Sushi Yasaka

- 251 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023

For residents and visitors of the Upper West Side, Sushi Yasaka stands out as a true gem in the city’s dense and competitive sushi scene. Located on West 72nd Street, this casual, cozy, and trendy spot has earned a reputation for serving exceptional sushi and Japanese cuisine that defies its moderate price point. While New York is home to many high-end sushi establishments, Sushi Yasaka has carved a niche for itself by offering an experience that is both high-quality and accessible. It’s a place where you can enjoy fresh, buttery yellowtail and perfectly prepared omakase without feeling like you have to break the bank.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is a key part of its appeal. It strikes a balance between being intimate and lively, with a design that is unpretentious and focused on the food. The dining room can get quite busy, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, which contributes to a vibrant and energetic ambiance. The space is often described as cozy, making it suitable for a date night or a casual dinner with friends. Despite its popularity and the occasional wait, the service is generally fast and attentive, with a staff that is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations.

What truly sets Sushi Yasaka apart is its commitment to quality. The fish is carefully chosen from local fish markets each morning, and every piece of sushi is crafted to preserve its original flavor and texture. This dedication is evident in every dish, from the delicate and delicious tuna avocado appetizer to the perfectly balanced Lotus Root. Beyond sushi, the menu is extensive, featuring a variety of hot appetizers, salads, soups, tempura, and even teriyaki and steak options. This wide range ensures that there is something for every palate, whether you're a sushi aficionado or looking for a comforting, cooked Japanese meal.

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## Location and Accessibility

Sushi Yasaka is conveniently situated at 251 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA. This places it in the heart of the Upper West Side, a neighborhood known for its residential charm, cultural institutions, and vibrant street life. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, located just a short walk from the 1, 2, and 3 subway lines at the 72nd Street station. This makes it a great dining destination for anyone living or staying in the area.

The restaurant’s location is also a draw for tourists, as it is close to popular attractions such as Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. For those driving, paid street parking is available, although finding a spot can be challenging in this busy part of the city. The central location contributes significantly to its popularity, making it a busy spot with a lively crowd. Reservations are highly recommended for both lunch and dinner, as the restaurant often has a wait, especially on weekends.

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## Services Offered

• Dine-in: The primary service at Sushi Yasaka is its dine-in experience. The restaurant offers comfortable seating and table service in a casual and cozy setting. Reservations are accepted and highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity, ensuring you have a spot for your meal.

• Takeout: For customers who prefer to enjoy their sushi at home, takeout is a convenient option. The menu is well-suited for a takeout order, allowing you to enjoy the fresh flavors of Sushi Yasaka in the comfort of your own space.

• Delivery: The restaurant provides delivery, including a no-contact option, making it an excellent choice for a night in. This service brings high-quality sushi directly to your home or office, ensuring a seamless and effortless dining experience.

• Table Service: Sushi Yasaka provides traditional table service, with attentive and professional staff. While the service is fast, it is also attentive, with waiters ready to answer questions and provide recommendations. This contributes to a positive and relaxed dining experience.

• Lunch, Dinner & Dessert: Sushi Yasaka serves both lunch and dinner, with a full menu available for both. The lunch specials, in particular, are noted for being very reasonably priced and a great value. A selection of desserts is also available, providing a sweet finish to your meal.

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## Features and Highlights

• Affordable Quality: Sushi Yasaka's most significant highlight is its ability to offer high-quality, fresh sushi at a remarkably affordable price. This is a rare find in New York City, and it is a key reason for the restaurant’s popularity. It is often cited as a place to get "high quality sushi without breaking the bank."

• Extensive Menu: The menu at Sushi Yasaka is incredibly comprehensive, offering a wide array of choices for all tastes. From classic and signature maki rolls to a la carte sushi and sashimi, as well as a variety of hot appetizers, salads, and entrees like Teriyaki and Tempura, there is an option for everyone. The “Yasaka Chef Recommend” and “Sushi Deluxe” platters are particularly popular.

• Great Tea Selection: The restaurant is known for its great tea selection, which enhances the authentic Japanese dining experience. This is a simple but important detail that contributes to the overall ambiance and quality of the meal.

• Healthy and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a variety of healthy and vegetarian options. From the Seaweed Salad and various vegetable tempura a la carte items to the Tofu Steak and a range of vegetarian maki rolls, non-meat eaters have plenty of delicious choices. The healthy options are a great feature for health-conscious diners.

• Beverage Program: Sushi Yasaka offers a full beverage program, including alcohol, beer, cocktails, and a selection of wine and hard liquor. This allows for perfect drink pairings with your meal, from a classic Sapporo beer to a nice glass of sake or wine.

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## Contact Information

Address: 251 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (212) 496-8460

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## What is Worth Choosing

If you're in New York and looking for a top-tier sushi experience that won’t deplete your wallet, Sushi Yasaka is absolutely worth choosing. The main reason to dine here is the remarkable balance of quality and value. As one reviewer put it, it is "one of the best sushi places in upper west side, and with reasonable prices." The freshness of the fish, which is sourced daily from the fish market, is consistently praised by customers. Standout dishes, like the buttery yellowtail, are highly recommended and often don't even need soy sauce to be enjoyed, which speaks to their superior quality.

The variety on the menu is another strong reason to choose Sushi Yasaka. Whether you're in the mood for a classic roll, a full sashimi platter, or a non-sushi dish like tempura or teriyaki, the restaurant has a delicious option for you. The lunch specials, in particular, are an incredible value, providing a high-quality meal at a price that is hard to beat in Manhattan.

While the restaurant can get crowded and sometimes a wait is involved, this is often seen as a testament to its popularity and quality. The casual and cozy atmosphere, combined with the fast and attentive service, makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, including solo dining, a casual get-together with friends, or a memorable date night. For those who prioritize fresh ingredients and great taste without the extravagant cost of many other high-end sushi places in the city, Sushi Yasaka is the perfect choice.

Sushi Yasaka

251 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA