IYKYK that this restaurant serves some of the best Sushi on planet earth. The incredibly delicious Sushi is sublime. Every meal I have is amazing. And I always leave inspired by my experience. They are always performing at an elite-level. And I would go as far as to say that this team is a rare example - in our world - of consistent excellence. I am grateful to the Kurumazushi team for serving us through all of these decades. Thank you! read more

Went here with some friends for dinner the other night, was excited for some prime quality sushi. We got there around 6:30 PM and the place was completely empty. It was eerily quiet and downright awkward the entire meal. The sushi chef (very sweet man, quite old but still going!) listed some items he recommended we try. We liked this...until he ended up listing EVERY ITEM on the menu, huh??? Anyways, the sushi was good, nothing spectacular though. For the price, it is certainly not worth it. They were also out of 50% of the niche fish options that we wanted to order... Wouldn't go back for $10-$15 per PIECE of nigiri... read more

The best. Can't wait for them to get back from vacation. Insanely expensive omakase yet you feel like it was money well spent. My favorite sushi place ever. read more

My sushi sensei, funny Uezu san & lovely Maria. Always love your SIMPLY SUSHI. More than 4 decades as original sushi chef in Manhattan. Long live,,,,,, read more

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Hands down the best sushi in New York City. It's authentic and the quality of fish is unmatched. I have a fantastic meal every single time. This is my go-to place for sushi. It's very tasty and fresh. The menu is traditional sushi (fish and rice only). I wish there are more restaurants like this in New York. It's not just a run of the mill business. This place has soul and you can feel it in the ambiance and taste in the food. Coming here is like being transported to Japan. The freshness is the same as having sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan. The lunch price is unbeatable for the quality of fish they have. The head chef, Uezu-san has been making sushi for over 50 years. His experience and eye for quality is amazing. His Sous-chef, Maria, has been doing this for over a decade. They are a dynamic duo. It's the same people who work there every day, year after year. Kimiko-san is Uezu-Sam's wife. She's so sweet and kind. Haji-san is efficient and always has a positive attitude. They're an amazing team all together. I absolutely love this place. read more

Kurumazushi - Sushi Deluxe Lunch Special - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Overall disappointing experience. Went with my daughter for lunch as she really enjoys sushi and eats wildly and with abandon. We ordered broadly (as we often do) taking turns to let the server know what we wanted. Always making certain that there were two pieces. The selection was pretty standard for a restaurant at this price point. Nothing stood out but the rice was cooked/seasoned well and the fish was decent quality. It was late at lunch so the bar was empty besides a pair of businessmen. The chef handed my daughter a hand roll (I did not remember ordering a hand roll but whatever), then handed me one. Right at that moment the server spoke in Japanese and the chef RIPPED the hand roll out of my hand and spoke angrily to the server From what I gather - there had been some confusion and the pair of businessmen had ordered the handrolls. The chef tossed the handroll (that had been taken from me) on the counter and proceeded to continue speaking angrily with the server. At this point I am ready to leave. I asked for the check, unsure if I ever received my full order. My bill was $321.30 without tip. For that kind of money for lunch the chef could have let the f'ing handroll go. What a miserable experience from a bitter old man. My daughter is 11 and was very uncomfortable with that moment. The kicker was that I watched the chef PICK UP THE HANDROLL THAT I HELD CARRY IT OVER TO WHERE THE OTHER GUESTS COULD NOT SEE HIM THEN REWRAP IT AND SERVE IT. If this is the standard then I can only imagine what else is going on in this place. I cooked for some time in restaurants and I understand the concept of not wasting food. In my home parsley stems, chicken bones, onion peels etc. are all reused. But there is a hygiene level and I would not want to eat food that was held by some random guest in a restaurant. As far as the food itself - decent enough but overpriced and certainly not world class by any standard. I've been fortunate to eat quite a bit of higher end sushi in a number of cities. Had the unfortunate incident not happened - this is the kind of place I would not object to if invited but would not go on my own accord. With that glaringly poor customer service/food hygiene I would not venture here again by a long shot. The server was nice and the sushi/sashimi was decent enough. I like traditional sushi joints and barring the hygiene problem this was the attempt here. Wont be back. Ever. read more

