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Sushi Yasuda
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sushi Yasuda
8.6
A long-running Midtown sushiya where the best version of the meal is clean, traditional nigiri with careful rice temperature and straightforward seasoning. It’s strongest when you keep the order classic—sit at the bar if you can, let the chef steer, and avoid overcomplicating the arc with too many rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase/nigiri set, Toro nigiri, Uni (when quality is strong)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Classic NYC sushi bar format built around disciplined nigiri.
Who should go: Nigiri-first diners who want a traditional experience
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or early lunch for calm pacing
What to order: Chef’s selection nigiri, toro, uni
Insider tip: Order nigiri in waves—keep pieces warm and timed to the rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekdays.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jeans are fine, but many diners lean polished—especially at dinner.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Bar seating is focused and conversational; dining room stays controlled without feeling hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may turn faster but are not guaranteed.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait early; 15–30 minutes during peak Midtown lunch hours without a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. Vegetable rolls and a few cooked sides are available, but the experience is fish-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited. Possible with advance discussion, but not the restaurant’s strength.
Gluten-free options: Generally workable for nigiri and sashimi; soy sauce substitutions are typically available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if both of you appreciate classic sushi. It’s calm, polished, and conversation-friendly, but not flashy or scene-driven.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially at lunch or early dinner. Bar seating offers the best chance, but peak times can mean a real wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who enjoy sushi and can sit through a paced meal. There’s no kids menu or high-energy accommodation.
Best For
Better for: Traditional nigiri, disciplined rice temperature, and a classic NYC sushi-bar rhythm without trends or theatrics.
Skip if: You want a modern omakase progression, heavy creativity, or a more casual, roll-driven meal.
Sushi Yasuda
8.7
A classic Midtown sushiya where the meal shines when you keep it nigiri-first and let rice temperature and restrained seasoning do the work. Sit at the counter if you can, order in waves, and treat it as a paced omakase-style progression rather than a roll-heavy spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s selection nigiri, Toro, Uni
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Traditional nigiri with meticulous rice temperature and classic technique.
Who should go: Nigiri-first diners and omakase regulars
When to visit: Early lunch or weeknight dinner
What to order: Chef’s nigiri selection, toro, uni
Insider tip: Order in waves so each piece stays warm and timed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets and polished outfits fit the room; casual attire won’t be turned away but feels out of place at the counter.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Quiet enough for focused conversation, especially at the sushi bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; counter seats fill first.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait before noon; light waits possible during peak business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but possible—vegetable rolls, tamago, rice-based dishes; best discussed with the chef.
Vegan options: Very limited. Not ideal for strict vegan diners due to fish-forward menu and prep.
Gluten-free options: Generally accommodating for nigiri-focused orders; soy sauce substitutions available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if both diners appreciate quiet, focused meals. It’s elegant and intimate rather than lively, which works best for conversation-forward dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early dinner, but counter seating is more likely than tables. Reservations are strongly recommended for evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The calm atmosphere and pacing suit adults; better for older, sushi-comfortable teens than young children.
Best For
Better for: Classic nigiri execution, precise rice temperature, and a calm, traditional sushi-bar experience.
Skip if: You want creative rolls, a high-energy scene, or a more flexible menu—modern or casual sushi spots will suit better.
Sushi Yasuda
8.8
Steps from Grand Central, Sushi Yasuda is a purist’s temple where pristine nigiri leads but classic rolls are prepared with the same attention to rice and fish. Regulars use maki as a supporting course, adding salmon, yellowtail, or eel rolls to an otherwise minimalist sushi progression.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase sushi menu, Chef’s choice nigiri selection, Seasonal maki rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Long-respected Midtown sushi counter where even simple rolls showcase unusually careful rice and seasoning.
Who should go: Nigiri-first diners who still appreciate flawless classic rolls.
When to visit: Early lunch or first evening seating for a calmer counter.
What to order: Omakase, supplemental tuna or yellowtail rolls, seasonal specials.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter and ask the chef to finish your meal with a simple maki tailored to your favorite fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Grand Central; nearby garages on 43rd and 44th Street typically run $25–$35 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but not formal. Button-downs, blouses, and neat denim are all acceptable.
Noise level: Low to moderate; counter and tables allow easy conversation even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Generally no walk-in availability; reservations are required and often booked days ahead.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate flow; with a reservation, seating is prompt, and walk-ins may wait 10–20 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but viable—avocado, cucumber, oshinko, and egg options prepared with care.
Vegan options: Very limited—simple vegetable maki only; confirm seasoning and sauces to avoid bonito-based components.
Gluten-free options: Manageable with guidance—soy sauce substitution available and most nigiri is naturally gluten-free; avoid marinated fish and certain sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—quiet, refined, and attentive service make it ideal for intimate conversation without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely during peak hours; walk-ins should try early lunch or late dinner windows, but reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older children comfortable with sushi; no dedicated kids’ menu and the atmosphere leans calm and adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Meticulous rice, fish purity, and a minimalist approach that highlights traditional technique over elaborate specialty rolls.
Skip if: You want creative maki, heavy sauces, or a lively, casual vibe—other Midtown spots lean more playful or fusion-focused.