Sugiyama

I can't believe I went to this restaurant based on the reviews on this site. So disappointed! Went there for a pre-theater meal and was finding it difficult to find somewhere nearby with great reviews. I have lived in Japan so know a little about Japanese food but don't profess to be an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Based on the raving reviews and the price, I expected wonderful things. There was nothing note worthy about this restaurant, not even the grapefruit jelly that everyone seems to think is out of this world. Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't awful....it was edible and I ate most of it but the meal was nothing special and then you factor in the price, it just didn't live up to it at all. Price:Quality ratio just wasn't there. I'm sorry, but anyone that lives in New York City that rates this place is really not making the most of what New York City has to offer. There are plenty of other places to go in New York than to this restaurant.

I've been meaning to go for years. Brought my boyfriend for his birthday. He had the 8 course modern kaiseki with kobe beef, I had the 6 with seafood. The food was excellent and did not disappoint (he's still talking about it), and the service was perfect -- extremely attentive, friendly, perfectly paced (even with the difference in course numbers), all without hovering or being intrusive. Atmosphere is pleasant but basic. Steep price for the omakase but no doubt in my mind it's worth it. Will return to try prix fixe menu.

The food is extaordinary, amazing and delicious. And ontop of that it is a mom and pop shop - The Hostess is wife to Chef Nao! We’ve been going to this very special place for years and enjoy it even more wit each visit.

i sat at the bar and saw the chef make sushi using plastic saran wrap. It was not even a roll. He made one long nigiri and wrapped it in saran wrap and cut individual pieces from it, and then unwapped the plastic. I was horrified. The presentation of each course was thoughtful and pleasing, but I don't know how much thought goes into the course-planning. There were too many fish cake courses and many dishes were steeped in soy sauce. The famous monkfish liver tofu was grainy and the texture was sandpaper-y and not smooth. However, I would go back just to eat the grapefruit wine gelee, which was divine. Overall, I was disappointed.

My boyfriend and I decided to visit Sugiyama on a whim one Friday night. We had no reservations but was greeted with a friendly face and seated at the chef bar (where all the action is!). We ordered the 6 course Kaiseki for under $90/head and was presented with a wonderful array of dishes. The sashimi course was incredibly fresh and just a little different from the usual suspects and it included the creamiest sea urchin. We watched as the chef slaughtered a fresh lobster and guessed amongst ourselves who the lucky patrons were... to our surprise, we were presented with the sweet juicy lobster! Many more courses were had, including a marinated baby eel sashimi which is only available 2 months per year. At the conclusion of our meal, we had a great chat with the chef who informed us that the following week, he would be getting in blowfish which he would only have on the menu for 1 month while it is in season. I was very tempted to make a reservation right there an then for the week after... if only I could afford it! Really a wonderful experience. The service was attentive without being over bearing, the atmosphere is calm and it was such a wonderful show to watch our chef prepare our meal only a few feet away. There aren't enough places like this in New York!

I have been her on 2 occasions upon the recommendation from a friend that lived in Japan for many years and claims there is no other restaurant that can compare. I TOTALLY agree! I have been to most of the nicer Japanese restaurants in town and this is priced much better and the food is better than the competition. I will say it is not a large place, and the interior is nice and simple design, but not going to blow you away. It is a great place for a date, but not so great for a group due to the size of the restaurant. All and all, I 100% recommend this place to everyone!

Truly fine and exquisite japanese food; worth the price, especially if you get the small kaiseki.