A purist will know that the fish is the main thing that will make the menu at such an establishment and Inoue offers up varieties seldom seen in the city. Most sushi spots have just boiled shrimp on the menu while some of the slightly fancier options will have one raw ebi to mix things up. Inoue Sushi has three different raw shrimp choices including Nama-Sakkura Ebi, Shiro Ebi and the aforementioned Botan Ebi. The sweet and tender Shiro Ebi was recommended and that piece of negiri is probably one of the most memorable pieces of sushi we have ever tasted. Three types of eel, two types of mackerel, five cuts of tuna and even the hard to find abalone is part of the offerings. Other sushi ordered included the striped baby sardine, Spear Head Squid and a moderately fatty chu-toro. For the most part, the majority of the specialty fish is flown in from various regions of Japan.
There are also some sides to choose from which are served up a little different than typically expected. Salads are topped off with a nest of shredded fried potatoes which add a delicious dimension to a usually boring appetizer option. The chawanmushi egg custard was as savory as expected but also sweetened with the addition of corn kernels. We like the other options that Harlem has to offer as far as sushi goes but Inoue will be the one that serious sushi enthusiasts will go for when seeking something a little more authentic. Right now dinner service is only available with walk-ins accepted. Another point to note is that Inoues is closed on Mondays.
How does it compare to Yuzu, which, quite frankly, is also very good?
ReplyDeleteWent there last night. We have lived in Tokyo, and I have written restaurant reviews for international magazines. I mention this, only, because, Inoue is perhaps the best sushi restaurant in New York. It rivals Sushi Nakazawa. Even the most expensive omakase at Inoue is a bargain. The sushi here is astonishing. Yuzu is also excellent, but Inoue is a marvel.
ReplyDeleteWe had the Omakase which seems expensive, but when you add the food, presentation and service together it's a bargain. We saw several people come in and look at menus, but not stay. As the above entry states, it's definitely not your typical rolls, but it's a great introduction to traditional Japanese sushi. Would recommend this place over and over! And it's uptown!
ReplyDeleteI lived in Japan for some time, and this was the best sushi I have had since living there. It's important for people to know that the menu is very limited, with no American-style rolls. The fish is flown in from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, and is taken very seriously. It was almost empty last night. I hope it gets a ton of support and stays open. It's a gift.
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