This place OMAKASE is not worth it . I went there for the first time for omakase witch is $300-up per person. But they dint have any Corse. nothing from kitchen. Just gave us what ever he has . Normally , omakase restaurant they have corse and ask at the end if we want more . We (2ppl) paid $1100 (+tip) Even we didn't drink any alcohol. Maybe we add expensive ones . But still don't get it how could that happen $500 each !? sushi were not even worth it . These were just ok sushi . Even the place , waiter or serves were not $$$$ restaurant quality. I won't go back . I know way better sushi place and cheaper . read more

Kurumazushi - Uni from California - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Very solid old school sushi (it's been around since 1978) in a quiet space located on the 2nd floor away from the hustle and bustle of E 47th St below. It's a smallish space with a sushi bar and a few tables as well as a few rooms off to the side. Stopped by for a nice lunch recently, and thoroughly enjoyed the sushi plate. At $80, it was the lowest priced plate although there is a cheaper Sushi deluxe option. But the $80 plate does offer some premium seafood like uni and an upgrade on the roll (Hamachi). It is a bit pricey but the quality was excellent, from the rice to the fish. The sake list is limited but also quite good (and pricey). Overall, I would definitely return. It is pricey but very good. read more

This place is the real deal. Fish "flown in from Japan". We had the most AMAZING toro, yellow tail, salmon roe, tomago and miso soup. The ginger and wasabi are totally fresh and light! It would be enough that the food was amazing the staff and chefs are friendly and so polite. Everyone greeted us at one point or another. Don't be deterred by the second floor location. This is one of the best kept secrets in New York. read more

It's very pricey based on the election of fishes. The fish are very fresh and good. But there is no special fishes. Very standard Toro, Tuna, Salon, Yellow tail, etc. Omakase is not recommended if you are seating by table. On the counter is better. If I go again, I will go with Sushi combo plate. read more

I echo with the recent reviewer's low score at this restaurant. Bad experience. I was here for lunch and I understand this is a business lunch place so tends to be rushed but the quality should not be dropped. I had a piece of sushi where a bone was not taken out completely in the fish, I informed the lady whom seem like in charge, just said I am sorry, no make up service offered. Sushi was poorly formed too. I do not understand why there are so many people here, perhaps the location or the price? Will not return. read more

KenScale: 7.5/10 Kuruma Zushi is one of the Midtown sushi restaurants that's been around for a while now. Unlike dinner where omakase menu starts at whopping $300 per person, the lunch options at this place look like a bargain by a mile, with sushi specials starting at $25-30 per person. I've been to this place for a couple of times before for a quick lunch outside of work, and had a chance to revisit recently. I went with the sushi deluxe option that contains multiple nigiris along with maki rolls. While the overall quality of fish wasn't bad, I felt it wasn't as fresh as I had tasted at other top sushi restaurants in the city. Perhaps I've been pampered with all the recent sushi restaurant outings? It certainly is a great value for lunch where you sit at the bar and watch chef Toshihiro Uezo and his couple of lieutenants in action, but on an absolute level in terms of overall quality of sushi, I had to wonder whether the bar was saving the best pieces for dinner. Getting a reservation is not terribly difficult and the turnover at lunch is quick so coming here for quick lunch shouldn't be a problem. The space has that secret aura (you have to go up the second floor of an old building) that is welcoming without being stuffy. For quick sushi lunch, Kuruma Zushi is probably the best bet if you live/work in Midtown Manhattan. I want to, however, reserve my judgment of where this place sits until I have a chance to visit for dinner (not sure when that is going to happen given the hefty price tag). read more

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Was reading through reviews of here and decided to check it out for lunch the next day. It's not tough to get a seat but you'll probably be at the bar. FYI, if you want any of the other specials aside from Sushi and Sushi Deluxe; make a reservation. They don't serve the other specials at the bar. Went with the Sushi Deluxe ($35). Comes with miso soup, nine pieces of nigiri sushi and a roll; that's a steal for this quality of food.The fish here is spectacular, incredibly fresh and just melts in your mouth. While it is steep for lunch, you venture into this hidden gem because you want the good stuff! They change up the assortment daily too. I came back here two times the next week for lunch and brought my godsister. I want to try the Tekka Special but can't seem to get a table. Have not tried the omakase but this is my place for sushi lunch. Love it and Mr. Uezu who is fun to chat with. He does however run his line chefs like quarry workers. read more

