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k
Kat Mar 1, 2009 08:21 AM

Sushi in Soho, Village or Tribeca

Looking for suggestions for sushi in Soho, Village or Tribeca for an early Fri nite dinner (6:30 or so). Should not be too upscale/trendy as we'll have our 6 y.o. with us, but good cocktails would be appreciated by Dad (and Mom). We'll be wandering this area in the early evening with no specific plans. Thanks!

  1. s
    Simon Mar 9, 2009 03:18 PM

    Consider Ushi Wakamaru...at 6pm or so, you could eat at a table w/ a 6-yr-old...the sushi is excellent...and Hideo-san, the chef/owner (the big garrulous guy behind the sushi bar, the guy closest to the front door) loves kids!...i've seen him posing for pictures and showing children the lobsters, etc: in addition to being a stellar sushi chef, he's a wonderful clown...

    1. k
      Kat Mar 2, 2009 05:32 AM

      So I checked out the website for Ninja and I think my son would absolutely love it for the atmosphere. However, it is not too gimmicky, is it? I always worry when I see waitstaff dressed in costume. Sushi is good? Blue Ribbon sushi is a good suggestion, but I hear that they are always packed and no reservations, so that is not a good idea for us when we're dining with our son. I"ll check out the other two suggestions as well. Thanks!

      9 Replies
      1. re: Kat
        k
        kathryn Mar 2, 2009 05:42 AM

        Blue Ribbon Sushi will definitely be more on the trendy/hip. They do not take reservations, but if you go early (like 5:30/6pm), it might be OK but it's hard to say.

        I would not go to Ninja if you want to enjoy your food.

        1. re: kathryn
          t
          taboo Mar 2, 2009 06:34 AM

          I agree with kathryn...do not go to ninja for food. Blue Ribbon I have been to many times and if you are there by 5:30 or 6, you will be fine getting in. My other suggestion would be megu, but the portions are small and it is pricy. You can always walk into Nobu or Nobu next door at 5:30PM and they will take you as well.

          1. re: taboo
            f
            foodwhisperer Mar 2, 2009 02:39 PM

            GO TO NINJA ,, kids will love it ,, They will take reservations.. The food is good. The food and the sushi is good. The costumes and the secret rooms and passage ways make it fun,,, Blue Ribbon sushi is not good at all. Kanoyama is excellent. Ninja sushi is not on the level of kanoyama, or 15 east or yasuda,, but it is better than the average place. Nobu is not for a 6 year old and the sushi is nothing special. Megu is not for a 6 year old and their sushi is way way way overpriced. The portions are not small. For instance at a table, minimum order for hamachi sashimi is $80 for 10 pieces served over an ice mountain. GO TO NINJA you will be happy with that choice. Ive been there a few times. Your kid will be very happy .

            1. re: foodwhisperer
              k
              Kat Mar 4, 2009 08:37 AM

              I'm torn.....The difference of opinion is what I love about Chowhound! Since we're dragging the little guy all around the EV and to Ssam on Thurs (taking a chance with no reservations, but I want to go) , I'm thinking we could try Ninja on Fri nite for him to enjoy. Or, Kanoyama.

              1. re: Kat
                s
                sam1 Mar 4, 2009 09:46 AM

                kanoyama is solid albeit nothing spectacular...minus the full liquor bar, id go with ushi wakamaru...best sushi south of 14th street in my opinion and very comfortable place.

                1. re: sam1
                  k
                  kobetobiko Mar 4, 2009 05:18 PM

                  "kanoyama is solid albeit nothing spectacular"

                  Have you tried their true omakase (not the sushi omakase on the menu) at the sushi bar and ask for best seasonal offerings?

                  1. re: kobetobiko
                    f
                    foodwhisperer Mar 7, 2009 02:51 PM

                    Kanoyama's omikase is amazing,,, Its not cheap mind you. I spent $260 the other nite ,, that is for just me , one person. But The snowcrab cooked was excellent,,the various "watta" aka fish guts was amazing. Shima aji great, on and on and on. The description for Kanoyama's omikase, to be eaten at the sushi bar only and prepared by Nobu-san,,is SPECTACULAR

                    1. re: kobetobiko
                      s
                      sam1 Mar 9, 2009 07:45 AM

                      no, just regular sushi offering. to be honest, id only do omakase at places where i know i will get a fantastic meal. i consider kanoyama my joint for local sushi...nothing amazing but does the job.

                      i will say i had a fantastic meal at ushi wakamaru the other night. nothing out of the ordinary. just fantastic cuts of fresh fish and cold sapporo.

                  2. re: Kat
                    f
                    foodwhisperer Mar 7, 2009 02:52 PM

                    FOR THE KID,,, DO NINJA

          2. t
            taboo Mar 1, 2009 10:45 AM

            Blue Ribbon Sushi....

            1. thew Mar 1, 2009 09:18 AM

              kanoyama is my fave sushi downtown - 11th st on 2nd ave

              2 Replies
              1. re: thew
                f
                foodwhisperer Mar 1, 2009 10:05 AM

                I second Kanoyama. for east village... for Tribeca Takahachi is a good one. it's child friendly and has lots of fun rolls. Ninja might be fun for a kid, the wait staff dresses in ninja costume. Do some magic, some sparks, not sure if too frightening for 6 year old but 11 year olds like it alot. its on Hudson St and Reade

                1. re: thew
                  k
                  kathryn Mar 2, 2009 05:40 AM

                  I've definitely seen families dining at Kanoyama, especially on the early side of dinner. Note that they don't take reservations on weekend nights.

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