Gajyumaru

I have been going to Gajyumaru for years now and can say it is some of the best sushi in the city. I often try other places but they rarely stand up against the freshness of Gajyumaru's sushi. Their special appetizers are also wonderful and not likely to be found on other menus. I recommend the homemade, chilled tofu which is divine.

I absolutely love this place. My husband and I go at least once a week if not more. The sushi is so FRESH and my new favorite entree is the broiled yellow tail .....FABULOUS!!

This is one of the best Japanese restuarants in NY for 'traditional' Japanese cuisine, my home (well... kitchen) away from home. The food here is definitely authentic Japanese and the chef is a traditionalist. He is a master with his knife --- the sushi and sashimi are excellent. I've had the best fatty toro and king salmon sashimi here -- both which just melt in your mouth. His cooked dishes are great too --- his 'dashi' (broth) used is one of the best in NY, so you can tell that the chef does not take any shortcuts. The service is not obtrusive but you will notice that your sake cup is magically kept full at all times. And as the end to a perfect meal, don't miss the pumkin pudding.

Great assortment of raw fish (which was excellent quality and well prepared) and other dishes. The service was great, as was my "glass of sake," served in a bamboo server and pured into a bamboo glass, which was refilled, without disturbing me, by my server whenever it was "low." I will return soon.

I accidently wrote this review first under sushi of gari. I love that place. This place on the other hand was one of the worst experiences I've had at a restaurant. My husband and I went for a nice Friday night out. They seated us at a nice table and then after we ordered, they came over and said we "had to move", because they just made a reservation for that table. WHAT?? Why would you seat us there if you had a reservation? Why would you make a new reservation when we're already sitting there? It's obvious that someone called that they wanted to impress and we were insignificant enough to get booted. AND, to make matters worse, the food was totally forgetable. There was not one thing special about the omakase. I could get better sushi on almost any corner on the upper east side. Don't bother!

How this place is still kept under the radar, I have no idea. Its sushi is so fresh, and the appertizers are very authentic. I wouldn't call its style creative / fusion. It's just honest, good fresh Japanese food. And the service is top notch. Given the long wait, high price and slow service at other places, this place wins hands down.

...this one would be The One. I was hesitant to give a review, because I want Gajyumaru to stay the best kept secret in NYC. It is a small, cozy restaurant, very unassuming and simple. But the food - especially the sushi - spectacular. And it gets better each time I go there. It's the kind of sushi that makes you want to stand up on your chair, make an announcement to everyone present that they HAVE TO try a certain roll you just savored. But then it all becomes a blur, because one piece is better than the next. I am salivating as I type this. And no, I am not related to the people that own this restaurant. And the service - spectacular. You will not get razzle-dazzled. But you will get kind, courteous, efficient, wonderful service from the staff. And if you go more than once, chances are your order will be remembered by the staff. Amazing, I cannot say enough good things about Gajyumaru!