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The place is on the second floor, an elevator ride from the street level. The menu is structured in such a way that chef makes pretty much all choices for you. You just pick either $100, $140, or $300 and over option. I picked a $100 option - chef's choice of sushi with one roll of chef's choice. I also wanted one uni sushi so I had to add a $12 order - one uni sushi - to my $100 order of the unknown sushi. The food arrived fairly fast but the quality and taste were underwhelming. Long story short, our bill for three rolls, two appetizers (seaweed salad and fatty tuna), ten pieces of sushi and one small sake was $250 before tax and tip. Very poor value for the money and the experience was borderline frustrating and underwhelming. I don't mind paying fair amount for great food and experiences but this time it was just not worth it. The place is traditional and snobby (traditional Japanese places do not expect to receive tips) but the bill still had a line to add a tip. I was very embarrased in front of my friend for chosing this place and bringing him there. No, I would not return or recommend this restaurant. read more

Kurumazushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Super fresh and delicious sashimi. This was one of the more expensive restaurants I've been to. Everything was very good, but for the price it wasn't very filling. I'm glad we went for the experience, but I don't know that we will be back. read more

Hidden on the second floor, the place is so old school! All waiters and chefs are Japanese. I sat at the bar and it was like live performance of Japanese cooking. The other diners were having an omakase ($300) and it seemed awesome. The chefs were very very friendly (and old) and willing to answer questions (although their English is kinda hard to understand). I had a lunch special sashimi set ($35): Spanish mackerel, tuna, fluke, hamachi. Such a good price! Fish were extremely fresh and tasty. It comes with some rice, fish roe, seaweed, miso soup, tea, and pickled ginger. Can not wait to go back. read more

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We came here for lunch. My friend and i ordered the sushi deluxe. The fish was fresh. The rice was no good though. I wonder if it's because it's Monday. Regardless, the rice should have been better. It was cold and hard. To me, that's not fresh. I peaked at other diners plate and it looked better. I wonder if it's because they are Japanese. Who knows? Maybe the grass just looks better from the other side. I would still come back though for$35 for nine pieces and a roll. I will probably not come back on a Monday. This place is hidden. Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor. read more

Kurumazushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Lunch review only. I read some mixed reviews on the quality of the food and service, and I guess we were lucky that we received impeccable service and food when we visited. We came here in August and ordered lunch deluxe and several daily special pieces. Since we arrived late, the restaurant was empty and there were only a couple other groups sitting at the bar and tables. We had a chance to converse with the chef (with my broken Japanese), and he was extremely kind and welcoming. It was really fun to watch him prepare the meal because you could see that the chef truly enjoyed his job and loved making delicious food, and I appreciated his passion and the delicious food very much. I believe he said the year 2018 was his 45th year anniversary of working as a sushi chef so how wonderful is that! Many have already mentioned the fantastic lunch deluxe deal, and yes it is a great lunch deal to take advantage of if you are in the area. The fish is fresh and high-quality. I thought it was one of the best sushi I had in a while and really enjoyed it. In sum, their lunch deal is one of the best sushi deals that you can find, but I am not sure how I would have felt about paying $300 for slightly better quality sushi than the lunch deluxe. Is the quality going to be a world of difference? Then maybe yes. We did try a $20 per piece sushi, and although it was wonderful, I felt like I was satisfied with a moderately priced lunch deluxe deal. But the final bill was still $150+ after ordering 6 special sushi pieces with 2 deluxe set. read more

