TLDR
Cozy Upper West Side neighborhood staple known for high-quality, approachable sushi and arguably some of the best-valued lunch specials in the city.
Details
A neighborhood mainstay on the Upper West Side, this spot is widely celebrated for its approachable, high-quality sushi and exceptional value [14], [15]. While some diners suggest it functions best as a convenient delivery option [7], [23], others consider it a standout for its consistent menu and welcoming atmosphere for sushi newcomers [13], [14]. Despite occasional debates regarding the aging aesthetic of the interior, it remains a frequent recommendation for those seeking reliable Japanese fare in the area [10], [20].
Food Overview
The menu features fresh sushi, with particular praise for the chopped toro and oshinko roll, the blue crab California roll, and the flavorful akadashi soup [13]. Diners consistently highlight the lunch specials as an unbeatable value [28], [29], though some critical feedback points to it being an average neighborhood experience rather than a destination-worthy high-end establishment [10], [24].
Highlights / Recommended
"Patrons frequently recommend the chopped toro and oshinko roll, the blue crab California roll, and the highly-regarded akadashi soup [13]."
Caveats
Some visitors have noted that the dining space feels outdated or lacks comfort [10], [18], and there are conflicting reports regarding cleanliness standards [16].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SUSHI YASAKA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Solo Dining Recommendations In Upper West Side
"Not the best sushi in town, but offers unbeatable lunch deals."
PositiveFrom post: Delish Lunch Upper West Side Dining Solo
"The lunch special at Sushi Yasaka is unmatched in value."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurants That Serve Plum Wine
"Yasaka was identified as a restaurant serving plum wine through a Google search."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc
"Seconded the crab curry at Fish Cheeks and also recommended blue crab California rolls from Sushi Yasaka."
PositiveFrom post: Need Help With Good Dinner Places
"This user suggested Sushi Yasaka is only worth going out of the way for if you are on the Upper West Side or visiting the Natural History Museum, as NYC has many other sushi places."
NeutralFrom post: Japanese Restaurant For Picky Eater
"Sushi Yasaka is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant For Picky Eater
"Sushi Yasaka on the UWS is recommended for its lunch specials, which offer many options and take reservations."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants That Do Their Own Delivery
"The commenter recommended Sushi Yasaka as their favorite place to order delivery from."
PositiveFrom post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre
"This user agreed with the recommendation of Sushi Yasaka."
PositiveFrom post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre
"Sushi Yasaka is listed as a recommendation for a restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Whats After Sugarfish
"Expresses extreme fondness for Sushi Yasaka, stating they would be devastated if it closed."
PositiveFrom post: Whats After Sugarfish
"Expresses dissatisfaction with Sushi Yasaka after a recent visit, finding it unimpressive and agreeing with the sentiment that NYC sushi has a poor quality-to-price ratio."
NegativeFrom post: Whats After Sugarfish
"Acknowledges Sushi Yasaka's long-standing reputation but notes a lack of updates since the 90s, particularly concerning the cleanliness of walls and the bus station."
NegativeFrom post: Whats After Sugarfish
"Confirms Sushi Yasaka maintains an 'A' rating from the health department despite the previous comment about hygiene."
NeutralFrom post: Whats After Sugarfish
"Sushi Yasaka on the UWS is praised as a favorite affordable sushi spot with very fresh sushi, particularly mentioning their chopped toro and oshinko roll, blue crab California roll, and amazing akadashi soup."
PositiveFrom post: Whats After Sugarfish
"Expresses disappointment with Sushi Yasaka's current state, citing hygiene concerns ('FILTHY') and the condition of their serving boards, despite previously loving the place."
NegativeFrom post: Whats After Sugarfish
"The commenter defends Sushi Yasaka as great for newbies, even after experiencing other omakases and sushi in Japan and SF, acknowledging the perceived frustration with NYC sushi prices."
PositiveFrom post: Whats After Sugarfish
"Sushi Yasaka on the UWS is recommended for sushi newbies due to its delicious offerings."
PositiveFrom post: Recommend Me A Restaurant
"Yasaka on the Upper West Side is recommended for its lunch specials."
PositiveFrom post: Best Sushi On The Uws
"Describes Sushi Yasaka as average, fair-priced neighborhood sushi suitable for delivery, and notes the dining space is not attractive or comfortable."
Neutral