| ambiance |
100.0% positive |
- “
Pretty ambiance, nice wines by the glass and interesting sakes coupled with outstanding personal service will keep patrons coming, but for the price New York offers better Japanese options. ”
- “
Service was lovely, and the decor was pretty and intimate, without being claustrophic and noisy. ”
- “
the decor is excellent and the maitre d' was extremely helpful and even put up with my japanese. ”
- “
And what a great experience and atmosphere. ”
- “
Jewel Bako has a LONG way to go before it can be thought of as a decent NYC eatery, if only they would place as much attention to decor as to the food, and service, they'd REALLY have something to be proud of, instead of this TOURIST TRAP. ”
- “
Everything here is done with care in this small space, from the service to food to decor to beverages (the house sake, usually a bust in other places, was terrific). ”
- “
The Greatset Sushi Restaurant ever decor is very cool satff are the best this a all around good place. ”
- “
The setting/ambiance is great for a date, thus that's what alot of the tables are composed of. ”
- “
Immaculate service, charming and cozy atmosphere, you can't go wrong here. ”
- “
romantic dinner spot for sushi lovers. ”
- “
the service is EXCELLENT, the fish is impressive, and the restaurant's decor is simple, yet stunning. ”
- “
very friendly and accomodating atmosphere, combined with a pleasant and courteous staff (also very knowledgable with the fish cuts). ”
|
| dessert |
38.88999938964844% positive |
- “
The sushi was superb, but the hot dish appetizers were disappointing, as well as the bland desert. ”
- “
Although we didn't order dessert, we got complimentary lychee sorbet, which was delicious and refreshing--a perfect way to end a sushi meal. ”
- “
have had some bad meals in my day, but the way we were treated here, takes the cake. ”
|
| drinks |
94.44000244140625% positive |
- “
Pretty ambiance, nice wines by the glass and interesting sakes coupled with outstanding personal service will keep patrons coming, but for the price New York offers better Japanese options. ”
- “
The wine paring was incredible as well. ”
- “
Spending an evening at the sushi bar at this sushi haven is divine. ”
- “
Jewel Bako is the best sushi experience in Manhattan, bar none. ”
- “
Only the best wine you can imagine! ”
- “
Of course the bill was insanely expensive, as we were just drinking nice wine while we were waiting forever for the food to come. ”
- “
From re-folding my girlfriend's napkin on the table when she left briefly, to chillng our wine in back and refilling our glasses at the right time - the service was impeccable. ”
- “
We've been to this restaurant several times, but on our last visit, we ate at the sushi bar, which was a great experience. ”
- “
the service is impeccable, the food and drinks arrive at your table with precision, and the fish is tasty. ”
|
| food quality |
76.81000232696533% positive |
- “
agree with the reviewer below me: mediocre sushi. ”
- “
The sashimi was fresh and excellent, and I loved that I could try different variations of the same fish. ”
- “
The sushi chef, Kazu, was amazing. ”
- “
Their menu is definitely interesting, but once we ordered, it was another hour till the food started to arrive (with 20 minute intervals between the dishes). ”
- “
Yes the wait is dreafully long, the place feels a bit uncomfortable to talk in with your dining partner, but the food is excellent none the less. ”
- “
Although the food was good, it was no better than tomoe or blue ribbon. ”
- “
We had a wonderful meal here. ”
- “
It is an expensive meal, but worth it. ”
- “
He later offered 3 pieces of "courtesy sushi" for our bad experience. ”
- “
had a fish Entree, I believe it was the Sea bass, which was yummy, and while the sushi was poor at best, the regular cuisine was decent. ”
- “
The place is real majestic & the sushi is immaculate with a great class in service. ”
- “
Everything here is done with care in this small space, from the service to food to decor to beverages (the house sake, usually a bust in other places, was terrific). ”
- “
The fish is super fresh, and the presentation of the food on the plate is a work of art. ”
- “