Fantastic sushi in an unassuming location. I cannot believe just how low-key the place looks compared with how amazing the food is. Go now. I have been eating sushi for 20 years and have had it all over the US, Asia, and even a bit in Europe. I have had good sushi, bad sushi, and amazing sushi. This place serves amazing sushi. In NYC for a trip with the kids, we stopped at Kuruma after finding it on Yelp because it was halfway between our restaurant and the show we were seeing at 8pm. It was a bit hard to find - construction in the area, a hard-to-find door, a nice, sleeping doorman, and then just an elevator. Take the elevator up one floor, and you open up directly into the restaurant. The place looked authentic, clean, and empty. We were the only customers. Gulp. The host greeted us quickly and sat us at a large round table overlooking the main window, which was covered in construction equipment. Oh well, we were not here for the view. We ordered tamago for our kids as we looked at the rest of the menu. The tamago came, and for the first time ever, it was worth mentioning: rather than a slab of egg on a bed of rice, it came to us as a wedge of egg with a slit cut down the middle that was packed with rice. It was so cool we took a picture (see picture here on yelp). The kids loved it. We ended up order 6 orders over the course of an hour or so. Now, on to the big guns. This is not your neighborhood sushi joint where you may get a tuna roll when you are feeling gutsy. No, this was clearly a place where you had to go a bit deeper. We went all in and took a tour of nearly everything on the menu. Highlights included: Giant Clam Octopus Very Fatty Tuna Abalone Fatty Tuna Squid Kampachi Yellowtail Tuna We loved it all. It was fresh, perfectly cut, and beautifully displayed. In particular, the kampachi really impressed us - it went well beyond the usual, and was like the best hamachi you ever had on some sort of magical bender. Our server was extremely kind, and very attentive. He gave the kids plastic gadgets for the end of their chopsticks to make eating with them easier than usual. He did not mind at all when we ordered food and drinks 7 or 8 times over the hour - hour-and-a-half. We were, after all, the only customers!! How in the world is that possible? In short, this place is a victory for sushi lovers as well as a victory for capitalism. Rarely am I surprised by the bill. Here I was. WOW! It may have been expensive (really expensive), but it was worth every penny. I will go back. And next time, it will be omakase. Bring it. read more

Kurumazushi - check out the unusual tamago presentation and the gadget for the chopsticks. kids loved both. - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This is for their lunch deluxe review - 4 star (maybe a 3.5 if there is one) - Price reasonable for a renowned place - fish very fresh - hot matcha tea/ miso soup/ hot towel live up to its standard - BUT! RICE is very very very stiff, not marinated well enough...big disappointment - owner chef very nice and friendly but not ALL of his apprentice (not to pointing someone particular as it's just my first time) SO if you are serious about sushi, I won't suggest coming here, even if the lunch price is very very reasonable - well, why not save it to a dinner Omakase at Duomoduomo But, if you wanted to try out and still not have a fixed sushi tasting style(perhaps you like stiff rice) OR SASHIMI, this is a good spot :) read more

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OK, I've traveled all over the world and the restaurant was suggested to my client via Four Seasons I'm truly disappointed. All the fish tasted the same and it's wrong to store the same fish in metal containers...it locks in the odor from the other fishes. Was just awful and cannot go into any more detail I'm super disappointed and yes, way over priced. read more

I come here probably every 1-2 months for lunch. The $25 sushi lunch is by far the best deal on the menu. Sushi lunch consists of 9 pieces of nigiri and 1 roll (yellowtail scallion or tuna roll). While that is not cheap by any means, I come back because the consistency of the selection and quality of the fish. When you come here, you know that you will have a good meal. This place serves traditional style sushi and pride themselves for that, so don't expect to get fancy rolls. I don't think I will try the other items on the menu or go there for dinner, as even though I know the quality is there, I feel that there are place elsewhere that offers more dollar for dollar. If coming for lunch, either make a reservation or get here early or you will likely one of the less desirable spots. One time, we were seated in front of the bar, not the sushi bar where the chefs work, but an actual bar that is not serviced during lunch time. read more

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The best sushi in NYC. (To give you an idea, I've been to Gari, Yasuda, Ushiwakamaru, Tanoshi, Seki, Tomoe just to name a few). We were seated at the bar, and after some confusion, were informed that there is no menu at the bar, just omakase or a la carte. The head chef is extremely funny and accomodating and he cares deeply about everyone's experience. Definitely ask him about any specials of the day and get those. He will feed you until you are happy and full haha. Obviously, the price tag is high, but I wouldn't say ridiculously high ($400+ for two) because the fish was that good, and everything was perfect. Treat yourself, you won't be disappointed. read more

Kurumazushi - Wow. Dinner for two. - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Serves us right for ordering like drunken rampaging sailors all the sh*t flown in from Japan, as we got drilled with a $450 bill. FOR LUNCH. Yessir. And for that price I would expect some sort of life altering experience with fish so fresh that it's still twitching on my plate as it's just been slaughtered for my benefit, but honestly of all the stuff I shoveled in my face that day, only the white/baby shrimp, the Japanese Uni, and the otoro really stood out. I have a hard time recommending this place as the prices are just so outrageous. And it's not like Kuruma is materially heads and shoulders above everybody else or that it is uniquely indispensable versus its competitors around the city. And I really do not have a good reason to whine about the prices as it's ultimately not coming out of my pocket, but the prices were just so egregious that I have to call it out. I want to say that this is on par with the highest quality stuff I had in Tokyo but sadly that is not the case, only the prices are on par, if not at a premium. Go only if you have a sugar mommy/daddy to take care of the bill. read more

