Sushiichi

For New Yorkers with a discerning palate and a deep appreciation for the artistry of Japanese cuisine, an omakase experience is often the pinnacle of sushi dining. In Hell's Kitchen, Sushiichi stands as a testament to this tradition, offering an intimate and highly curated culinary journey where trust in the chef is paramount. Far from a typical sushi restaurant, Sushiichi invites diners to surrender to the expertise of its chefs, who meticulously select and prepare each piece, promising a progression of flavors and textures that highlight the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available.

Sushiichi is celebrated for delivering an "exceptional" omakase experience, focusing on precision, quality, and a profound respect for the ingredients. Patrons consistently describe the food as "truly exceptional—each piece is delicately prepared, beautifully balanced, and shows real craftsmanship." The quality of the fish and rice "absolutely met that expectation and the praise found in reviews from different platforms." Chef Hiro, in particular, is noted for being "personable and explained the intricacies behind dishes, where the fish are from and how they're prepared," elevating the meal into an educational and engaging encounter. The uni (sea urchin), often a challenging ingredient, receives high praise, with a customer testifying, "Definitely not so here," noting the chef's meticulous sourcing of pre-graded uni to ensure optimal flavor. The recommendation to "definitely sit at the bar" is a recurring theme, as it allows for direct interaction with the chefs and the opportunity to "watch the preparation and interact with the chefs to hear their stories," which is "what omakase is all about." While one review noted a desire for a different dessert and expressed feeling "rushed" at a table seating, the overwhelming sentiment leans towards a high-quality food experience. Overall, Sushiichi offers a refined sushi journey where the passion for Japanese cuisine shines through in every meticulously crafted piece.

Sushiichi is conveniently located at 640 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and ever-evolving neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, on the western side of Midtown Manhattan. For New Yorkers, this location offers a blend of accessibility and a slightly more intimate atmosphere compared to the direct bustle of Times Square.

The restaurant's position on 10th Avenue means it's easily reachable by various modes of public transportation. It's within comfortable walking distance of several subway lines. The closest major subway stations include the A, C, E lines at 50th Street and 8th Avenue, and the 1, 2, 3 lines at 50th Street and Broadway, both of which are accessible by a short walk. While 10th Avenue itself doesn't have a direct subway line, numerous crosstown bus routes (e.g., M50, M42) provide seamless connections from other parts of Manhattan. The Port Authority Bus Terminal, a major hub for regional and commuter buses, is also relatively close, offering convenient access for those traveling from outside Manhattan. This makes Sushiichi a viable destination for a sophisticated dinner from various parts of the city.

Beyond public transport, the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood itself adds to Sushiichi's appeal. Known for its thriving restaurant scene, pre-theater dining options, and a generally more local and less tourist-dominated vibe than areas directly east, Hell's Kitchen offers a unique charm. Sushiichi's location allows diners to enjoy a high-end omakase experience within a neighborhood that maintains a genuine New York feel. While parking can be a challenge in any part of Manhattan, there are numerous parking garages in the surrounding blocks for those who prefer to drive, though public transit remains the most recommended mode of arrival for most New Yorkers.

Sushiichi specializes in an authentic omakase dining experience, which translates to "I'll leave it up to you," signifying a chef-curated tasting menu. This focus means their services are highly refined and personalized. Here's a breakdown of what they primarily offer:

• Omakase Tasting Menus: This is the core of Sushiichi's offering. They typically feature multi-course omakase menus designed by the chef, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients and the chef's exquisite skill. Based on customer reviews, a "15 course spread" is a popular option, with pricing noted around $130 per person before taxes and gratuity. Another source mentions a "12 courses for $90" and "15 courses for $130," suggesting a range of options.
• Chef-Driven Experience: A key aspect of their service is the direct interaction with the chef, particularly when seated at the bar. Chefs (like Chef Hiro) are known to explain the origins of the fish, preparation methods, and intricacies of each dish, enriching the dining experience.
• Premium Fish Selection: Sushiichi focuses on sourcing high-quality fish, with a notable mention of their carefully selected uni (sea urchin), ensuring a superior taste. Expect a variety of nigiri and possibly sashimi pieces, expertly crafted.
• Beverage Pairings: While not explicitly detailed, high-end omakase restaurants typically offer a selection of premium sake, Japanese beers, and possibly wines to complement the delicate flavors of the sushi.
• Intimate Dining Environment: While some table seating is available, the bar seating is highly recommended for the full omakase experience, allowing diners to witness the preparation firsthand.
• Reservations Recommended: Given the intimate nature of omakase and its popularity, making reservations is essential, particularly for preferred seating times. Sushiichi typically has evening seating hours, usually starting from 5:30 PM.
• Special Occasions: While a complimentary birthday dessert was mentioned by one reviewer for a different restaurant, it's a common practice in high-end establishments to offer small gestures for special occasions, though this is not explicitly stated for Sushiichi directly.

