Inase Restaurant

My horrible experience at Inase this evening went exactly like…
Wife: Can we get some sushi tonight?
Me: Sure but let’s get something good. No good sushi in the Bronx.
Wife: Okay, let’s get Inase take out. It was pretty good last time.
Me: That’s a long haul just to pick up sushi but okay.
[Wife proceeds to call and order in Japanese at 7:45.]
Wife: The woman that took our order said we can pick up anytime after 8:30.
Me: We should go now then.
[Proceed to pack up the car with 14 month old daughter, dog and the wife. Uneventful trip — Bruckner, Third Avenue Bridge, FDR, 71^st Street back up to 82^nd Street and 1^st Avenue. As we are pulling up to Inase at 8:40, I receive a phone call…]
Me: Hello?
Woman: Hi, did you order from Inase?
Me: Yes, I am out front and am coming in to pick up now.
Woman: I’m so sorry, but your order will be late. You can come in and wait. Bye.
Me: Hold on, how long will it take?
Woman: Sushi chef will finish orders for another party and then start yours. Bye.
Me: Hold on, how long will that take?
[Background discussion in Japanese.]
Woman: 30 minutes. Bye.
Wife: What happened?
Me: They just said they haven’t started our orders and it will be another 30 minutes.
Wife: That can’t be right. Let me go in and speak to her.
[I wait in car with daughter and dog, showing them nursery rhyme videos on my phone to pass the time. Wife returns in 5 minutes empty handed.]
Me: So?
Wife: I explained that we made a long trip, have a baby in the car and were told the order would be ready at 8:30. Woman said she called to let us know and I had to explain to her that calling at 8:40 to tell us the order had not even been started was not helpful. Asked them if they could get us the order by 9:00 and was told that was unlikely. Cancelled the order.
Me: Good. I would have done the same thing.
[We drove home empty handed and I made some buta kimchi for dinner.]
Moral of this story is that this 2 person operation is poorly managed and they don’t really care about screwing their customers. We will never return.

When it comes to sushi on the UES, there are only a few truly «special» places that have the highest quality fish, the most creative and original presentation, at prices that make you feel like you got what you paid for (i.e., not cheap, but real value). This might just be the #1 sushi restaurant in all three categories (e.g., twice the quality at ¹⁄₃ the price of Gari). The only thing they don’t have is fancy or romantic ambiance (although some of the paintings are nice). Tables towards the front (there are only a few) are the best locations. When you make a reservation (a must as they don’t deliver and only buy enough fish for that night’s guests) and specifically ask to be seated there if possible. Wow, the sushi is really amazing (especially some of the $ 100 Omakase included special dishes). They also have an exceptional Sake menu (again, not cheap but worth the price). Another REALLY unique aspect is their traditional serving bowls, cups, and plates — simply gorgeous!

In that category that is higher end than street corner sushi, but not quite at the price point of the spectacular joints in the city (Yasuda, Brushstroke, Gari, whatever) Inase stands alone as being spectacular.
When you order tell them you want the Japanese fish and not the garbage they give to the soccer moms.
Chawanmushi is especially rich and delicious and if they have it make sure to have the Maitaki Mushroom soup.

Great restaurant

Regarding Being Turned Away: All they ask is that you call before you come to make sure they have enough fish that day to accommodate…
I guess the message is not overtly conveyed as the woman is a bit shy and she finally told me that when I walked in one day. This is kind of the deal with mom and pop places like this in Japan and I know were not in Japan but I really respect the fact they only have enough fish for so many people that day for so many reasons…

For the second time, I walked into a completely empty restaurant, asked for a table for one, and was told they can’t seat me because they have reservations coming in. At 6pm on a Thursday. There were 2 women sitting at a table and other than that the whole place was empty. I mentioned this is the second time I’m being turned away from a an empty restaurant and asked for an explanation, and she just kept repeating herself, that they have reservations coming it. My guess is they refuse to seat a single person because they expect a small check. Too bad! I eat sushi for 3 people! They don’t realize they are not the only joint in town! This is Manhattan!