The food is not anything special, but it does have some interesting varieties, mostly the onlt thing that makes Jewel Bako neat is the spunky restaurant design. ”
- “
The sake list was impressive, and the sake that we finally did order was delicious. ”
- “
Jewel Bako combines over-rated food with abominable service. ”
- “
pricey food for not so pricey food ”
- “
The food is no better than Haru and their inability to honor a reservation is unacceptable. ”
- “
downtown clown of a maitre d told us we were being "upgraded to fresh wasabi" to make up for it. ”
- “
However, I must say the food was not bad at all. ”
- “
The food is absolutely splendid, presented with character and unique style, and overall, it makes for an excellent indulgence. ”
- “
Warm and knowledgeable hosts/owners present dazzling fish and delicious sakes. ”
- “
AND be wowed again and again, as we cannot get enough of jewel bako's amazing food. ”
- “
The upside of the smallish portions is that a good sake can do a better job working over one's date, and you don't leave the table w/ a food coma. ”
- “
Overall, we had a lovely dinner, but I wouldn't recommend the chef's omakase ($95), if i were to go back, I would probable get sushi omakase for $50 ”
- “
The service was incredible and the sushi was fantastic. ”
- “
On top of that, when we tried to order more food half-way through our first entree order, the waitress told us that we couldn't because they needed the table for another reservation! ”
- “
If you want disgusting, huge, fake, sushi, stay at nasty restaurants like Yama and leave the real sushi for people who understand it. ”
- “
Absolutely gorgeous jewel-box sized restaurant with wonderfully friendly service, exquisite dishes, delectable sushi. ”
- “
The sushi at Sushi Yasuda may have been a tad better (I'm basically splitting hairs), but it was one of the best meals of my life. ”
- “
That's kind of a shame since we cannot share the artistic nature of our EXPENSIVE food with our friends and our own photo records. ”
- “
As for the food, apart from the Chef's Omakase, the appetizers and rolls are just below mediocre for the price they charged. ”
- “
Wonderful meal ”
- “
very nicely done restaurant, attentive service and arguable some of the best sushi in New York definately try the O-toro - the foie gras of fish! ”
- “
Yes, it's a bit pricy, but good sushi is going to be. ”
- “
But the fish is wonderful. ”
- “
The fish was OK, but I can't believe the owners don't meet in the back room to laugh at the poor dopes up front. ”
- “
but the sushi rolls, eh -- they were not as good and not worth the money. ”
- “
Anyhow, the food was amazing, the waitress was extremely helpful with selecting sakes, and the service was impeccable. ”
- “
Fresh fish ”
- “
We've been to this restaurant several times, but on our last visit, we ate at the sushi bar, which was a great experience. ”
- “
The fish was very fresh and each piece had it's own individual taste. ”
- “
New Yorkers will not accept terrible service, snobby owners, low grade food, un-kept reservations, and doctored reviews. ”
- “
though was tempting, we declined because our meal was perfect. ”
- “
You are paying for the food, not to be part of some overpriced scene. ”
- “
The selection of fresh fish is incredible. ”
- “
We know good sushi from bad, and while the fish is extremely fresh and probably top top quality - the experience was not worth the money. ”
- “
The sushi was fresh, nothing inventive, just straight on sushi. ”
- “
The Omakase at $95 was served up with mediocre concoctions at best, the actual sushi was 100% flavorless and the sashimi (toro excepted) was at medium grade only, not what you would expect at this price point. ”
- “
The specials were incredible and the sushi- so melt in your mouth good. ”
- “
We waited for over an hour to be seated and at least another 45 minutes to get our sushi which was subpar. ”
- “
This restaurant has wonderful sushi and sashimi. ”
- “
The food, as always, is absurdly fantastic (not enough superlatives) and our favorite host/owner as gracious as ever. ”
- “
The food and service were great. ”
- “
The quality and variety of the fish are great, the place relaxing and funky, and the owners delightful. ”
- “