Sushiichi offers several distinctive features and highlights that position it as a sought-after destination for omakase in New York:

• Exceptional Omakase Quality: The "truly exceptional" food is a consistent highlight, with "each piece delicately prepared, beautifully balanced, and showing real craftsmanship." The quality of both the fish and the rice receives high praise, meeting high expectations for an omakase experience.
• Personalized Chef Interaction: A standout feature, especially for bar seating. Guests can interact with knowledgeable chefs (like Chef Hiro), who "explained the intricacies behind dishes, where the fish are from and how they're prepared." This educational aspect enriches the meal and is seen as integral to the omakase concept.
• Premium Ingredient Sourcing: The restaurant's dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients is evident, particularly with the emphasis on carefully selected uni (sea urchin) that avoids the common "fishy" taste.
• Intimate Bar Seating: The recommendation to "definitely sit at the bar" underscores the unique, interactive experience offered there, allowing diners to witness the sushi preparation as an art form.
• Value for Quality: At prices noted around $130 for a 15-course omakase, Sushiichi is considered a strong contender in the mid-range omakase market in NYC, offering "good quality" that justifies the price point, especially given the personalized attention and ingredient quality.
• Focus on Craftsmanship: The reviews highlight the "real craftsmanship" and delicate preparation of each piece, indicating a deep commitment to the art of sushi.

Information regarding specific "Promotions or Special Offers" like Happy Hour is not readily available or emphasized for Sushiichi, which is typical for a high-end omakase establishment. The value at such restaurants is primarily derived from the quality of the ingredients, the skill of the chef, and the curated dining experience, rather than discounted pricing.

• Tiered Omakase Pricing: While not a "promotion," Sushiichi's offering of different course lengths (e.g., 12-course at $90 and 15-course at $130) allows diners to choose a price point that suits their budget while still experiencing the core omakase offering. This provides a form of value by catering to different levels of indulgence.
• Quality for Price: As noted by a reviewer, a $130 omakase is "not particularly expensive" in the NYC landscape, especially for the quality of fish and the interactive experience offered. The perceived value comes from the high caliber of the food and the intimate setting.

For the most current pricing and menu details, it is always recommended for New Yorkers to visit Sushiichi's official website or contact them directly. Omakase menus are often seasonal and subject to change based on ingredient availability.

For reservations, inquiries, or any other information, here is the direct contact information for Sushiichi:

Address: 640 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA

Phone: (212) 586-1640

Mobile Phone: +1 212-586-1640

Sushiichi typically operates with evening-only hours, catering to the omakase dining experience:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday - Thursday: 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Given the intimate nature of an omakase counter and specific seating times, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred slot.

Sushiichi is an ideal and highly suitable destination for New Yorkers who genuinely appreciate the art and tradition of omakase sushi. Its location in Hell's Kitchen offers a slightly more local and less tourist-driven ambiance compared to central Times Square, yet remains easily accessible via various subway lines, making it convenient for a dedicated culinary outing. For locals seeking a truly exceptional sushi experience, the restaurant delivers on its promise of meticulously prepared, high-quality fish and rice, guided by personable chefs who enhance the meal with their knowledge and stories. While some diners may experience variations in pacing, the overall consensus points to a remarkable culinary journey that justifies the price point within NYC's omakase scene. Sushiichi is perfect for special occasions, discerning palates, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of authentic Japanese sushi through a chef-led tasting experience.

Sushiichi

640 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA