When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami with a group of friends or family, consider
Tanoshi Sushi
Why Tanoshi Sushi is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Tanoshi Sushi offers an intimate and authentic sushi experience that stands out as a superb spot for meeting up with friends and sushi enthusiasts alike. Located on New York City's Upper East Side, this small and cozy venue specializes in traditional Japanese sushi crafted with meticulous attention to detail. What makes Tanoshi Sushi an excellent gathering place is its focus on high-quality, fresh fish and its commitment to honoring classical Japanese techniques that emphasize simplicity and natural flavors rather than elaborate sauces or fusion styles. The sushi is served with a minimalistic elegance that reflects the legacy of its founder Chef Toshio, whose apprentices continue to uphold his vision. The setting is intimate, with seating around a sushi bar that holds about 10-12 guests, creating an engaging and social atmosphere perfect for conversation and shared appreciation of craftsmanship. This venue is BYOB, which enhances the conviviality and makes it an inviting space for groups to enjoy their favorite beverages paired with expertly prepared omakase or à la carte sushi offerings. Signature dishes include a variety of nigiri, tuna maki, and a spicy salmon hand roll, spotlighting pieces like miso-marinated black sable and amberjack with a subtle spicy sauce. The uniquely looser, gently seasoned rice encourages diners to eat with their hands, adding an authentic touch to the experience. The cozy space, exceptional sushi quality, and the option for thoughtful add-ons make Tanoshi Sushi a memorable and enjoyable spot for friends to connect over traditional Japanese flavors.
Here's what people think of Tanoshi Sushi
As of recent, Tanoshi Sushi holds a 4.6-star rating based on 44 reviews.
Reviews of Tanoshi Sushi consistently praise the quality and authenticity of the sushi and the traditional techniques maintained since its founding by Chef Toshio. Patrons highlight the excellence of the fresh fish, the warm and attentive service, and the unique texture and seasoning of the rice, which is intentionally looser than typical sushi, enhancing flavor and mouthfeel. Positive reviewers commend the reasonable pricing for the omakase experience, especially given the quality of the ingredients, and appreciate its BYOB policy, which allows guests to bring their preferred drinks, thereby contributing to a relaxed dining atmosphere. Many note standout dishes such as the miso-marinated black sable, amberjack with spicy sauce, and the spicy salmon hand roll, along with a traditional miso soup to round out the meal. The intimate setting with seating around the sushi bar fosters a personal and engaging dining experience that many find special and authentic. On the other hand, some reviews mention that the ambiance is quite basic and the space very small, which might feel cramped to some diners. A few have noted the service can feel a bit rushed during busier times, and some find the pricing on certain items like individual ikura sushi pieces somewhat high. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overwhelming consensus is that Tanoshi Sushi remains a top-tier destination in New York for sushi lovers who seek an authentic and refined dining experience that balances classical technique with an inviting, friendly atmosphere. These reviews collectively recommend Tanoshi Sushi for both sushi connoisseurs and newcomers looking for a genuine taste of traditional Japanese sushi craftsmanship.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kay P
Fantastic place to get sushi, miso soup and teriyaki chicken! Don’t forget the sake 🍶 FIVE star ⭐️ service. Ambiance perfect with great music even when late, server super attentive. Perfect spot for after watching a great show at the Adrianne Arscht.
Shannon McIntosh
There’s few places left in wynwood where you can get quality food, even fewer for under $20. This’ll now be my go to spot for a bite in wynwood. Great quality, everything tasted fresh. Really liked the pickled ginger, not too sweet. I had the edamame and the veggie roll. The avocado was perfect. Service was very friendly and quick! 10/10.
Angela Xu
100% SCAM! Be aware! I ordered food from DoorDash and received the confirmation that my food was ready. I finally found the place, which is listed under a different address on DoorDash than google. And, the place is completely closed! During their business hours, and at the time “they have my food ready”. There was no sign of them being open. The phone number doesn’t work. Most importantly, the vendor next door said I was not the first one looking for this ghost business and the ghosted food. I’m shocked by this experience. I will report this business on every platform I can find.
