that feels special without being stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin tuna with black garlic handroll, A5 wagyu handroll, Ikura handroll with yuzu soy
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Intimate handroll counter with chef-driven combinations and tight pacing.
Who should go: Dates and sushi fans who love curated sets
When to visit: Friday or Saturday dinner seating
What to order: Bluefin + black garlic, A5 wagyu handroll, ikura handroll
Insider tip: Stick to the set format—add only one extra handroll at the end.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the evening. Rideshare or walking from nearby garages is recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but this feels better as a polished night out.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, with focus on the counter experience.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—can accommodate a few vegetable-forward handrolls if noted in advance.
Vegan options: Very limited—this is primarily a fish-forward experience.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—fish and rice-based menu; request gluten-free soy sauce and flag restrictions ahead of time.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want something memorable and intimate. The counter seating and paced service create built-in conversation, but it’s better for food-focused dates than casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a reservation-driven counter with limited seats—book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The experience, pricing, and pacing are designed for adults and sushi enthusiasts rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Precision handrolls, chef-led pacing, and an intimate omakase-adjacent experience without formality.
Skip if: You want a big menu, à la carte flexibility, or a casual sushi night—larger sushi bars will suit that better.
Sushi Saint
8.6
A tiny, reservation-driven handroll counter where precision and pacing matter more than menu size. It’s best as a curated set experience—high-flavor combinations, clean execution, and an intimate room that reads as a destination night without feeling overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin handroll, Ikura handroll, A5 wagyu handroll
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-paced handroll sets in an intimate counter format.
Who should go: Dates and sushi fans who love curated sets
When to visit: Friday or Saturday dinner seating
What to order: Bluefin roll, ikura roll, wagyu roll
Insider tip: Stick to the set and add only one extra roll at the end.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability in the evenings, easier if you arrive early or use a nearby garage.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine, but polished outfits fit the room better.
Noise level: Low to moderate – intimate counter where conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; walk-ins rarely seated and waits can exceed 60 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable – dinner-focused operation with limited seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited – a couple of vegetable-forward handrolls may be available but not a full substitute experience.
Vegan options: Extremely limited – not ideal for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes – fish and rice-based handrolls work well, but confirm soy sauce and add-ons.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a focused, intimate experience. The counter seating encourages conversation without distractions, but it’s best if both people enjoy sushi and a curated format.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Seats are limited and most nights are booked in advance. If you try, arrive right at opening and be flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The experience is paced, quiet, and adult-oriented, with no kids menu or space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Intimate handroll-focused nights where pacing, precision, and chef-driven flow matter more than menu breadth.
Skip if: You want à la carte freedom, larger group seating, or a more casual, flexible sushi experience.
Sushi Saint
8.3
A temaki-forward sushi spot that leans into generous portions and punchy combinations rather than ultra-minimal omakase formality. Sit close to the action, pick a set that balances toro or crab with something bright, and keep one simple roll in the mix for reset.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy toro temaki, Crab hand roll, Hamachi temaki
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Temaki-driven sushi with big flavors and generous builds.
Who should go: Handroll fans who want a fun, shareable sushi night
When to visit: Early dinner for easier seating and pacing
What to order: Spicy toro, crab roll, hamachi roll
Insider tip: Order one clean, simple roll to reset between richer bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Queens Plaza; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but the room skews polished and photo-friendly.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, more energetic once the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Not a major lunch destination; early weekday dinner is usually a short or no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—avocado, cucumber, and occasional vegetable-focused hand rolls
Vegan options: Very limited—best to ask what can be adapted
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—fish and rice are naturally gluten-free; request gluten-free soy sauce and note possible cross-contact
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—interactive seating, quick pacing, and shareable hand rolls keep things fun without feeling stiff or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early or are flexible on seating; peak weekend hours can mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids—the bar-style seating and menu are geared toward adults.
Best For
Better for: Bold, generously filled hand rolls and a social, high-energy sushi experience rather than quiet omakase.
Skip if: You want a hushed, traditional omakase counter or a wide vegetarian/vegan menu.
Sushi Saint
8.3
A tight, reservation-driven handroll counter that leans premium—clean fish, punchy combinations, and a pace that keeps the experience crisp. It’s not a long omakase production; it’s a focused, high-intensity sushi night that hits hard and finishes clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handroll set (chef’s selection), A5 wagyu add-on (when offered), Seasonal temaki specials
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Premium temaki in a tightly curated, reservation-only format.
Who should go: Sushi fans who want a short, sharp splurge
When to visit: Friday or Saturday night with a reservation
What to order: Handroll set, seasonal specials, one add-on
Insider tip: Don’t over-order—keep it tight so the fish stays the focus.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Queens Plaza; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a bit for the occasion.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy at the counter, but you can comfortably hear your dining partner.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; walk-ins can face 45–75 minutes or may not be seated at all.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait if you arrive early; limited seats still fill quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—one or two vegetable-forward handrolls may be available, but the menu is fish-centric.
Vegan options: Not ideal—this is primarily a seafood-focused experience.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—many handrolls are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some seasonings may contain gluten; ask the staff to guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you both like sushi—the counter format creates easy conversation and a shared experience without dragging on too long.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible on slower weeknights, but weekends are tough—booking ahead is the safest move.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—best suited for adults; the pacing, pricing, and counter setup make it a poor fit for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Focused, high-quality handrolls with premium fish and a fast, energetic flow—more punchy than traditional omakase.
Skip if: You want a long, leisurely omakase or need broad dietary accommodations; a full-service sushi bar may suit you better.
Sushi Saint
8.8
A reservation-driven handroll counter that keeps the night sharp and high-intensity—premium fish, punchy combinations, and a pace that finishes clean. It’s a strong move for anniversaries when you want a splurge that doesn’t turn into a three-hour production.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handroll set, Seasonal specials, One add-on (uni or toro when available)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A focused, premium temaki counter that delivers a crisp, fast splurge.
Who should go: Sushi fans who want a short splurge
When to visit: Friday or Saturday with a reservation
What to order: Handroll set, specials, one add-on
Insider tip: Don’t over-order—keep it tight so the fish stays the center of gravity.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking around Court Square; garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option at night.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but polished shoes and a clean silhouette fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate—lively counter energy, but conversation with your date is still easy.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; walk-ins often face 45–60+ minutes or no availability.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this concept is primarily an evening, reservation-driven experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there may be one or two vegetable-forward handrolls, but seafood is the clear focus.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to look elsewhere if avoiding fish entirely.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—fish and rice work well, but confirm soy sauce and any specialty rolls with the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something high-impact but not drawn out—the counter setup keeps things engaging without awkward downtime.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends; occasional early-week walk-ins may work if you’re flexible, but reservations are the safe play.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—best for adults who appreciate raw fish and a fast-paced counter experience.
Best For
Better for: Short, premium sushi nights where quality and pacing matter more than ceremony or length.
Skip if: You want a long omakase, lots of cooked dishes, or a relaxed, linger-all-night dinner.