One of the best Japanese restaurant in the city! It’s more expensive but it’s worth it. It’s a nice little place.

Best Sushi on the Upper East Side, if not the whole of the city. Have the $ 80 omakase — it is great value for money (you get appetisers, sashimi, sushi, a roll of your choice and dessert). The service was top notch and the atmosphere very calming. Will definitely make this a regular of mine.

So I tried this place on more time. apparently they do not do take out even on a Tuesday night. looks like they lose a lot of customers. they sushi is not bad but I wouldn’t deliy cause it takes to long and if they don’t do take out. does not give pet many options… If I am going to dine in I would Joni go to poke or Tanoshi. sorry guys hope you eventually realize how much business you have lost

Inase Restaurant is lovely in every way; fresh delicately prepared sashimi aside warm and attentive service…
Lately we’ve been investing in higher quality sushi experiences less frequently, rather than taking an exuberant amount of trips to dime-​a-​dozen Japanese restaurants… Inase is the perfect splurge that still stays in the realm of affordability without sacrificing quality. When thinking of the fish we were served here, I am reminded of our excursions to Sushi of Gari and Tanoshi Sushi…
My partner and I arrived early for a 6PM reservation and you could tell that the bar and kitchen were just opening. The dining area was totally empty in an eerie way – luckily our discomfort was quickly quelled by compassionate wait service. We ordered the Fatty Tuna Don and the Sushi/​Sashimi Entrée. Similar to our experience with omakase elsewhere, the waitress asked if we had aversions to any fish – a big sell in my opinion as it makes you feel the staff cares about feeding you food you enjoy while still surprising you with their specials selection. Our dishes were something like this:
Fatty Tuna Don
This entrée was far beyond what you’d expect based on its name. Not only does it come with a large portion of toro, it’s served aside two small slices of uni, a piece of white fish, marinated mushrooms, plump salmon roe, and two sushi-​size pieces of sweet egg tart. For $ 27.00, unlike most high-​quality Japanese dishes, you will be both full AND satisfied. A fantastic and unexpected variety of fresh fish over a bed of perfectly-​cooked lukewarm rice (oh, and a quail egg yolk) is enough for me to suggest any big toro fan venture to Inase.
Sushi/​Sashimi Special
Imagine the simple, rich flavors of fish served at an over-​indulged modernized Japanese restaurant for a fraction of the cost… that’s what Inase’s special is. Our waitress served us a large platter of fantastically prepared sushi and sashimi. Sushi pieces of fatty tuna, fluke, squid, scallop, sweet shrimp, octopus, Spanish mackerel, yellowtail, and one seasonal fish. Sashimi slices of blue fin tuna, salmon, fluke, and yellowtail. All marvelous from first to unfortunately, last bite.
In conclusion, I think I’ve said more than enough. I’m their biggest fan, from the fish to their charming dish-​ware. Inase is worth your dollar and your time. For those with seasoned palettes you will not be disappointed, for those wanting a new, enriching experience with the Japanese preparation of raw fish – this is the perfect place to start. The highest of recommendations… safe to say I’m already a regular?

I have a 3yr old child, and we’vee been going there almost EVERY WEEK with another friend with her 3yr old for more than a year. Our children are very well behaved, but you know 3yr olds. They sometimes sing, laugh, and have fun. Who doesn’t want to enjoy eating good food in a restaurant, right?
Today, there were only 2 groups of customers including us. Our children were not unusually loud nor running around. But they were singing and laughing. At the end of the meal, our kids even went up to the owner and said «thank you for the meal!».
However, the owner started yelling at us and told us that our kids were noisy and have no manners, and that is because of our bad parenting. My friend said she takes pride in deciplining her child and many of her friends praise her child’s excellent behavior. The owner said «They are lying. You both have bad personalities too. You are lacking responsibility as parents. You need to discipline your kids». I said to the owner if we are bothering him, we would not return to the restaurant then. He said «don’t come back ever again!!!»
Surprisingly, he has an elementary school aged child as well. I wonder how «perfectly behaved» his child was when she was 3…
Besides this incident, I have also noticed the quality of service has declined lately. They raised prices a bit and decreased the portion a bit too. Long wait for food even when not crowded.
We will definitely NOT return to this restaurant ever again.
It is sad that the owner’s behavior/​attitude turns away loyal customers like us.