I must say I truly enjoyed dinner by myself by the bar tonight. Came at 730pm on a Tuesday and other than a few other patrons I was by myself. What made that so enjoyable was that the Chef, who unless I'm horribly mistaken is the owner, gives you super personal attention. It's both that intimate care and the high quality sushi that makes this place the special place that it is. You can joke with the chef, who's very serious about what he does yet has a great sense of humor, yet explain to him what you're looking to eat and he'll hand make you the sushi you're looking for. As far as quality of sushi, it was outstanding. Truly amazingly tasting for each unique sushi fish. They take their time making you piece by piece, so you can appreciate each one they serve. Vs you get a plate with all your sushi at once and you dive in like a dog. There's a strong personal touch to this place. In fact I guarantee if I come back the main chef will recognize me. That's pretty awesome. Another positive is they have some "fatty" options, which of course equate to higher quality and tastier sushi. So you can get tuna, medium fatty, or very fatty, with price going up by fattiness. That's pretty cool. I got the very fatty tuna and oh boy was it delicious. The downside is that the price is high. I spent $180 on a solo dinner with one drink and one desert ($10 for a scoop of ice cream in a bowl), which is actually their only desert besides a fruit dish (my second complaint). Bottom line: come here if you want personal attention, quality fish, and can afford $150 per person per meal. Come here if you want and can appreciate authentic Japanese sushi, not one of those "oh and can I have a spicy mayo on the side to mask all the flavor" type joints. There's many competitors at this price level in Manhattan for high quality authentic sushi. Is this place the best. No. But it's up there in the top league. Give it a try! I went home happy. read more

Kurumazushi - Sushi bar with head chef - funny guy - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Wow, Kuruma Zushi was definitely fabulous. It's kinda the perfect location. My friend got Sea Urchin, which I tried and also loved. It was so delicious. Everyone is so helpful and courteous. Kuruma Zushi - Very cool and different. read more

* Cost of Omakase-Style Dinner for 2 (Sushi Bar): $680 - This also included $40 for sake we ordered. But really, what's $40 to a total of $680?? - This also included us ordering a few extra pieces of things we enjoyed (like uni, tiny white shrimp, toro of 3-4 different weights, kinmedai, kanpachi..) The sushi here is simple, ridiculously fresh, and delicious. There were definitely moments where we would just "OMG" and have mini sushigasms in our mouths, because it was that good. I prefer the knife work at places like Yasuda, because it's just more dainty and "pretty". Some of the pieces we got here were a little large and messy looking, but their freshness, taste, and quality definitely made up for it. This sushi is straight-up GANGSTA. It just tastes so good and everything is laid-back and cool.... until it stabs you in the back with the check on your way out. :) I wouldn't go back, but I definitely don't regret coming here. read more

I dropped by this place before attending a meeting with a friend. I feel like I have been transported to Japan. The ambience is what I truly love and appreciate--quiet, private, totally Japanese style. The chefs speak Japanese to each other and to the waitresses. The decor is simple but the whole place is beautiful. I really want to take my boyfriend here some time, because this would be an amazing place for a date for people who are interested in good sushi and Japanese culture. I ordered the Nama Uni appetizer, which is uni sashimi in a bowl. The uni is sweet, fresh and delicious. I have had great uni in other places like Soto and Brushstroke, but the uni here is quite good too. I also had the Ankimo liver, which I never had before. It tastes soft and unique. I like it a lot. Then I had sushi special. The tuna is what really stands out. I closed my eyes while eating that piece. The chefs are very friendly and keeps asking me how I am doing. I really enjoy dining at this place. Will return with my boyfriend soon! read more

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Sometimes you don't know fresh sushi until you've had fresh sushi. I came to Kuruma for lunch with a coworker one day, they had a really awesome lunch menu. So I ordered the sashimi lunch platter. It came with a good amount of fish. But the best part was that the fish was so fresh. And, it's proper Japanese in here. Very hospitable, quiet, and zen. read more