very friendly and accomodating atmosphere, combined with a pleasant and courteous staff (also very knowledgable with the fish cuts). ”
- “
By far the best SUSHI One could have original, fresh plated well. ”
- “
The owners were quite eager to please and the staff let us enjoy our meal at our own pace, never rushing us. ”
- “
great sushi ”
- “
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will definitely be back. ”
- “
Spending an evening at the sushi bar at this sushi haven is divine. ”
- “
They grind fresh wasabe right at your table, there is nothing like it. ”
- “
Very disappointing sushi-omakase experience ”
- “
The owners are extremely friendly and knowledgable, and the sushi chefs are amongst the most skilled I have ever seen. ”
- “
romantic dinner spot for sushi lovers. ”
- “
The toro, the uni, the yellotail, the sake, the adorable and interesting sushi chef-masa, and of course Jack! ”
- “
Having read some of the comments, I feel I have to leap to the defense of our favorite sushi restaurant. ”
- “
Dinner was expensive for 4 people, but the food, the service and the experience were unparalleled. ”
- “
went here expected great sushi and I got ripped off. ”
- “
The sushi is wonderfully fresh and absolutely the best quality. ”
- “
the service was *very* attentive, the food was fantastic, and it was well worth the (relatively large number of ) pennies thrown down. ”
- “
Excellent service, very good food! ”
- “
Jewel Bako is the best sushi experience in Manhattan, bar none. ”
- “
Way overpriced, tiny obnoxious portions, mediocre food, uninventive menu, and an overall unsatisfying experience. ”
- “
Sushi so fresh that it crunches in your mouth. ”
- “
If you want to get a great sushi dining experience, go to Nobu, Bond Street Sushi or Blue Ribbon Sushi instead, or even Tomoe. ”
- “
Of course the bill was insanely expensive, as we were just drinking nice wine while we were waiting forever for the food to come. ”
- “
used to live in Japan, and have had some pretty good raw fish, but I was blown away by the Chef's tasting plate, which includes 6 appetizers including a stunning octopus portion and some incredible sashimi. ”
- “
Expensive; pretensious and frankly the sushi is not even that good. ”
- “
Fantastic sushi for aficionados ”
- “
Sure, its not your neighbourhood fish and rice place, but if you want exceptional sushi and a creative and inventive chef, go here. ”
- “
This is the best sushi place in the city - small, friendly, relaxed. ”
- “
Jewel Bako serves the best sushi I've ever had, anywhere. ”
- “
If you want good sushi and polite service, definitely skip Jewel Bako and head to Nobu. ”
- “
They fly in the fish fresh every day, not twice a week, like most sushi places. ”
- “
The food was good, but not great. ”
- “
Although we didn't order dessert, we got complimentary lychee sorbet, which was delicious and refreshing--a perfect way to end a sushi meal. ”
- “
The owners are great, the sushi is very fresh - they have daily specials shipped in from japan - and you will always find something interesting. ”
- “
The sushi and sake selections are excellent. ”
- “
Finally I don't have to fly to LA for authentic Japanese delights! ”
- “
If you enjoy sushi, Treat yourself! ”
- “
The sushi was superb, but the hot dish appetizers were disappointing, as well as the bland desert. ”
- “
Yes, the sushi is pretty good, but dining here is so unpleasant, you won't care. ”
- “
Course after course of breathtaking, fresh fish. ”
- “
The strange and wonderful dishes are almost always GREAT. ”
- “
Unoriginal omakase, poor quality of food, especially the fish, small and limited but underwhelming sake menu. ”
- “
Jewel Bako has a LONG way to go before it can be thought of as a decent NYC eatery, if only they would place as much attention to decor as to the food, and service, they'd REALLY have something to be proud of, instead of this TOURIST TRAP. ”
- “
If you love sushi, you'll love this place. ”
- “
the service is impeccable, the food and drinks arrive at your table with precision, and the fish is tasty. ”
- “
If you're in it more for the good sushi and pleasant eating conditions, NYC's got a lot of good sushi restaurants. ”
- “
the service is EXCELLENT, the fish is impressive, and the restaurant's decor is simple, yet stunning. ”