Made a reservation for a last minute sushi/​sashimi session at the bar with the chef for Monday night. Be warned — Make your RSVP. For whatever reason, if you don’t call ahead and make a RSVP, they will turn you away if you just show up at the restaurant and the bar is empty. You go figure… Not sure. The woman who I believe is the wife of the chef told another patron that the chef requires time to prepare.
Chef’s name is Mr. Kojun Wami. A very pleasant soft spoken man. He asked for my name as I was about to leave, a first time and a good sign. Means he expects me back and he’ll remember me. And I will go back.
The place is very low-​key. Ambience is not that of a «happening» place. You want chi-​chi and hip? This place isn’t it. You go to Inase to eat good sushi and sashimi. Enough said. It’s all about the food at this place. I can go to this place solo. I can go as a couple. I may go with a small group.
Omakase was offered at $ 60, $ 80, and $ 100. Opted for the $ 80, because it was my first time. Will go for the $ 100 option next time. Chef will ask if you want Japanese style or American style. What’s the difference? He told me that he won’t add in wasabi if you go for the American style and you’ll get more of the usual fish stuff like salmon and shrimp. I opted for Japanese, and very traditional Japanese at that.
Had sashimi and sushi combo. Sashimi to start. Octopus which was well cooked, but very tender; baby squid; blue fin tuna; skipjack; oyster; and other fish selections. Can’t remember. Very bad at remembering. I was too busy eating and enjoying the food. Sushi was very well prepared. Rice was firmly packed; I like firmer over loose. Temperature was perfect and the just a hint of vinegar. Selections were sayuri, skipjack, toro, abalone, uni, salmon roe; and etc. He asked if I wanted mackerel pointing out that while the Japanese love mackerel, most others don’t because of the oily, fish taste and smell. I like my mackerel well salted and cooked, but properly prepared, I’ll eat it as sushi. Not as sashimi, of course… But as sushi. And he understood me perfectly and prepared the mackerel as rolls.
All in all a very solid, very traditional, Japanese sushi/​sashimi session I would go back. The fish selection was good enough; nothing fancy. but the craftsmanship, preparation, the taste, and the quality of the fish was way above average.
I’ve found my go to place on the Upper Eastside. Sushi of Gari was good, but too novel. I can’t see myself going there too often. Tanoshi sushi is too out of the way and nothing special to me. And the rice in their sushi was so-​so. And while I am not one to complain about the sushi sizes, Tanoshi ones seemed miniscule when compared to others. Sasabune. I like that place. The fish selection is better than Inase. However, I felt that Inase had better craftsmanship. The rice in the sushi was better prepared and better packed. Sasabune sushi was too loose. (And yes, I know… Loose is the way. Sasabune says they pack it loose. But I eat sushi with my hands, and Sasabune sushi broke apart as soon as I picked it up.) Koito Sushi? Urgh… Not going back to that hut.
Inase — I think I’ll make this place a 2 times a month place. My number one choice is Sushi You though. Just like the ambience there and the location in East Midtown is more convenient for me even though I live on the Upper Eastside.

Best Quality and Best Deal for Omakase in NYC. I’ve tried omakase at the bigger name sushi spots in NYC (Nobu, Blue Ribbon, Sushi Yasuda, Sushi Gari, etc…) and although I love these spots, INASE has a special place in my list of sushi places in NYC because I love the personalized attention from this tiny neighborhood spot. The $ 80 omakase is an amazing deal and they will even do a Kosher (fish only, no shellfish or eel) version which was great for some of my friends who’ve dined with me there. We ate fresh bonito, which is by far one of my favorites and hard to come by because the season for it is so short. The chef answered our questions and happily explained the origin of each fish to us.
I’ve never been here with kids and I wouldn’t call this place exactly kid-​friendly. I assure you that the owners are the nicest people and won’t turn you away if you have kids, but it’s meant to be a place for quiet dining. Also, I’ve only ever eaten sushi here and not been disappointed.

