Shion 69 Leonard Street offers one of New York’s most exceptional sushi experiences – a meal that transcends ordinary dining to become something closer to a temporary art installation. Chef Shion Uino, who trained for eight years under Tokyo’s legendary Takashi Saito, brings meticulous technique and an almost spiritual dedication to his craft in this intimate counter-only space.

The omakase experience unfolds with deliberate pacing, each piece of nigiri presented at its optimal temperature and texture. The rice itself deserves special mention – perfectly seasoned and maintained at body temperature, providing the ideal canvas for fish that’s been subjected to various aging techniques to coax out maximum flavor. Watching Shion’s hands work is part of the experience – decades of practice evident in every precise knife cut and delicate molding of rice.

What makes Shion truly extraordinary isn’t just the quality of ingredients or technical perfection, but the personalized attention given to each diner. Chef Shion adjusts pieces based on your reactions, creating a customized progression that builds toward a deeply satisfying conclusion.

Yes, the price point places this firmly in special occasion territory for most, but for sushi devotees seeking transcendent quality rather than fashionable atmospherics or scene-making, Shion 69 Leonard offers perhaps the purest expression of traditional Edomae sushi excellence in the city.