Nofar Glisko
There sushi is amazing! The fish and avocado taste incredibly fresh. I came here with a friend after a late night of moving and am so glad we did. I wanted sushi but didn’t have high hopes for a food truck open until 3AM. They exceeded every expectation, so much so that we ended up back there multiple times over the next two weeks. Each time was just as good as the last. On top of it the staff is incredibly nice, hilarious, and accommodating. Can’t recommend this place enough and can’t wait to go back! 🍣❤️🍣❤️🍣❤️
Dominic Mensah
Nice lowkey spot. Me and my friends had a great service from Jamie and the food was delicious and filling. Located close to some real nice murals as well. Good value for money and would definitely recommend!
How to reach Tanoshi Sushi
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Why Tanoshi Sushi may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Tanoshi Sushi with your friends? If you and your group are seeking not just a meal but a memorable shared experience centered around exquisite Japanese cuisine, Tanoshi Sushi on the Upper East Side of New York City is an exceptional choice. This intimate, cozy sushi spot offers a rare blend of authenticity, quality, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it perfect for group gatherings. With a high rating of 4.6 from 44 reviews, Tanoshi Sushi is highly regarded for its fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and the thoughtful omakase (chef’s choice) dining experience. The fact that it is a BYOB (bring your own beverage) restaurant adds a relaxed, personal touch that allows groups to enjoy their favorite drinks alongside their meal, enhancing the conviviality of the occasion. The small size, with seating for about 10-12 guests at a sushi counter, encourages close interaction—with the chef preparing each morsel right in front of you—making it an immersive culinary experience ideal for sharing with friends or family who appreciate the art of sushi. The attentive service and focus on quality ensure everyone leaves with smiles and satisfied palates, marking it as a top spot to rally together and celebrate Japanese culinary arts authentically.
What activities make Tanoshi Sushi perfect for a group meetup? While Tanoshi Sushi is primarily a dining establishment, the experience itself is rich with activities that turn a simple meal into a dynamic group event. The centerpiece is the chef’s omakase offerings, where diners watch and learn as each fresh piece of nigiri is expertly crafted and personally presented. This interactive approach allows groups to engage in conversations about the ingredients, preparation methods, and traditional Japanese sushi culture, transforming the meal into a shared educational journey. Because the restaurant encourages eating sushi with fingers rather than chopsticks to fully enjoy the delicately seasoned rice and fish texture, it breaks down formal barriers, fostering a relaxed and intimate environment. The BYOB policy invites guests to bring their own favorite sake, wine, or beer, which can turn the meal into a tasting event where friends sample and pair drinks with different sushi pieces. The small size of the space also makes it easier for groups to exchange impressions of each dish in real-time, enhancing social interaction. Additionally, the subtle décor, which includes maps pinpointing the origins of the seafood, provides conversation starters that deepen appreciation for the quality and sourcing behind the meal. All of these elements converge to make Tanoshi Sushi a unique venue where dining is both a sensory and social celebration.
Why is Tanoshi Sushi an ideal spot for intimate gatherings and celebrations? The intimate scale of Tanoshi Sushi, with just a dozen seats around an L-shaped counter, naturally suits small groups looking for an up-close and personal sushi experience. This exclusivity means the setting is quiet and cozy, allowing guests to savor each bite without the distractions common in larger, busier restaurants. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a birthday, or a casual celebration, the focused attention from the sushi chefs and staff makes each guest feel special and cared for. The chef’s presence behind the counter offers a chance for guests to ask questions about the fish, preparation techniques, or even the history of certain ingredients, providing a personal touch that elevates the afternoon or evening. Since Tanoshi serves high-quality omakase that presents seasonal and daily fresh selections, repeating visits will feel fresh and exciting, perfect for groups who want to return to discover new tastes together. The BYOB aspect, combined with the chef’s thoughtful presentation and the restaurant’s warm ambiance, means guests can pair their favorite drinks in a stress-free environment, with attentive service that refreshes tea and water throughout. This blend of premium food, personal engagement, and a calm, welcoming space checks all the boxes for an ideal meetup venue.