The omakase $ 60 was much better than I expected since there are $ 70 and $ 80 versions available. The fish is very fresh, rice well seasoned and delicate with just enough bite. Also comes with seaweed salad (if you like it, i don’t), regular salad, miso soup and the egg custard uni appetizer (which was great because i was going to order it anyway!) Didn’t need soy sauce for most pieces (which is good since the soy sauce is pretty salty). This is a great value for authentic Japanese experience, only negative is that I like sitting at the bar but they reserve it for reservations only. Which I would be fine with except for that during our 2 hour dinner no one sat there :/

LOVED this place. Came here with my boyfriend tonight after work for a refreshing and delicious sushi dinner. Because it’s kind of hidden between shops and its up in the UES, I feel like they don’t have thaaat many patrons that often since we were one of two tables dining on a Thursday night but I didn’t really mind. My boyfriend and I both got the sushi special which came with 8 pieces of sushi and a roll + miso soup and salad to start. When we placed our order, the super friendly waitress asked if we were open to all kinds of fish so I knew this was a good sign. What I LOVED about this place was the quality and the variety of fish you received. In addition to the usual tuna and salmon pieces you would receive anywhere else, Inase makes a normal sushi entrée feel like an omakase… our sushi entrees included more unique fishes like amberjacks, mackerals and scallops. The food was also really visually appealing as well. The waitress was also super friendly and always was on point with keeping my tea cup full.
This is definitely going to be mine and my bf’s new go to sushi place since it was so delicious and right near our apartment!

Real authentic Tokyo style restaurant. Place is cozy, quiet and relaxing. Food is super fresh. They offer only fishes in season. No frills. A lot of new flavors: an experience to try !

I had a great time at INASE. It means cool in Japanese. It was very quite, clean, friendly staff and the OMAKASE was delicious. My friend treated me, so I don’t know how much was the bill. But the overall it was great!!! Congrats INASE, specially the sushi chef who was very friendly and was telling me about his experience in São Paulo, Brazil.

UNDERWHELMING – MANY BETTER CHOICES FOR JAPANESE FOOD
Eggplant With Plum Sauce Inedible – Tasted Like Lighter Fluid! It didn’t look like eggplant and was super smokey tasting burnt. It didn’t even have a hint of sweetness like the name implied. The entire table of adventurous eaters that eat nearly anything almost chocked on this smoky, vile version of a vegetable.
Other food was average and on the expensive side. Portions were tiny, and the waitress had major attitude.
After all of the glowing reviews, I expected much better. There are MANY other choices for great Japanese food in NYC. Poke, Ooki Sushi, much fresher, better atmosphere and much better service.
I’ll never be back, and if you haven’t been here before, avoid and go somewhere else.

Not happy about my meal, the prices on the menu are wrong, and after having ordered they explain to me that the menu pricing has changed.
I also ordered 3 rolls, and they fit in a single roll tray… I’m not sure how that’s even possible, but it felt really underwhelming.
I’d caution to stay away, but the staff is nice, maybe I just had a bad experience.

I really wanted to like this place because the hostess was so sweet and warm.
The ambiance was not there. Yes, I know $ 60 – 80 omakase is not a ridiculous amount of money to pay for omakase in Manhattan, but I was the only patron for the majority of the dinner (Fri evening, fyi) and there was no music. Now, I am not saying there HAS to be music either, but throughout the entire meal, I felt oddly exposed and felt as if the silence was tangible. It was slightly awkward and uncomfortable.
I opted for the $ 60 omakase and got 6 pieces of sashimi (just ok, not AMAZING) and 6 pieces of sushi (pretty good!) along with a salad, small kitchen appetizer, miso soup, and dessert. That’s not a bad deal in the city, but I also felt that the kitchen appetizer (some sort of seaweed app) was a tad bit salty.
Service was definitely there, ambiance wasn’t, quality of food could have been better. Would I return? Probably not.