Sushi YOLO Introduce
In the bustling metropolis of New York, a truly exceptional dining experience can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But for those in the know, a quiet, unassuming door on West 57th Street leads to a world of culinary artistry and warm hospitality. Sushi YOLO is not just a Japanese restaurant; it's a destination for a thoughtful, personalized, and truly memorable omakase journey. While it may not have a flashy sign, as one customer noted, it is a "hidden gem" that has won over New Yorkers with its dedication to quality and service. It's the kind of place where every dish is a work of art and every moment is designed to make you feel at home.
What sets Sushi YOLO apart is its singular focus on the omakase experience, which means "I'll leave it up to you." This allows the talented chefs to showcase their creativity and serve the freshest, most seasonal ingredients available. The menu is a carefully curated progression of flavors and textures, ensuring a cohesive and delightful culinary narrative. As one glowing review attests, the food is "incredible and some dishes very unique when compared to other omakase spots." This is a place where you can trust the chef completely, allowing for a dining adventure that is both exciting and deeply satisfying. The focus on high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation is evident in every piece, from the pristine nigiri to the delicate hand rolls.
Beyond the food, the service at Sushi YOLO is a key component of its charm. Customers consistently rave about the friendly and welcoming staff. One review praised the owner, Alex, for being "extremely kind and personable," making sure the guests were "well taken care of all night." Another customer highlighted Chef Peter for explaining each piece of sushi with care, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. This level of personalized attention transforms a simple meal into a special occasion. The atmosphere is described as "cozy" and "intimate," which is a rare find in the city, creating a relaxed setting where you can truly savor each bite without feeling rushed. It's a fantastic spot for a solo dining experience or an intimate dinner with a small group.
Sushi YOLO is conveniently located at 348 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019. Its location near Columbus Circle makes it easily accessible for a wide range of people, from theater-goers and tourists to professionals and local residents. Being on West 57th Street, it's just a short walk from major subway lines and bus stops, making it simple to get to from anywhere in Manhattan. This accessibility is a major plus, as it means you can enjoy a fantastic dinner without the hassle of a complicated commute. For those who choose to drive, the area offers options for **paid street parking** and **paid parking garages**, so while it requires some planning, it is a possibility.
The intimate nature of the restaurant is one of its biggest draws, but it also means that space is limited. This is why the restaurant has a firm policy: **reservations are required**. This helps maintain the cozy, unhurried atmosphere and ensures that every guest receives the high-level of service they deserve. The restaurant provides a **restroom** for convenience and offers counter seating, which is a great way to watch the chefs at work. The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed dinner, and the high-quality experience is what brings people back again and again.
Dine-in: The primary service option, offering a full, seated omakase experience.
Reservations required: Due to the intimate size of the restaurant and the personalized experience, booking ahead is a must.
Counter service: Allows diners to sit directly in front of the chefs, providing an up-close and personal view of the sushi-making process.
Dessert: Offers a selection of desserts to complete your meal.
Alcoholic Beverages: A selection of **beer, wine, and sake** is available to pair with your dinner.
Incredible Omakase Experience: The restaurant's focus on omakase ensures a unique and high-quality meal with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Exceptional Staff and Service: Customers rave about the friendly, personable, and attentive staff, who make the experience truly special.
Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: The small, relaxed setting is perfect for a special date or a quiet solo dinner.
Unique and High-Quality Dishes: The chefs prepare dishes that are both classic and creative, standing out from other restaurants.
Fast Service: Despite being a fine dining experience, the service is known to be efficient.
Comfort Food and Small Plates: The menu includes dishes that are both comforting and ideal for a small, quick bite.
Address: 348 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (646) 678-3666
In a city saturated with sushi restaurants, what makes Sushi YOLO worth choosing? The answer is simple: it offers an extraordinary experience that goes beyond the food itself. While the quality of the sushi and the freshness of the ingredients are top-notch, it's the personal connection with the staff and the intimate atmosphere that truly sets it apart. The high praise from a customer who said they would "certainly be a regular here and tell everyone I know to come!" speaks volumes about the lasting impression the restaurant leaves. This is not a grab-and-go sushi spot; it's a place where you can sit back, relax, and let a master chef guide you through a meal you won't soon forget.