What kinds of sushi and dishes can groups expect at Tanoshi Sushi? Tanoshi Sushi specializes in Edo-style sushi, an authentic Japanese approach where fish is lightly cured or prepared with vinegar or salt before serving, honoring centuries-old preservation techniques predating refrigeration. This method deepens flavors without overpowering the natural taste of the fish. Groups ordering the omakase menu can anticipate about ten carefully selected nigiri pieces, including standout items such as Japanese seabream, striped jack, yellowtail belly, and bluefin fatty tuna. Each piece is paired with just the right amount of lightly seasoned, warm rice — a hallmark of the restaurant — which melts deliciously in the mouth for a truly refined experience. In addition to nigiri, Tanoshi offers rolls like spicy salmon hand rolls and tuna maki, perfect for sharing among friends. The menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase freshness and balance between textures and tastes, often surprising sushi enthusiasts with the subtle complexity of flavors. The quality of ingredients, combined with expert knife work and careful seasoning, makes each bite a small piece of art. For groups, this means a diverse tasting journey that invites conversation about favorite pieces and flavor profiles. The motions of the chef crafting sushi right before you amplify the experience, highlighting the skill and dedication behind every plate.
How does Tanoshi Sushi’s BYOB policy enhance the group dining experience? One of Tanoshi Sushi’s most appealing features for groups is its BYOB format, allowing guests to bring their preferred alcoholic beverages or soft drinks to enjoy with their meal. This policy creates a personalized, relaxed vibe perfect for a casual meetup or celebration with friends and family. Groups can tailor their drink choices to complement the sushi flavors—whether it’s a delicate sake, a crisp white wine, craft beer, or even non-alcoholic options—without the markups or limitations often found in other sushi bars. Bringing your own beverages also encourages sharing and discovery, as friends can introduce each other to their favorite drinks, contributing another layer of connection to the gathering. The staff supports this by offering glassware and attentive service that keeps the drinks flowing, making the experience seamless and enjoyable. For a party, the BYOB rule also helps keep costs reasonable, allowing groups to splurge on quality sushi at a fair price without worrying about expensive drink bills. This blend of high-quality cuisine and flexible beverage choices is a rare find that caters perfectly to social diners.
What makes Tanoshi Sushi’s ambiance welcoming for group events? The atmosphere at Tanoshi Sushi is designed to evoke the feeling of being inside a traditional Tokyo sushi bar with a modern nod to comfort. The small size fosters a sense of community, as diners sit side by side around the sushi bar, encouraging conversation and shared reactions to each dish. The decor is understated but meaningful, with maps on the walls highlighting the origins of the day’s seafood selections, providing an interesting backdrop for discussion. Warm lighting and the quiet hum of intimate dining create a cozy and inviting environment that puts guests at ease. Unlike large, noisy restaurants, Tanoshi’s quiet intimacy makes it easy for groups to connect, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company without distractions. The sushi chefs and servers are approachable and attentive, tending to guests’ needs without interrupting the flow of the meal, which helps everyone feel valued and engaged. This harmonious blend of authenticity, warmth, and interaction forms the perfect setting for memorable group dining experiences.