- “
Jewel B is up there among our fave nyc sushi places (Kuruma, Yasuda, and Nobu) and its the best value of the lot. ”
- “
We also got an amazing salmon that is only available three weeks every year. ”
- “
This place makes *great* sushi and sashimi. ”
- “
the food was mediocre to be kind - the interior is small and average - the owners are a tag-team of unpleasantries - so rude and snotty i actually let out a hearty guffaw whilst dining. ”
- “
When we finished eating here the owner asked us if we would like more sushi and not even have to pay for it,. ”
|
| menu variety |
80.55999755859375% positive |
- “
They also have a very extensive sake menu. ”
- “
Pretty ambiance, nice wines by the glass and interesting sakes coupled with outstanding personal service will keep patrons coming, but for the price New York offers better Japanese options. ”
- “
The quality and variety of the fish are great, the place relaxing and funky, and the owners delightful. ”
- “
The food is not anything special, but it does have some interesting varieties, mostly the onlt thing that makes Jewel Bako neat is the spunky restaurant design. ”
- “
Their menu is definitely interesting, but once we ordered, it was another hour till the food started to arrive (with 20 minute intervals between the dishes). ”
- “
The selection of fresh fish is incredible. ”
- “
recommend the full chef's tasting menu and the sake tasting, which will run about $165 with tax and tip. ”
- “
The Omakase tasting menu was great and each item was explained to us when it was served. ”
- “
There were only three menus for the 11 of us, and the restaurant wasn't totally full which makes you kind of wonder. ”
- “
Unoriginal omakase, poor quality of food, especially the fish, small and limited but underwhelming sake menu. ”
- “
Way overpriced, tiny obnoxious portions, mediocre food, uninventive menu, and an overall unsatisfying experience. ”
- “
The sushi and sake selections are excellent. ”
|
| overall |
100.0% positive |
- “
We were told that Jewel Bako was the best place in the city, I think what he meant was that it's the best place on it's block. ”
- “
The Greatset Sushi Restaurant ever decor is very cool satff are the best this a all around good place. ”
- “
great place to take out-of-towners. ”
- “
like the place despite all of its "charms" (which obviously bother some others a little too much IMHO - if you are a spoiled patron type, you best go some place else in a fancy neighborhood). ”
- “
This is the best sushi place in the city - small, friendly, relaxed. ”
- “
Having read some of the comments, I feel I have to leap to the defense of our favorite sushi restaurant. ”
- “
The quality and variety of the fish are great, the place relaxing and funky, and the owners delightful. ”
|
| return potential |
66.66999816894531% positive |
- “
it's a bit pricey (good japanese always is), but i'd go back in a heartbeat ”
- “
Overall, we had a lovely dinner, but I wouldn't recommend the chef's omakase ($95), if i were to go back, I would probable get sushi omakase for $50 ”
- “
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will definitely be back. ”
|
| service |
71.14999771118164% positive |
- “
New Yorkers will not accept terrible service, snobby owners, low grade food, un-kept reservations, and doctored reviews. ”
- “
Jewel Bako needs to re-think, and re-staff, and start by getting a good chef, and treating your customers with a little respect. ”
- “
Excellent service, very good food! ”
- “
am always shocked when I see this restaurant listed as having some of the best customer service in guides year after year. ”
- “
the service is impeccable, the food and drinks arrive at your table with precision, and the fish is tasty. ”
- “
The service is horrible. ”
- “
Anyhow, the food was amazing, the waitress was extremely helpful with selecting sakes, and the service was impeccable. ”
- “
If you want good sushi and polite service, definitely skip Jewel Bako and head to Nobu. ”
- “
If you want disgusting, huge, fake, sushi, stay at nasty restaurants like Yama and leave the real sushi for people who understand it. ”
- “
When you spend over $100/person, that's just not acceptable service. ”
