Sushi Inoue Shinichi Inoue Sushi Inoue

Sushi Inoue

381 Lenox Ave. (W. 129th St.)
New York, NY 10027
646-766-0555
Map
Cuisine: Sushi / Japanese
High-level sushi restaurant with a noted Japanese chef in Harlem.
Openings: Dinner Tues.-Sun.

Features

Sushi Inoue, New York, NY


Sushi Inoue Restaurant Review:



About the restaurant & décor: Sushi chef Shinichi Inoue made his name in Japan, training in Nagasaki and then moving to NYC where he worked at the noted Sushi Azabu in TriBeCa. Sushi Inoue marks his first solo endeavor. It is also Harlem’s first high-level sushi restaurant. Minimalist décor and bamboo curtains welcome you into a world of Japanese serenity. Scattered tables surround the coveted 10 seats at the sushi bar, where diners attentively watch the graceful knife skills of the chef and chat with him. He is the sole sushi master here so patience is important for the reward of top-grade sushi by this dedicated chef who blesses each fish shipment, grates his own wasabi and then confers his total attention to the preparation of sushi.

Likes: Sitting at the sushi bar is like being invited to a private Japanese dinner.
Dislikes: The small bar and dedicated food preparation make for a long evening.

Food & Drinks: The restaurant offers various levels of omakase. The lower-priced meal is sufficient, in our opinion, with three appetizers, 10 pieces of sushi, a special interim dish and various other courses including dessert. Of these, the sushi is the standout with most fish coming from Japan or Spain, flown in five days a week. Other non-sushi courses, prepared in the kitchen, are less satisfying and can diminish the overall takeaway of the meal. If you focus on the sushi, you won’t be disappointed. Sushi options change daily and may include sumiika from Nagasaki and kinmedai from Chiba. When blowfish is available, it is offered as an add-on. Guests may choose from a small assortment of sakés, including a sweet unfiltered version. If you opt to sit at one of the few tables away from the sushi bar, you can peruse an à la carte sushi and roll menu. Service is friendly.