Sushi With Some Service
Yony Asks:
“I have a family dinner for my and my mom’s birthday and we are trying to go to a nice japanese restaurant that has a good selection of fish for my father who is kosher. Usually on family dinners we like to go to nice restaurants that have a lot of people but we are big on having good service and try not to get too pricey. For example last year we went to Tavern on the Green and found that to be overpriced for the quality. Last birthday dinner for my sister we went to Tao and really enjoyed it, so we would like a Japanese place this time but my family also consists of 6 people so we usually like to feel like we aren’t the only ones at the restaurant. Please let me know what places in the city you think would best fit this occasion.”
One interesting idea is Matsugen on Church and Worth, owned by Jean-Georges. I was there very early into their opening and was very impressed. It is on the pricier side, but I found it to be a really great mix between a larger, lively place that still managed to have nice and personal service. The emphasis isn’t really on sushi - although the sushi that we tasted was great. Instead the focus is on soba and authentic Japanese noodles, all made in-house. If you stick with the noodles and such, the price stays a lot more reasonable.
Koi on 40th, between 5th and 6th Ave. is probably worth considering, too. Although it might be a little TOO loud and busy, the food actually manages to stand up to the space. It might be a hair less expensive than Matsugen - the service might also be a little less attentive though. On the other hand, there’s some really nice fish and some interesting dishes - you do have to try their two big signature dishes… the crispy rice with spicy tuna and the tuna tartare on crispy wontons. They really are very good.
I think I mentioned this in one of our last emails, but check out EN Japanese Brasserie also has a feel kind of similar to Matsugen in its service. A nice, larger space with nicely attentive service. There’s usually a nice buzz around the restaurant, with a good amount of people getting drinks or sushi at the bar. The other nice thing is that there are a lot of really nice tofu and vegetarian dishes in addition to very nice sushi - which would work well for your father. Prices are pretty reasonable for the space and service, too.
