SUKI DESU

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/upper-east-side-restaurants

The Best Restaurants On The Upper East Side - New York - The Infatuation

"When there’s just no way you'll make it to the 86th Street Fairway for groceries, head to Suki Desu for dinner instead. This little kaisendon spot sunken into 85th Street has just a few starters and luxurious bowls of raw fish. Starting at $20, kaisendon come with a small mountain of finely chopped salmon, tuna, squid, crab, shrimp, and scallops. Five more dollars gets you some hamachi sashimi on the side, and you can add uni and ikura to your bowl for three more ($28 total). Having said all that, their unadon might just be even better. At least if you like the sounds of a silky, smoky piece of grilled eel draped over the edge of the rice bowl like a Dalí clock." - sonal shah, willa moore, will hartman, neha talreja

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/suki-desu

Suki Desu's kaisendon is a perfect little luxury, starting at $20 - Review - New York - The Infatuation

"If you live on the Upper East Side, Suki Desu is the ultimate backup choice when there’s no way you’re cooking. The small, black box of a restaurant (located below ground level) serves luxurious kaisendon. Each bowl ranges from $20 to $28, and gets loaded with a reef’s worth of diced salmon, tuna, squid, crab, shrimp, and scallops. In case that's not enough, you can always beef up your meal: five more dollars gets you hamachi sashimi in a light sesame sauce on the side, and three dollars adds a heap of ikura and uni. As good as the kaisendon may be, the bowl we find ourselves coming back for is Suki Desu's stellar unadon. No matter which direction you choose, though, count on fish and rice that go down light and easy. It's a perfect place for a 30-minute dinner (or lunch) after a walk through the neighborhood that definitely didn’t include a trip to the grocery store. Food Rundown Kaisendon Suki Desu's seafood variety is the biggest selling point of their bowls—especially the inclusion of crab. (Though it’s a nice touch that the rainbow of colors mounded on top of the bowl makes it look like a shaved ice dessert.) After you finish about two thirds of this, the server will pour in dashi, as is traditional. It’s not the most flavorful broth we’ve had at this style of restaurant—that crown goes to The Residence Of Mr. Moto—but it is a nice and warming way to end your meal. Unadon Draped like a Dalí clock, the grilled eel on top of this bowl is our favorite thing about Suki Desu. It’s smoky and slick, with a nice, sweet-savory punch. Plus, each unadon comes with crunchy pickled vegetable and ribbons of egg that eat like noodles. photo credit: Will Hartman" - Will Hartman

New kaisendon place that is very good

New York for the Foxes

New kaisendon

Alessandro Frati

Google

Interesting rice bowls in a very small and cozy setting. The rice bowls are good, with a high rice-to-fish ratio. They also offer to pour broth at the end of the meal which was a nice touch. The space is almost entirely covered by bar seating with two tables in the back. The gravel floor is a nice touch. I'll definitely be back again.

Emily Tam

Google

I had a great dinner experience at this new Japanese restaurant. The food was really fresh and service was amazing. I ordered the donburi with hamachi, ikura, and uni. When 80% of the way finished with my bowl, savory broth was added for a different way to enjoy the dish! I will be back in the future to try the other dishes and dessert!

Peter Yangga

Google

Suki Desu nails it with their rice bowls — simple yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of fresh sashimi or prefer your protein cooked, they’ve got something for everyone. The vibe is casual and clean — great for a quick lunch or chill dinner. Service is friendly and fast, and everything feels made with care. If you’re craving something light yet filling, this spot definitely hits the mark. I’ll be back!

Jing Yang

Google

Very good donburis! A lot of fresh fish on rice, very good portion of fish for the price. The hamachi with sauce was very good. We didn’t get the apps but got an extra unagidon to share. Feel like the prices for the apps vs what you get is totally not worth it compared to the donburis. Loved how they give you broth to finish the rice after. I’ve only had that in Japan before, first time I’ve come across this style of eating in NYC. However I thought that the restaurant was wayyy too dim and lacking AC on a hot day. Also the seats were super uncomfortable against a very uneven loose pebbled floor.

Rovik Robert

Google

Tight basement spot in the UES focused on chirashi bowls - had the most expensive option and thought it was decent although the fish felt poorly sliced. The tamago was okay as well. Overall nothing to shout about but meets the cravings for a seafood bowl if you’re looking for it.

Lauren Smith

Google

Just went here tonight they are brand new! Really good donburi bowls with high quality ingredients and great service. The last time I had this was in Japan and this place was just as good! Hope they stay in the neighbourhood, I’ll definitely be back.

Nichapa Pattarajirametha

Google

Love this place!! Nice and fresh. So you mix everything and enjoy. When you have half bowl left, ask for the soup and 🤌🏻 Soooo good.

