Ben M.
Yelp
What more can you say about perfection? That Hinoki O is serving some of the best sushi I've ever had is certainly a subjective statement. That the experience is exceedingly intimate - almost to the point of being daunting - is also correct. However, if you love Japanese cuisine as we do, then this is a place you absolutely must visit.
What Duc, Chef/Owner of Hinoki O has done is create a bit of a separate peace; entering through his more conventional restaurant (Hinoki Poki), a sliding door reveals a small side room with just enough room to seat six at the bar, plus the chef, his assistant and the sparse yet attentive waitstaff. The menu is omakase-style, which means you leave it up to the chef to decide what you'll be having and how it will be served. The price ($160 for standard, $200 for deluxe) may seem high, but in all honesty I think Duc's breaking about even considering the quality of fish and the expert service you receive.
We had the deluxe menu, which included Japanese uni (small and sweet) and seared wagyu (meltingly rich and delicious), in addition to the 12 other courses that come with the regular menu. Duc started us off with chawanmushi, a light broth and custard dish hiding a delightful surprise slice of scallop at the bottom. And what followed was a wonderful procession of sashimi and nigiri sushi, all of it perfectly prepared and seasoned. All the while, Duc regaled us with stories of sushi - what we were having, where it was from, why he was presenting it and how it should be enjoyed - which made the experience effortlessly flow.
Don't expect to get California rolls here, nor a bath of soy and wasabi for your sushi. This is the real deal, artfully prepared and ready to enjoy. And enjoy you will. I cannot wait to go back!