Sushi Sho (2*, NYC)

Sushi Sho does not allow photos or videos during dinner, but I was super fortunate to be doing some behind the scenes filming with them for an upcoming video, so wanted to share some photos of the experience here!

I want to start off by saying that it’s the best sushi restaurant that I’ve ever been to (I haven’t been to the super super well known ones in Japan, but have been to most of the big ones in the US and quite a few in Japan). It’s such a unique style where half the dinner is omakase and half is okonomi so you get to sort of choose your own adventure. The okonomi also feels like it’s part of the experience rather than an add-on/afterthought.

There’s a great blend of history and modernity in the experience, with certain courses like the izushi course using fermented rice techniques from 900 years ago, more edomae style sushi from a few hundred years ago, and even some touches that are much more modern like how their pickled ginger uses New York apples to tie it a bit more to the place. A few highlights:

• They do a black cod cooked in the style of Anago since you can’t really get it in the US which I thought was super unique — texturally it was super different but the flavor was spot on

• Their ankimo with baby watermelon was lovely, really creamy texture with a slight bit of acidity and crunch from the watermelon

• They use two different preparations of rice for their shari, one with a more mild vinegar and one with a sharper vinegar and they use it to complement each piece individually which I loved

• Also in general, the okonomi section feels really lively and energetic. A lot of high end sushi restaurants I feel like are a bit intense and intimidating, but here you can tell people are having fun and it almost feels like a little auction as Chef Nakazawa explains all the different pieces available

• Side note: their chirashi box is incredible value for money and if you get the chance, you should absolutely get it — it includes something like 20-30 different individual preparations and is a wonderful to go experience

Overall I cannot recommend this place enough. Yes, it’s expensive. But it’s well worth the price and it’s the best that I’ve ever had.