Matthew Vardi

Google

SUKI DESU has good vibes and the fish is fresh. I had lunch today around noon and I was able to walk in and be seated immediately. I had the $25 entree, and felt like it was a little light on the fish - but that’s not my gripe. They give you hamachi with sesame dressing as an appetizer, and suggest you can add it to your bowl if you’d like. I left about 1/3 of my bowl so I could add the Dashi (broth) to it, and when I gave them my bowl, I received a new bowl with just white rice and broth, and nothing else that I left in it intentionally (fish, sauces, etc). This defeats the entire purpose of leaving parts of your original bowl to be enjoyed with their broth. I was quite disappointed in that experience, and how that was overlooked both by the individual behind the counter and my server. It’s a fun experience, just make sure they don’t throw out your original bowl.

Virginie L.

Yelp

BF and I wanted to try Suki Desu and we were able to get a reservation during the beginning of the weekday. I thought it just make sense as during the weekend it'll be packed or likely be as wait. Esp since it's still fairly new (the time that I went). Just a heads up, there's a few seats at the counter and there's maybe 2 tables in the far back. So overall it's not a HUGE place, it's very Japanese and minimalist concept. When we first stepped in, it's a bit dimmed and I was surprised by the ground as it was more small rocks aka gravel flooring, so I'll admit I almost tripped over myself but with it being dimly lit, I don't think anyone saw or paid me any mind. Anyways, the seats are more like stools so just a heads up about that too. Anyway - BF and I ordered the $28 bowl, cause why not? Plus uni? We we going to try something new that's supposed to be an affordable donburi bowl...go big! WE wanted to get the unagi tamagoyaki app but they ran out for the day...sad. So we got the tuna capaccio. The tuna capaccio came out first and there were four pieces, so two each. It was very clean and the citrus sauce/juice really elevates the fish. Very good and clean start of the meal. When our bowls came out, it looked very nice and beautiful!! To my surprise the fish wasn't fishy or anything. I didn't need any extra sauces as it was well seasoned and honestly you don't need to put anymore soy sauce! (seeing people put so much is like not appreciating the rice and everything else and just covering the food with something...) Oh, we got three piece of the bass on the side and I ate one and saved the rest. As you should eat half of the bowl and ask for the soup , that's when you should add in the rest of the bass pieces. The piece was tender and again, not fishy at all. The soup that they gave wasn't something I expected, it was light and wasn't SUPER hot. The reason I say this is because I (in my mind) was comparing Suki Desu to Tsujihan in Japan. I had Tsujihan many many times and always go back. The concept is the same, you have a donburi bowl and eat half of everything then get your soup. Tsujihan's soup is deeper and gives you that homey comforting feel, that would warm you up if it's cold out. The one from Suki desu doesn't do the same. Now, I'm not saying it's bad - just different. So - would I come again? Yeah, it's affordable. For some, the portion might not be enough for you aka my BF. But for me the portion was decent and I was content. Not overly full but not overly unfilled.

Leona L.

Yelp

A mid kaisendon with an attractive price. The fish was nothing special and didn't taste the "chefs special sauce". My rice was wet and soggy, it definitely ruined my experience. Broth at the end was okay, but wasn't hot enough. Tuna carpaccio was interesting - scallop/ginger wrapped inside. One of the tuna pieces was quite chewy... Typical hole in the wall environment inside. No wait around 5pm on a Friday.

Pooja G.

Yelp

I saw this place on social media and went to try it for a late weekday lunch. The vibe inside is interesting...it's super dark with stools for seating and a gravel floor. It looks cool, but the reality is that the stools don't really balance on the pavers and it's a bit uncomfortable. I wish they had a bit more lighting, it's so dark inside. Also, if you get a table in the back, cell service is a bit limited (I couldn't even pull up the menu via the QR code). Service was really friendly and attentive - zero complaints! The food itself was just okay. Maybe I had too high of expectations, but I thought the rice could use more flavor and while the fish seemed high quality it wasn't really anything special. The yellowtail in sesame sauce that came with my bowl was delicious though! I wish that side was larger and I would come back just to eat that as an appetizer. Overall a decent, relatively affordable place for lunch.

Queenie H.

Yelp

Super unique spot - small casual hole in the wall with mostly bar style seating. We started with the tuna carpaccio which had shrimp rolled inside it and tasted very fresh. The bowls are what they are known for. We got the $28 bowl that included hamachi appetizer and uni and ikura in the bowl. It tasted just like the kaisendons I've had in Japan! Once you are halfway done you ask them to fill the bowl with dashi which transforms the dish. Would definitely recommend!

Elaine T.

Yelp

Loved their affordable and generous donburi bowls! We got their $28 bowl which included several types of fish as well as ikura and uni; it also came with two pieces of hamachi as an appetizer. Great value and the fish tasted high quality. There's a lot of rice but that seems intentional--when you're almost done, they add broth to the bowl and it becomes a sort of congee. I actually finished my bowl before realizing, but my server was nice enough to provide me a new bowl with more rice to try. The broth was not too salty and with a hint of ginger(?) that added a nice herbal quality to it. The space is a little small with only bar seating but thankfully we only had to wait 10 minutes for a table. I suspect that might change in the future so recommend calling ahead for a reservation and giving them a try asap!