How accessible is Tanoshi Sushi for groups planning to meet there? Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Tanoshi Sushi is easily accessible by public transportation, notably near the Q train at 72nd Street, making it convenient for friends and family traveling from various parts of the city or boroughs. While the small size limits the seating to about a dozen guests, the restaurant's genuine popularity and BYOB format mean it is wise to reserve early, especially for group meetups. Despite its modest footprint, the efficient layout and attentive staff ensure that even larger groups can be accommodated in staggered seatings or across multiple visits, each time offering the same exceptional food and experience. The price point is reasonable for what is essentially a premium omakase experience, making it an appealing choice for groups who want to enjoy top-tier sushi without the extravagant cost typical of many high-end sushi restaurants in New York. Accessibility, combined with quality and price, positions Tanoshi Sushi as a practical yet special destination for group dining.
Why is the sushi rice at Tanoshi an essential part of the experience? Many sushi restaurants focus primarily on the fish, but Tanoshi Sushi’s standout quality comes equally from its exceptional rice. The rice is served warm and at perfect body temperature, prepared with a delicate seasoning that enhances the flavor without overwhelming it. This “loose” style of sushi rice allows the nigiri to gently break apart in the mouth, releasing layers of flavor and subtle textures that complement the fresh fish. The chef’s recommendation to eat the sushi with fingers rather than chopsticks acknowledges the importance of this tactile connection to the food. The meticulous attention to rice quality is a rare hallmark that elevates the entire meal from “just sushi” to a memorable, refined culinary encounter. For groups, this focus on rice adds a distinctive element of Japanese tradition and craftsmanship to discuss and appreciate collectively, appreciating the full precision and passion behind each bite.
How does Tanoshi Sushi cater to both sushi veterans and newcomers? Tanoshi Sushi strikes an excellent balance in welcoming both sushi connoisseurs and diners new to Japanese cuisine. The chef's omakase is crafted with care and precision, presenting an authentic Edo-style sushi experience prized by aficionados who recognize the nuances of preparation and ingredient quality. At the same time, the approachable, friendly atmosphere and the thoughtful explanations provided as each piece is served make the experience accessible and educational for beginners. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and are gently guided toward enjoying the sushi in the best traditional manner—such as eating with fingers and tasting the delicately cured fish as is, without soy sauce. For groups with mixed sushi experience levels, this makes Tanoshi an ideal setting where everyone can learn, try new flavors confidently, and share their impressions in an inclusive environment. This attentive approach differentiates Tanoshi as a place for genuine discovery and enjoyment across all expertise levels.
What should groups know about the pricing and value at Tanoshi Sushi? Tanoshi Sushi offers an exceptional value proposition for the New York City sushi scene, especially considering the quality and authenticity of the cuisine. The omakase lunch or dinner prices hover around $60-$130 per person, which is considerably reasonable given the fresh, expertly curated fish and the personalized service provided. Individual a la carte items, such as ikura (salmon roe) sushi, are available but can be pricier, so groups may prefer the omakase set menus to experience a variety of flavors while keeping the bill predictable. The BYOB aspect significantly reduces the cost associated with beverages, often a major expense at sushi bars. Guests consistently comment on the fair pricing relative to the high quality and the memorable experience, which contributes to an excellent return on investment for group outings. For celebrations or casual meetups, the combination of reasonable prices, top-tier taste, and attentive service make Tanoshi Sushi a top choice for groups who want to impress without overspending.
What is the overall takeaway for groups considering Tanoshi Sushi for their meetup? Tanoshi Sushi offers an intimate, authentic Japanese sushi experience that uniquely suits group gatherings seeking something special beyond the typical dinner outing. Its intimate size, chef-driven omakase format, exceptional rice and fish quality, and welcoming BYOB policy create a warm environment designed for connection and celebration. Groups can engage with the chefs, explore traditional sushi etiquette, and enjoy a sensory journey of flavors that delight both sushi experts and novices alike. The accessible location and reasonable pricing further add to its appeal as a convenient and cost-effective choice for family or friend meetups. For anyone wanting to share unforgettable moments centered around high-quality Japanese cuisine in a cozy, personalized setting, rallying at Tanoshi Sushi guarantees “fun” — just as its name means. It’s a place where food and friendship come together to create delicious memories.