The focus on a required reservation system ensures that the dining experience remains exclusive and unhurried. This is a significant advantage, as it guarantees that the staff can give each guest their full attention, something that is often lost in larger, busier restaurants. For a solo diner, this means a chance to engage with the chef and learn more about the cuisine. For a couple, it means a private, romantic evening. Sushi YOLO is a testament to the idea that great food is even better when served with genuine hospitality and care. It is a must-visit for anyone in New York seeking a top-tier Japanese dining experience in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Sushi YOLO Menu
Specialties
- Dewazakura "Tobiroku" Festival Of Stars $33.00
- Sakari "Yuzu" Japanese Citrus Liqueur $57.00
White
- Chablis $17.00
Soft Drink
- Coke $3.00
- Sparking Water $8.00
- Still Water $8.00
Others
- Sohomare "Tokubetsu Kimoto" Heart & Soul $75.00
- Kubota $60.00
- Masumi Hiyaoroshi "Sleeping Beauty $79.00
- Ryujin $76.00
- Echigo $10.00
- Familiale
Sushi YOLO Details
Service options
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Sushi YOLO Photos










Sushi YOLO Location
Sushi YOLO Reviews
omakasefishatmospherecourseingredientsdinnersakegempresentationsmoked
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1If I could give Sushi YOLO a higher rating, I would. Such an incredible omakase experience. The food in itself is incredible and some dishes very unique when compared to other omakase spots. But where YOLO shines is with its staff and service. Alex, one of the owners, made sure we had one of best nights ever. Extremely kind and personable, he made sure we were well taken care of all night.I will certainly be a regular here and tell everyone I know to come!
September 15 · Brett BroussardA hidden gem on the Upper West Side. I had walked past a few times without noticing it since they don’t have a big sign outside yet, but I finally gave it a try. So glad I did.The omakase was fantastic. Every piece was fresh and thoughtfully prepared, and Chef Peter explained each one with care. Didn’t feel rushed at all. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.It’s a cozy, intimate spot, so definitely make a reservation. Highly recommend if you’re looking for high-quality sushi in a relaxed setting.
July 06 · Yuri ChoiTucked discreetly on 57th Street with no signage to mark its presence, Sushi YOLO feels like a true neighborhood secret—almost speakeasy in its exclusivity. With only 12 seats per 90-minute seating, the experience is intimate, focused, and built around connection between chef and guest.The omakase, a generous 16-course progression, highlights the kind of quality and attention to detail you’d expect from far pricier Manhattan sushi counters. Each piece is served with thoughtful explanation and often a story from the owner-chefs, whose warmth and pride in their craft elevate the experience. The service, too, strikes the perfect balance of professional and personal—attentive without being intrusive.Sake lovers will especially appreciate the excellent cold sake selection, curated to complement the progression of courses. The staff is happy to recommend pairings, making the journey through the menu feel both guided and exploratory.Despite its high level of craftsmanship, Sushi YOLO remains reasonably priced by Manhattan omakase standards, making it a rare find: world-class sushi in a setting that feels both approachable and special. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve discovered one of New York’s best-kept secrets.
August 28 · Rob MacKayOne of the best hidden gems in Hells Kitchen. Sushi Yolo is an omakase experience like no other — an intimate venue, top of the line creative dishes that rotate seasonally, and most importantly the most welcoming team. It’s become the go-to spot for my family and friends to celebrate milestones in our lives, and it’s always so lovely to have everyone in the venue just as excited to share in our joys. Will definitely be going back!
June 27 · Aïssa GuindoIf you are looking for a well curated omakase course with sashimi, great cuts of fish and some kitchen items AND a host that makes it an unforgettable experience sushi YOLO delivers ! The ambience is cozy, unpretentious and the chef makes changes for preferences - the focus is completely on making it a great dining experience. Our favorite pieces were sea perch, smoked king salmon, the chutoro/otoro combo and the clam but all 14 pieces in all were great. We will surely come back for more 👍
April 08 · Shreesh Dubey
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