Sushi Yasuda

204 E. 43rd Street (between 2nd & 3rd Avenues), New York
Telephone: (212) 972-1001

Cuisine: Japanese

Overall 9.0
Food 10.0
Service 10.0
Atmosphere 8.0
Value 8.0

our comments

If Sushi Yasuda is a shrine to raw fish, Naomichi Yasuda is the high priest. This minimal---verging on austere---restaurant has for good reason captured the attention of sushi connoisseurs. More than 30 types of raw fish are offered, including several mackerel and eel selections, wild yellowtail and rich otoro (the fattiest cut of tuna; it melts on the tongue like an ethereal confection). Unlike many other sushi chefs, Yasuda sometimes likes to cook his fish. He does that just as beautifully as he prepares his sushi. A changing list of accompanying appetizers might include a tangle of a number of kinds of fresh seaweed that’s more distinguished than any other seaweed salad in town; fried eel backbones that offer just the right amount of crispiness and hint of saltiness; and smooth and subtle monkfish liver with a ponzu dipping sauce. Guests can order à la carte or, better yet, let the adventurous Yasuda decide.

- April 2005