They have lunch sets. They recommended the normal sushi set $25 or premium sushi set $35. Both comes with 9 piece sushi, 1 roll and 1 miso soup. Got the premium sushi set. Thought the fish was alright, rice was a little hard. Friendly chefs and waiters though. read more

Kurumazushi - $35 lunch sushi set - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This place is just ridiculous!!! I used to live in Tokyo and been to many famous sushi-ya in Ginza, but could not find anything more stupid than this place. If you order sushi course, you just get 15~16 pieces of sushi and one temaki (handroll) and they charge you $310!!!!! Believe me, they charge your ice cream (only vanila flavour) and sushi bar cost separately. Dont try to waste your money at this place. Manhattan has a lot of good places for better sushi at much more reasonable price. Visiting this place is the worst mistake I've ever made. read more

Best sushi in New York. Everything taste the sea and delicately sweet. Fish tastes sweet? Yes, why not! He served us two kinds of Sea Urchin : from Santa Barbara AND from Japan. Tastes sweet and I was melting. But you need to prepare to raise your line of credit. I invited my dear doctor friend who retired this month after 50 years of practice. The bill for two was $572.70 + tip $100= $672.70. It is OK.... instead of giving him a Montblanc pen for the retirement gift-- I think Kuruma dinner is better. read more

Sushi here is legit. First of all, almost impossible to find - kinda like a speakeasy sushi joint in midtown. You take the elevator to the 2nd floor and it's a casual sushi restaurant with Japanese patrons - always a good sign. I ordered the $90 sushi chef platter and it was quite delicious. I left pretty full but thought I would have gotten more expensive pieces for the price. Don't expect much from the decor and service was just okay. Not really a special event or first date kind a place in my opinion. read more

Poor quality. Very expensive. And WAY overpriced. We were shocked when the bill came for a meal that included fatty tuna that felt past its prime, among other questionable, à la carte items. Avoid! read more

Hidden upstairs in midtown. Quiet ambience. Very good Omasake for the price $$$$. Fresh sashimis and the best part was the King Crab at the end. Chef Toshihiro is kind and a legend. read more

NYC's best kept sushi restaurants bottom line. I will put my money on this place over any other sushi restaurant in NYC. Go!! You get what you pay for here! read more

Very good omakase, the ambiance is amazing very much reminiscent of Japan decor and culture. The sushi chef is Japanese and amazing. The omakase was well worth the pricing for what we received, it was super filling even though we opted for the sashimi option. Service was great as well, never short of green tea. Their wasabi is super fresh and you can tell because it doesn't mix that easily with the soy sauce. All the fish is super fresh read more

Be here with my friends. Come at 11:30 a.m. and already has a brunch of people wait outside. Their lunch special is very good, and not very expensive. But my pork dishes is much more smaller than my friends.... read more

Kurumazushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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The Peter Luger of sushi--no pretension, no frills, just the best goddamn sushi you'll ever eat. It's on par with Masa but without the pretension and with much more affordable options. Tips: 1) This place isn't for everyone. This isn't the bunny slopes; it's the double-black diamond of sushi. If you're the kind of person who eats ginger with the fish, or who dips rolls rice-first into soy sauce, or who won't eat sushi without mayonnaise or avocado, or who can't tell the freshness of fish, you're gonna have a bad time here. Not because Uezu's a snob or because people will laugh at you, but because you probably won't feel like you're getting your money's worth. 2) If you want the full experience, order Omakese from the bar, but bring your wallet. **3) If you still want the full Omakese experience but don't want to blow your whole paycheck on the Omakese, just tell Uezu or your waiter what your budget is, and they'll accommodate. 4) The place is hard to find if you haven't been there before. Pros: 1) This is the real deal. It's not Yasuda or Nobu where you have an army of apprentice chefs manhandling the fish; only Uezu prepares your fish. 2) Some of the freshest fish in New York. The chef overnights it daily from the Tokyo fish market 3) For my money, the best cuts of fish in New York. Better than Masa. Cons: 1) While cheaper options are available, you can easily blow over $500 a head here since the Omakese selection is literally the best fish from the Tokyo fish market, and that stuff is so, so expensive. Also, alcohol. 2) No frills. The decor is old christmas lights. Honestly, I think that adds to the authenticity of the place, but when you ride the sketchy industrial elevator up, you might wonder if this place is worth the price. Overall, this is what sushi as a craft/art looks like. This is the place you can bring your Japanese friends and clients to impress them. It's the best sushi you can get until you go to Japan. read more

