YŪGIN — Restaurant in New York

Yugin is one of those rare New York dining experiences that feels effortless but stays with you long after you leave.

From the moment you step in, the room is quiet, but the light pulls your eye straight to the window. If you happen to catch the sun setting over Manhattan, the whole space softens. It's almost cinematic. Breathtaking.

The counter has few seats. Makes it feel more like being invited into someone's studio than a restaurant. Chef Yugin and his team move in a kind of unspoken rhythm. Impressive to see them in action. No wasted motion, no raised voices, just calm precision. You can see the years of discipline behind every movement, but there's a warmth in how they hand you each dish, like they're sharing something personal.

No two plates are the same. Literally. Some are Japanese antiques, others are more recent -- but handmade.

The food is excellent. Fish is fresh and top notch quality, with excellent ingredients (rice, fresh wasabi etc). Yet nothing is overdone. You taste the restraint.

It is quite possibly the best dinner we had, and we are foodies.

What sets it apart isn't just the food. It's how the team seems to notice what you need before you do. A napkin is replaced without a word. Your drink refilled just before you realize it's empty. It's that kind of awareness that separates good service from rare hospitality.

Yugin doesn't try to impress you. It doesn't have to. It's quiet, exacting, and completely focused on what matters. You leave with the feeling that every detail was deliberate, and that maybe, for a few hours, the city outside slowed down just a little so that you can enjoy an memorable evening with friends.

We are definitely coming back as our go to place for a...

Honestly one of the most disappointing omakase experiences I’ve ever had. The head chef had his back to me the entire night, focused on another group with no greeting or introduction — not exactly the warm, personal touch you’d expect. The middle section where the chefs cook was chaotic and noisy, with too many people behind the counter and music far too loud to enjoy the experience.

I was even told by a waiter that I couldn’t take a quick photo of the skyline and was asked to return to my seat — which felt unnecessary and unwelcoming. For $475+, the atmosphere, hospitality, and details should feel elevated. Instead, the chopsticks felt like takeout quality, the food was hit or miss, and the progression lacked thoughtfulness. I couldn’t wait to leave. Not worth it.

Funny enough, I noticed the restaurant suddenly got 30+ glowing 5-star reviews right after I posted mine… must’ve been quite the...

An Outstanding Dining Experience at Yūgin Amacasi I had an exceptional experience at Yūgin Amacasi. From the moment I arrived, the hospitality was warm, attentive, and professional — every detail was thoughtfully taken care of. The atmosphere perfectly complemented the authentic Japanese dining experience. The food was truly outstanding — each dish was beautifully presented and showcased the highest quality fish, with flavors that were fresh, delicate, and perfectly balanced. The chef’s craftsmanship and attention to detail made every bite memorable. Overall, Yūgin Amacasi offers a unique and refined Japanese culinary experience that stands out for its excellence in both food and service. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates world-class sushi and impeccable...