A new Japanese spot, offering sushi and fresh juices, has opened up shop in the neighborhood. Located at 851 NE 79th St. in Upper Eastside, the new addition is called Wabi Sabi By Shuji.
The fast-casual spot offers an elevated take on sushi and poké bowls, courtesy of chef Shuji Hiyakawa, previously of Kuro and the River Yacht Club.
Look for the eponymous Wabi Sabi bowl, which includes tuna, salmon and lump crab; or the Sake bowl with salmon, cucumber, avocado and seaweed. There's also an omakase option, where the chef selects fresh sushi offerings.
All bowls come with the customer's choice of traditional sushi rice, multigrain rice, cha soba noodles, or mixed greens.
To complement the meal, look for cold-pressed juices and brewed cold teas, as well as mochi ice cream for dessert.
Wabi Sabi By Shuji has gotten an enthusiastic response thus far, with a five-star rating out of 14 reviews on Yelp.
Ilya L., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on March 2nd, said: "This isn't a restaurant, it's an experience. Not sure if it is the open space, life on and around the walls or the friendliness of not only the staff, but chef Shuji Hiyakawa himself, but you feel at home almost instantly."
Yelper Hang V. added: “I tried the multigrain Wabi Sabi with spicy miso sauce. I loved the variety of multi grains. It was the perfect mix! Also, I tried the samurai and the geisha pressed juices. Both were good. I like the samurai the best.”
Head on over to check it out: Wabi Sabi By Shuji is open Tuesday–Saturday from noon–9pm. (It's closed on Sunday and Monday.)