- “
On the downside, the service is a bit officious, and if you do not order alcohol, you will find a marked chilliness come over your server. ”
- “
This is the best sushi place in the city - small, friendly, relaxed. ”
- “
didn't find it rude, more stifling. ”
- “
We also had a great bottle of sake, recommended by the staff. ”
- “
The service was uptight and poor -- they actually REFUSED to honor simple requests. ”
- “
The service was incredible and the sushi was fantastic. ”
- “
What distinguishes it is the attention to detail - the use of the highest quality ingredients, the hiring of professional staff, and so on. ”
- “
The staff (almost all Japanese) was very attentive, but I felt like there're too many staffs(men in suits) hanging around in a tiny restaurant. ”
- “
The owners were quite eager to please and the staff let us enjoy our meal at our own pace, never rushing us. ”
- “
Not only was our service great, but they may have been a bit overbearing. ”
- “
Pretty ambiance, nice wines by the glass and interesting sakes coupled with outstanding personal service will keep patrons coming, but for the price New York offers better Japanese options. ”
- “
very friendly and accomodating atmosphere, combined with a pleasant and courteous staff (also very knowledgable with the fish cuts). ”
- “
Jack is a wonderful comic relief and the waitresses are highly professional and efficient. ”
- “
The pleasant, smiling hostess took our coats and we were seated right when we arrived (with no reservations mind you - although it was a Tuesday night). ”
- “
Everything here is done with care in this small space, from the service to food to decor to beverages (the house sake, usually a bust in other places, was terrific). ”
- “
Service is always attentive. ”
- “
Jewel Bako combines over-rated food with abominable service. ”
- “
The service was really great. ”
- “
Staff acted too superior and service was just simply rude. ”
- “
The service is excellent - quick, informative and very attentive. ”
- “
On top of that, when we tried to order more food half-way through our first entree order, the waitress told us that we couldn't because they needed the table for another reservation! ”
- “
recently went to Jewel Bako for a friend's birthday (11 of us) and the service was appalling. ”
- “
have to add that I am so surprised by the complaints of poor service; our server was extremely helpful, attentive, and polite. ”
- “
All form and no function can best describe the pretentious service and ridiculously small portions. ”
- “
The service was attentive, friendly, and helpful, and our waiter gave us excellent recommendations for entrees. ”
- “
the service was *very* attentive, the food was fantastic, and it was well worth the (relatively large number of ) pennies thrown down. ”
- “
From re-folding my girlfriend's napkin on the table when she left briefly, to chillng our wine in back and refilling our glasses at the right time - the service was impeccable. ”
- “
Absolutely gorgeous jewel-box sized restaurant with wonderfully friendly service, exquisite dishes, delectable sushi. ”
- “
the service was very good, although i was anticipating the worst based on the reviews i had read. ”
- “
the service is EXCELLENT, the fish is impressive, and the restaurant's decor is simple, yet stunning. ”
- “
The place is real majestic & the sushi is immaculate with a great class in service. ”
- “
Immaculate service, charming and cozy atmosphere, you can't go wrong here. ”
- “
Jewel Bako has a LONG way to go before it can be thought of as a decent NYC eatery, if only they would place as much attention to decor as to the food, and service, they'd REALLY have something to be proud of, instead of this TOURIST TRAP. ”
- “
The service was great from the time we entered the door. ”
- “
Dinner was expensive for 4 people, but the food, the service and the experience were unparalleled. ”
- “
know many others who feel just as I do about the down right lousy service, but let's face it, there are a lot of poorly run restaurants in the Big Apple. ”
- “
It is baffling that any restaurant could survive in NYC with that kind of downright bad service. ”
- “
The food and service were great. ”
- “
