Soto

Don't believe what others are saying. Soto is one of the best, most sublime sushi spots in NYC. Period. The ambiance is subdued, and not exciting. If you are looking for a festive spot, this is not the place. But if you are seeking sublime sushi. Go. The best sea urchin dishes in NYC, too. For a sublime, and quiet sushi meal. Soto is the spot! Bon Appetit! The Foodie Magician

After I have read so many reviews about unhurried service and New York's top Japanese Restaurant. I am truly embarrassed for Soto on a Friday night. I encourage you not to make you reservation based upon when you want to arrive, but based on when you want to leave. The food is spectacular, however the service is poor. Rudeness prevails and there is no Japanese hospitality on our side of the counter. If you are looking for a real Japanese experience in Manhattan which is sure to thrill; I would suggest going somewhere else.

Wow: so not worth what I spent and absolutely not worth the hype. You get in and first thing you are told is to order at least 3 things per page (we were 2 people). Dinner started great with tofu; went down from there. Uni overpowers every other flavor - and they use it in 30% of dishes; the carpachio style dishes are flavorless. The sushi is good, the rice is from mediocre quality (broken rice kernels; not high quality, sushi rice). Not sure how this place deserves the rating it had or the Michelin stars. Lastly, we were the only NYers in the main dining room. We were joined by an incredibly loud European crowd: 4 really noisy French next to us, Italians and Russians at the bar. Atmosphere was soccer crowd and noise level. Very disappointed ...

We went there as it has 2 Michelin stars. I found the food rather bland or overpowered by sea urchin. My favorite was the sesame tofu, I had high expectations for the eel with uni, but the uni over flavored the eel. All other dishes where rather bland and without much taste. It was so noisy that I felt like I had to shout to be understood by my dining companion. Overall: good quality food, little flavor and definitely not worth the $235 (pre tip) it cost us (2 people, $35 sake included). Would recommend to try some of the other places instead.

If you want sushi, go elsewhere. Although the quality of the sushi is excellent, the portion size and variety is lacking. Go to Soto when you want innovative Japanese food that is expertly prepared.

basically disappointed. No o-toro, no 5 different kinds of hamachi, etc. Dont get me wrong, its a very good sushi restaurant, and I have eaten sushi all over the world including many places in Japan. I dont think the creativity and quality is as good as other Japanese restaurants for that matter. I would definitely eat here again, but not if I had a choice..

I am a foody in NYC and love various Japanese creations Soto has an interesting store front with no signage. Atmosphere inside is nice & service is pleasant but we were there for the food! We ordered 4 items and the 8piece sushi omakase. Dishes were really small and had about 4 - 5 bites per dish. Very good quality food and good balance in taste in every dish! Overall food was excellent but not sure if I would return as I can get a lot more for the money and at the same quality. Would not recommend it based on this.