Sushi Lin Soho

Reservations: Generally available on Resy.

Experience: Sushi Lin Soho offers a classic omakase experience. The space is small, clean, and intimate (as it should be), and so quiet you are likely to whisper to your date the whole time. The entire restaurant consists of 12 counter seats which are divvied up between 3-4 sushi chefs. We spent the first 15 minutes or so watching the chefs prep, which felt lengthy - but paid off given the quick succession of service later on.

Food: Sushi Lin Soho nails the basics when it comes to omakase. The rice is the perfect temperature and texture, the fish is sliced well, and the nigiri touches highlight the taste and texture of the fish. They try to be unique by adding unexpected things like broiled tomato, but they also take it too far by adding things like gold leaf. This is a veiled attempt to go viral and does not add to the taste or texture of the nigiri. Despite this, I wouldn’t hesitate to go back as there were not any pieces that I didn’t like.

Who to Bring: Anyone who does omakase knows you cannot bring anyone to omakase. A fellow sushi lover is always appropriate, and I’d recommend a date or a close friend for Sushi Lin Soho specifically, given the muted atmosphere.

What to Wear: While omakase restaurants can feel judgy, I think you can get away with a lot here. Given the space you may want to feel well-kept, but don’t feel obligated to dress up.