The owners are extremely friendly and knowledgable, and the sushi chefs are amongst the most skilled I have ever seen. ”
- “
the food was mediocre to be kind - the interior is small and average - the owners are a tag-team of unpleasantries - so rude and snotty i actually let out a hearty guffaw whilst dining. ”
- “
After waiting over an hour and a half for a reservation we were seated in a cramped table, our waiter, also the owner was extremely rude and obnoxious throughout the entire process. ”
- “
very nicely done restaurant, attentive service and arguable some of the best sushi in New York definately try the O-toro - the foie gras of fish! ”
|
| value |
40.73999881744385% positive |
- “
It is an expensive meal, but worth it. ”
- “
If you want big portions, go to Tomoe. ”
- “
If you want disgusting, huge, fake, sushi, stay at nasty restaurants like Yama and leave the real sushi for people who understand it. ”
- “
We have eaten many times at the restaurant and never had a bad experience, and would rate the restaurant as being the equal of some that are much more expensive. ”
- “
Jewel B is up there among our fave nyc sushi places (Kuruma, Yasuda, and Nobu) and its the best value of the lot. ”
- “
the service was *very* attentive, the food was fantastic, and it was well worth the (relatively large number of ) pennies thrown down. ”
- “
There are plenty of excellent japanese resturants in NYC, don't waste your time or money at Jewel Bako. ”
- “
Pretty ambiance, nice wines by the glass and interesting sakes coupled with outstanding personal service will keep patrons coming, but for the price New York offers better Japanese options. ”
- “
Of course the bill was insanely expensive, as we were just drinking nice wine while we were waiting forever for the food to come. ”
- “
bad attitude, too expensive and what's the hype? ”
- “
All form and no function can best describe the pretentious service and ridiculously small portions. ”
- “
But if you look @ the beautiful displays, its worth it. ”
- “
this place is overrated and overpriced. ”
- “
pricey food for not so pricey food ”
- “
Teenie weenie overpriced appetizers were served at an agonizingly slow pace, one at a time 30 minutes between each. ”
- “
We know good sushi from bad, and while the fish is extremely fresh and probably top top quality - the experience was not worth the money. ”
- “
the tuna sashimi was supremely good and worth every penny. ”
- “
The upside of the smallish portions is that a good sake can do a better job working over one's date, and you don't leave the table w/ a food coma. ”
- “
Dinner was expensive for 4 people, but the food, the service and the experience were unparalleled. ”
- “
The Omakase at $95 was served up with mediocre concoctions at best, the actual sushi was 100% flavorless and the sashimi (toro excepted) was at medium grade only, not what you would expect at this price point. ”
- “
Way overpriced, tiny obnoxious portions, mediocre food, uninventive menu, and an overall unsatisfying experience. ”
- “
it's a bit pricey (good japanese always is), but i'd go back in a heartbeat ”
- “
This is an expensive restaurant - make no mistake - but well worth the cost. ”
- “
You are paying for the food, not to be part of some overpriced scene. ”
- “
but the sushi rolls, eh -- they were not as good and not worth the money. ”
- “
With the omakase you get a very generous plate full. ”
- “
As for the food, apart from the Chef's Omakase, the appetizers and rolls are just below mediocre for the price they charged. ”
|
| wait time |
40.0% positive |
- “
Their menu is definitely interesting, but once we ordered, it was another hour till the food started to arrive (with 20 minute intervals between the dishes). ”
- “
Teenie weenie overpriced appetizers were served at an agonizingly slow pace, one at a time 30 minutes between each. ”
- “
The service is excellent - quick, informative and very attentive. ”
- “
Yes the wait is dreafully long, the place feels a bit uncomfortable to talk in with your dining partner, but the food is excellent none the less. ”
- “
We waited for over an hour to be seated and at least another 45 minutes to get our sushi which was subpar. ”
|
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