Toshihiro Uezu has been making sushi for the entirety of his adult life. Though he does not possess the singular, almost oppressively stoic mindset of attending to his craft at the exclusion of his customers, a la Jiro, his advanced age, demanding nature with his staff, and appreciable desire for near perfection begets the comparison. In another point of differentiation, Uezu-san's origins are a bit more conventional. Beginning as an apprentice in Tokyo as a teenager at a restaurant called Kurumazushi, he worked in relative obscurity, though his talent was apparent to a few around him. As the years grew longer, so did the reach of stories of his skill. Despite having only been in the Tokyo sushi circuit for six years, he was offered a job in America. This marked the first link in a chain of events that kept Uezu-san in New York City for the next thirty odd years, each transition marked by greater prominence and fanfare. Kurumazushi, however, does not follow that trend. That is not to say that Uezu-san has fallen out of favor, or that Kurumazushi is not worthy of fanfare. Merely that it is a harkening back to the understated simplicity with which sushi was once treated. It is not a Masa, dripping with a hollow ascetic atmosphere trapped in a gleaming glass and aluminum spire, nor is it a 15 East, with muted grays and clean lines. Instead, there is a simple blonde wood bar, a nihonma tucked behind sliding doors with its requisite tatami flooring and heavily lacquered table, and an abundance of light, both natural and artificial. Hidden in plain view, Kurumazushi is sequestered on the second floor of an office building far from noteworthy. But upon climbing the stairs and stepping through the thick, rough curtains, you are transported somewhere else entirely. There is no booming izakaya-esque "Irasshai!" to mark your entry, merely a solemn nod. During lunch, as Liana and I discovered, there is an equal likelihood of being the only two in the room, watched gaily by the majority of the waitstaff, or being two among a space brimming with people. Yet, if it is crowded, the noise level is still eerily quiet, letting you hear each gruff retort from Uezu-san to his staff, and each metallic clunk of a knife hitting wooden cutting boards. If you are the only pair in the place, there is a good chance that he will talk to you at the conclusion of your meal, which can be both a bit intimidating and unintentionally comedic. When asked if I knew the meaning of the word arigatou, I replied with a slightly rude "ton demo nai" which is more or less the Japanese equivalent of saying 'don't be ridiculous.' With a loud guffaw, he resumed his preparations for dinner service. Though, who would come to dinner in the face of the incredible bargain lunch represents, I do not know. I had heard that frequenting sushi restaurants at lunch was a wise proposition, but I thought that was more from the standpoint of logic. Freshness of fish deteriorates quickly, so it stood to reason in my mind that eating earlier in the day was better. This seemed doubly true for Kurumazushi, seeing as their fish is flown in from Tsukiji. What I was not aware of was the presence of lunch specials on the menu. The notion of receiving stunning sushi such as this for under twenty dollars was and is mind-boggling. And stunning may not even begin to describe it. This is, quite bluntly, some of the best sushi I've ever had. Every aspect was handled with the utmost care, from the technically perfect rice; its subtle hint of vinegar, its moistness, its touch below room temperature heat, to the delicately sliced sections of fish, hiding the smallest smears of wasabi under their lush, mouth-meltingly tender flesh. Each piece defied my expectations. The salmon, a fish I'd long been bored of, tore my foolish and limited conceptions asunder. Tuna, in its multiple forms, reaffirmed its place among my list of foods required in my last meal. Ikura and masago played perfect contrasts to each other, the ikura, a tense uncertainty of guessing at what pressure the soft-skinned saline rounds will burst, while the masago's gentle crunch outdoes the seaweed with which is it wrapped. The two rolls, a toro negi and a tekka, provided at the set's conclusion were nearly as good as the sushi that proceeded them - something I didn't think possible. The tamago, once the piece I dreaded most, became akin to a palate cleanser. Even the pre-meal miso soup and post-meal green tea, considered cursory at many establishments, were surprisingly well-executed. Being able to sit at the bar and watch his movements was both serene, in an almost trance inducing sort of way, and profound in the realization that his deceptively brisk, deliberate pace never seemed to alter, but dictated the tempo of our meal perfectly. While a twenty dollar lunch can feel like a splurge or a guilty indulgence, the only guilt at Kurumazushi will be felt by the diners at not paying what a meal this good merits. read more

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