Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar

- 1372 York Ave, New York, NY 10021

In a city filled with endless dining options, a true New York secret is a place that delivers an exceptional and unforgettable experience. Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar, located at **1372 York Ave** on the Upper East Side, is one such place. This small, unassuming restaurant has built a legendary reputation among sushi connoisseurs for its authentic, high-quality, and deeply personal omakase dining experience. It's a destination that draws in dedicated food lovers from all over the city and beyond, all for a taste of its meticulously crafted sushi.

Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar operates on a strict omakase-only model, which means "I leave it up to you," trusting the expert chefs to select and prepare the day’s best fish. This approach ensures that every piece of sushi is a surprise and a delight, prepared with a level of skill and care that is truly a form of art. The restaurant focuses on traditional Edomae-style sushi, emphasizing the natural flavors of the fish over elaborate sauces. This commitment to simplicity and quality is what sets it apart and has earned it a devoted following.

One of the most unique and beloved aspects of Tanoshi is its strict **BYOB policy**. Despite the "Sake Bar" in its name, customers are encouraged to bring their own bottle of sake or wine, which not only enhances the dining experience but also makes the high-end meal more accessible. This policy, combined with the reasonable price for the quality of fish, is a major reason why the restaurant is so highly regarded.

While the main restaurant focuses on omakase, it's worth noting that the location next door, **Tanoshi Tei**, offers a more casual, a la carte menu with bento boxes, donburi, and rolls for a quicker, more traditional Japanese meal. This adds to the overall value of the location, as it caters to different needs and budgets while maintaining a commitment to quality. However, the true "Tanoshi" experience that draws a crowd is the one at the small, counter-only sushi bar.

### Location and Accessibility

Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar is located at **1372 York Ave, New York, NY 10021**, nestled in a cozy spot on the Upper East Side. While it may not be directly on a main subway line, its proximity to the new Q train station at 72nd Street has made it much more accessible. This has made the once-isolated location a convenient destination for those willing to make the trip for a truly special meal.

The restaurant itself is a small and intimate space, seating only about 10 people at a time at a sushi counter. This intentional design fosters a close relationship between the chefs and the diners, creating a highly personal and engaging experience. The **wheelchair accessible entrance** and **wheelchair accessible seating** ensure that the space is welcoming to all guests.

Due to its small size and immense popularity, a visit to Tanoshi is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. The restaurant operates on a **reservations required** basis, with multiple seatings available for both lunch and dinner. Securing a spot can be challenging, a testament to its status as a "best-kept secret," but the effort is well worth it for the incredible meal that awaits. For those driving to the area, there is **paid street parking** available, though public transportation is often recommended.

The atmosphere is casual yet focused, with a trendy and cozy feel that allows the food to be the star of the show. The minimalist decor and tight space are part of the charm, as they encourage a singular focus on the exceptional quality of the sushi being prepared right in front of you.

### Services Offered

Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar provides a highly specialized and focused dining experience.

• Dine-in: The primary service is the in-person dining experience, which revolves around the omakase menu at the sushi counter. This is the only way to fully appreciate the artistry of the chefs.

• Takeout & Delivery: While the core omakase experience is not available for takeout, the sister restaurant, Tanoshi Tei next door, offers a wide range of a la carte items, bento boxes, and sushi rolls for both takeout and delivery, providing a more casual option for those who want to enjoy the flavor at home.

• Reservations: As an exclusive omakase spot, reservations are required. It's recommended to book well in advance to secure a spot for lunch or dinner.

### Features / Highlights

Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar is celebrated for several key features that make it a standout in the NYC sushi scene.

• Exceptional Omakase: The focus on a traditional omakase format ensures an experience of the highest quality. The chefs use fresh, high-quality fish and prepare each piece with expert precision. The reviewer who "didn't want the meal to end" perfectly captures the essence of this experience.

• BYOB Policy: The "Bring Your Own Bottle" policy is a major highlight. It allows guests to pair their meal with their favorite wine or sake without a hefty restaurant markup, which adds significant value to the dining experience. Guests are even provided with glassware.

• Traditional and Fresh: The sushi is praised for its freshness and authentic preparation. As a reviewer noted, the fish is "always extremely fresh," and the rice is "a perfect temperature," a key indicator of true sushi expertise.

• Reasonable Pricing: For the quality of the food and the exclusive nature of the omakase experience, the pricing is considered "extremely reasonable" and a "bang-for-the-buck" for serious sushi lovers. This makes high-end sushi more accessible.

• Cozy and Intimate: The small, minimalist space fosters a close, personal connection with the chefs. This intimate atmosphere is part of the charm, allowing diners to focus on the food and the craftsmanship.

### Contact Information

For reservations and inquiries, you can contact Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar at the following numbers. Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended and can be difficult to secure.

Address: 1372 York Ave, New York, NY 10021

Phone: (917) 265-8254

Mobile Phone: +1 917-265-8254

### What is worth choosing

What is most worth choosing at Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar is, without a doubt, the **Omakase**. This is the core of the restaurant’s identity and the reason for its celebrated reputation. The experience is about trusting the chef to provide you with the best of what's available, and the results are consistently described as phenomenal. The menu items like **Lunch Omakase** and **Dinner Omakase** are not just meals; they are a culinary journey.

For those who are not looking for the full omakase experience, the adjacent **Tanoshi Tei** offers a fantastic alternative. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of a la carte items like **Bento Boxes**, **Donburi**, and a variety of **Sushi Rolls**. The **Chicken Karaage Bento** and the **Salmon Teriyaki Donburi** are excellent choices for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

When you do go for the omakase, remember to take advantage of the **BYOB policy**. Bringing a bottle of your favorite sake or a crisp white wine will perfectly complement the delicate flavors of the fresh fish. This is a crucial part of the Tanoshi experience and a key reason for its popularity.

Ultimately, Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar is a place for the serious sushi enthusiast, someone who values authenticity, quality, and a unique dining experience. It's a journey from "deep Brooklyn to the far Upper East Side," as one reviewer noted, and it's a journey that is entirely worth the effort.

Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar

1372 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA