Yuba Restaurant
105 E 9th St
New York, NY 1000
(212) 777-8188
Official Site
It’s not hard to find a good Japanese restaurant in New York City, especially if you’re in East Village where there’s an unlimited amount of cheap sushi and ramen places flocked by NYU students on a budget. Then there is Yuba Restaurant, a restaurant that might be a tad too pricey for the neighborhood’s inhabitants but it’s where sushi aficionados can indulge in quality nagiri’s and rolls.
Located on one of the only few blocks where pedestrian traffic is limited in the neighborhood, this modern Japanese restaurant can be easily overlooked while walking along East 9th St. A sign hanging above is all that shows that this place exists. There are a few intrigued passersby that will take a peek inside its large store front windows.
The restaurants simple interior and absence of music from its speakers gives the impression of a relaxed atmosphere were diners can have a peaceful conversation in a normal tone of voice. The décor is so uncomplicated that it seems almost dull. Dark wooden tables are spread throughout the space; paintings of Brooklyn Bridge adorn the wall and a sushi bar located toward the back. Completing the space are round lights on the ceiling that illuminates the surrounding area appropriately. The long leather tufted back bench along its walls and bar on the opposite side looked as if it has never seen an alcohol service.
Yuba Restaurant opened in 2010 by two of Masa Takayama’s disciples, George Ruan and Jack Wei. This restaurant is no stranger to incorporating luxury ingredients. There is foie gras, caviar, and truffles in their menu, but unlike other high end sushi spots in New York, the prices here are decent that it makes you wonder if they are operating at a loss. Their omakase starts at $50 per person which consists of 12 pieces of sushi that includes special pieces with fish shipped directly from Japan and the a la carte sushi is priced between $3 and $6 per piece. The menu is extensive, with selections of small, large, and hot and cold plates which can be ordered if you’re not in the mood for sushi. Special lunch sets of sushi, sashimi, and rolls range from $11 to $15 are also available. The sets include the restaurants version of miso soup, made with yuba (tofu skin).
Sushi pieces like the medium raw wagyu beef, squid with a lemon zest, and the octopus were very good. There are also enjoyable small plates like the crunchy and flavor packed Sweet Corn Tempura and the servers’ recommendation of Layered Yuba Pouch with mushrooms braised in a thick Asian sauce.
The drink list is nothing to brag about, but good enough to say they have a nice selection of sake that compliments the food and Japanese beer that is also available. Don’t even bother with the wine, especially if one is a connoisseur.
On my recent visits at Yuba Restaurant, I ordered the sushi omakase for dinner and sat at the sushi bar where I was able to witness the sushi chef’s artistry. He began with a small plate of pickled vegetables, preparing my palate for a night of aquatic goodness. Then one by one the sushi is placed in front of me, no extra soy sauce needed as he glazed them each perfectly while the chef and owner, George Ruan, looked on. Just when I thought the meal had reached greatness from the first six pieces, to my surprise, it was just the beginning. The second half of the omakase was amazing. It started with a snapper with truffle, an off the menu item. The blend of the sharp truffle taste with the flavor and texture of the blow torched snapper was memorable, followed by salmon, then tuna, and afterwards the mackerel and uni. He then ended with an Anago Sea Eel that melts in the mouth. After the meal, the friendly Chef Ruan freely chatted about his days at Masa and his experience as a sushi chef. It was an interesting and fun conversation.
An absolute East Village gem, the staff make you feel at home, especially the manager, Nina, who’s welcoming and warm attitude is an attribute to this unpretentious restaurant.
The fish that is used are fresh, clean, and of the highest quality. The focus and the precision of the chefs are showcased in their food. If this restaurant was located outside of New York City this would have been buzzing in the media; but then again this is New York where high quality sushi restaurants are everywhere and some are even comparable to the very best in Japan. Yuba Restaurant can be easily lost in the conversation of the top sushi restaurants in New York. High end food, casual settings, and prices that won’t break the bank, that’s Yuba Restaurant.
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