Nina C.

Yelp

Bowl was good. Got the $28 bowl and there was so much stuff on it. Fish was a little fishy, but it was tasty. I liked the soup version more! The restaurant itself is quite dark and I couldn't really see on the very inside

Christine H.

Yelp

This place is okay. I appreciated that the bowl was affordably priced, but I'm not sure if I'd come back again because the bowl was quite average. My bf and I came on Friday without a reservation. The place was quite popular but we were able to get a counter seat. The server was friendly and quick and the atmosphere was good, although it smelled like someone had just mopped. We ordered the unagi tamagoyaki (eel egg roll) and the 28$ bowl. The unagi was good but it sorta tasted like they sliced the frozen eel at hmart and put it on egg omelette. The bowl had a lot of rice and a decent amount of topping. The rice was too soggy (might have been an off day) and the fish was just...ok. Nothing super fresh but also not unappetizing to eat. I think it'd be good if they had a set or something - like bowl, miso soup, and some pickled vegetables. Just small things to make the experience more holistic. It could help to make the place a bit more memorable. Maybe my expectations were too high but I really thought this place didn't leave any impression on me. It was just okay.

Alison A.

Yelp

Really dark and intimate vibe inside! The seafood was delicious and the portion was very decent. I ordered the 28$ bowl and especially enjoyed the broth that was added halfway through. The yellowtail served before the bowl was delicious, especially with the sauce

Hayoung P.

Yelp

Waited ~20-25 min for a table for 2 on a Sunday night. Ambience is nice, a little dark. We sat at a table in the back but it is mostly counter seating. The mixed tartare was really good, a little spicier than expected in a good way! The chips were also fun to eat. We got a $25 and $28 bowl, recommend getting the $28 if you're thinking of already getting the hamachi as the ikura added little pops of saltiness that went really well with the bowl. Fish quality was good as well.

Michael L.

Yelp

Good food, good service at a reasonable price. This is a small and intimate space that is reminiscent of a typical Tokyo restaurant.

Jasmine M.

Yelp

We came as a party of three on a Monday at 6:30pm. Would suggest making a reservation beforehand because there was a bit of a line for those without a res and the inside is pretty small. I thought it was good for the price, but nothing too special. The fish was a little fishy, so it probably could have been fresher. There was also no explanation about the broth-I only knew from prior research that I could ask for broth halfway through the meal. The broth was also pretty standard-tasty but nothing spectacular. I would have given it a 3.5/4 stars but we had a bill mishap at the end when we were splitting it three ways. We each ordered a bowl, but my friend was charged for two bowls and the waitress was also going to charge the last person in our party for one bowl, but luckily we caught it. That left a bit of an unpleasant taste to our experience. Would suggest double checking how much you are charged if you split the bill.

Hannah H.

Yelp

Suki Desu, which translates into "I love," has just opened up in Yorkville - they feature donburis, and their goal is to make the authentic Japanese flavors more accessible. We tried the Unagi Tamagoyaki, which was a sweet omelet with eel and salmon roe. For our mains, we tried their donburis, in which the sashimi were fresh and well-presented. Staff were sweet and friendly, and the place was casual and comfortable. You go down a few steps to get to the place - look for the cute little sign with 2 fish! +friendly service

Christine P.

Yelp

Delicious new spot with affordable pricing!! The menu is simple and straightforward. We got the seaweed salad to share, and we each got a "fresh from the sea" donburi. The sashimi in the donburi was absolutely delicious and the rice was perfectly cooked! After you finish half of your bowl, you can request to add soup, which gives a nice finishing touch to the meal. We will definitely be back to this fantastic new addition in the UES!!

Caitlin Z.

Yelp

The venue is a small, intimate setting with really nice ambiance. I loved the interior of the restaurant and the stone floors! I ordered the $25 bowl, and it did not disappoint. The fish was really fresh and the sesame sauce added a great umami flavor, though I did add some soy sauce as well. The broth was added after I finished about 2/3rds of my bowl was so tasty. They are very generous with the fish as well, the portion was a good size! I will definitely be coming back for another bowl and to try more dishes!

Mangpor S.

Yelp

So amazing restaurant. The fish is so fresh and juicy and made my mouth watering. I would recommend you guys to visit here. Super yummy

Emily T.

Yelp

Monica F.

Yelp

Absolutely delicious donburi with a really generous portion! Be sure to ask for the fish broth to be added halfway through and it becomes a totally different dish within the same meal.

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/upper-east-side-restaurants

The Best Restaurants On The Upper East Side - New York - The Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/suki-desu

Suki Desu's kaisendon is a perfect little luxury, starting at $20 - Review - New York - The Infatuation

New kaisendon place that is very good

New York for the Foxes

New kaisendon