Cuisine: 10
Service: 8
Decor: 9
Value: 8
Overall: 9
"It doesn't get much better than this." was a recurring thought as I experienced various dishes throughout one of my most anticipated meals ever. Why you ask? I have been to Japan twice, and called months ahead for a reservation at Michelin three star restaurant Saito, widely considered as the best sushi available in Tokyo, probably the world. Never even sniffing the chance to eat there, Sushi Amane would be the closest thing to actually dining at Saito since the young chef, Shion Uino, is from my #1 bucket list restaurant around the world.
Unlike Daisuke Nakazawa, who is really just a tamago cook in Jiro's restaurant and marketed to super stardom, this was the actual 2nd sushi chef at Saito since the age of 18. He's only 27 years old now. Chef Uino may not have been on a famous Netflix documentary, but trust me, he's head and shoulders above Nakazawa.
I'll start by congratulating the owners for getting the sushi bar nearly perfect. Simple, sleek, beautiful, light colored wooden bar, built with the cutting board slightly below eye level for the artistry that is meant as a feast for your sight as much as it is for the stomach. The fact that Sushi Amane is under ground, away from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle above, you're left focusing on the tremendous experience that is about to commence. I dare say that this feeling almost transported me back to having top notch sushi in Japan. Very few other Japanese restaurants in NYC (shoutouts to Cagen and Azabu) have that effect on me. The only reason why it did not receive a 10 for decor was the eclectic music that switched between Japanese zen-like jazz and at times EDM.
What about the food you ask? I have to be honest, I was hoping for an experience where every bite blew my mind and took me to a new realm of gastronomic ecstasy. However, I have to somewhat hold back some of my expectations knowing that I have dined at some of the best restaurants in the world, most of the major cities in the USA, and certainly all around NYC. With that said, Sushi Amane introduced some familiar ingredients to me in new ways, while elevating some classic dishes to OMG status. Here is the omakase that our party of four enjoyed.
1. Awabi (Abalone) in Salted Ice Water
2. Steamed Abalone & Sweet Soy Braised Octopus
3. Grilled Tairagai (Penshell Clam) in Seaweed
4. Uni (Sea Urchin) Trio - Kyushu, Hokkaido Marusaki (long spikes) & Bafun (short spikes)
5. Fuedai (Pig Face Snapper) Broth
6. Stuffed Squid w/ Sweet Vinegar Sauce
7. Hokkaido Hairy Crab w/ Tamale & Vinegar
8. Grilled Nodoguro (Black Throat Sea Perch)
9. Sushi Selection
Hirame (Flounder)
Tai (Snapper)
Kohada (Gizzard Shad)
Akami Zuke (Marinated Lean Tuna)
Chu-toro (Medium Fatty Tuna)
O-toro (Fatty Tuna)
Shiro Ika (White Squid)
Kisu (Japanese Whiting)
Aji (Horse Mackerel)
Uni (Sea Urchin)
Anago (Conger Eel)
10. Mixed Tuna Hand Roll
11. Clam Miso Soup
12. Tamago (Egg Omelet)
There are too many highlights, starting with chilled Awabi that was crunchy and sweet, leading to the most flavorful Octopus I ever had. Uni Trio allowed us to directly compare the mini sea urchins from Kyushu with the two varieties from Hokkaido. I've tasted Hokkaido Hairy Crab many times, but this was the best, and definitely contended for my favorite dish of the night. Another top competitor for that title was the Nodoguro, which attacked all my senses with reckless abandonment.
Moment of truth, the sushi. It is the driving force behind why I work so damn hard, to pay for my unshakeable lust and obsession. I can't lie, though it easily climbs to the top 5 sushi joints in NYC, it didn't live up to the crazy hype. Maybe my quest is not finished and my destiny is still a date with SAITO. Regardless, it was excellent, with the unique piece being the Kisu. It was served on a plate grilled atop hot rice. Absolutely delicious. Maybe the only letdown of the meal was the Anago. Though beautifully presented, it was nowhere near as tender as the best I had in Japan, or even locally. Surprising.
Here is where my praises continue. For me, no other Japanese restaurant in this city has a better ending to a meal than Sushi Amane. Wow! The only word needed to describe the umami in my mouth after the first sip of the Clam Miso Soup. Double wow! Reserved for the best Tamago ever. Bar none. Not even close. Forget Jiro's version. Forget all versions. This is my favorite. It changes everything I know about Tamago, and I love it. Closer to dessert than what I'm accustomed to, but I don't care and truly appreciate the creativity. It's simply amazing! These final two items shows the credentials of a world class chef that's been tirelessly perfecting his craft all his life. Folks, Sushi Amane just raised the bar for the rest of the Japanese restaurants in NYC. Thank you! read more