Discover Shion 69 Leonard Street - A Sushi Lover's Sanctuary in Manhattan New York City New York USA

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan's vibrant culinary scene, Shion 69 Leonard Street offers an authentic and refined Edomae-style sushi experience that captures the essence of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. This intimate restaurant, with only eight seats at its sleek counter, is a mecca for sushi aficionados seeking a serene and immersive dining journey in New York City.

An Unparalleled Omakase Experience

At Shion, Chef Shion personally crafts each dish with precise attention to detail, presenting a seamless omakase tasting menu that celebrates the purity of sushi. Guests are treated to a sequence of unique otsumami (starters) and expertly prepared nigiri, highlighting exceptional seafood including rare uni varieties sourced from the chef’s hometown of Kumamoto. The shari rice is perfectly balanced in texture and flavor, enhancing each nigiri’s subtle nuances.

Particularly notable is the temaki hand roll, which features a luscious fatty tuna mince complemented by finely chopped raw onion—a balance of flavors that many guests rank among New York's best. The dining experience is elevated by a tranquil ambiance underscored with soft piano jazz, designed for those who appreciate sushi mastery without distraction.

What Makes Shion Stand Out

Authentic Edomae sushi prepared by Chef Shion with meticulous skill.
Intimate counter seating for a personalized dining experience.
Meticulously sourced seafood including unique uni tastings.
Serene ambiance with subtle piano jazz to enhance your meal.
Reservations required due to limited seating for a truly exclusive experience.

FAQs About Shion 69 Leonard Street

What is the price of the omakase menu at Shion 69 Leonard Street? The omakase menu is priced at $420 per person.
Is there a dress code at Shion 69 Leonard Street? While there isn't a strict dress code, it's recommended to dress smart-casual to match the restaurant's refined atmosphere.
How long does the omakase experience last? The omakase experience typically lasts about two and a half hours.
Is parking available at Shion 69 Leonard Street? Parking is limited in the area. It's advisable to use public transportation or consider nearby parking garages.
Can I make a reservation for a large group? The restaurant has limited seating with only eight seats at the counter, so reservations are typically for smaller parties.

Community Sentiment And Experience

Patrons consistently praise Shion 69 Leonard Street for its unwavering dedication to sushi perfection. The fresh and high-quality seafood, the chef’s solo craftsmanship, and the thoughtfully curated courses stand as highlights. While the pricing is premium, guests affirm that this exquisite experience is worth every dollar, especially for marking special milestones or intimate occasions. The atmosphere is deliberately understated — favoring pure culinary artistry over trendy vibes — making it a sanctuary for those who truly *value* authentic sushi mastery.

A refined journey through Shion 69 Leonard Street's sushi heritage in New York City.

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan at 69 Leonard Street, Shion 69 Leonard Street stands as a beacon of traditional Japanese sushi artistry. Led by the talented Chef Shion Uino, this intimate restaurant offers an exclusive omakase dining experience that has captivated New York City's discerning food lovers.

Origins and Chef's journey

Chef Shion Uino began his acclaimed tenure at Sushi Amane in 2017, where he honed the precise techniques and mastery of Edomae-style sushi. Inspired by his hometown of Amakusa in Japan, Chef Uino’s approach reflects a deep respect for authentic flavors and meticulous preparation, setting the stage for a distinctive culinary journey in New York.

Establishment of Shion 69 Leonard Street

In 2020, Chef Uino launched Shion 69 Leonard Street, bringing an unparalleled traditional Edomae sushi experience to New York City. The restaurant’s intimate 12-seat counter allows diners to witness the chef’s craftsmanship firsthand, emphasizing purity of flavor and impeccable sourcing of seafood directly from Japan. This dedication to tradition and quality quickly distinguished Shion in the bustling NYC sushi scene.

Recognition and acclaim

2022 marked a milestone year for Shion 69 Leonard Street as it earned a coveted Michelin Guide recommendation.

This accolade recognizes not only the exceptional quality and authenticity of the sushi but also the serene and focused ambiance that complements the dining experience. Here, guests can indulge in a menu that celebrates the purest flavors of Japan, free from gimmicks or trends, making it a haven for true sushi enthusiasts.

What makes Shion exceptional

At Shion 69 Leonard Street, every dish is a testament to Chef Shion Uino's dedication to craftsmanship. Seafood is sourced meticulously from Japan, including rare offerings from his hometown of Amakusa. Diners can expect exquisite starters, or otsumami, followed by perfectly balanced nigiri with exceptional texture and taste. Signature items like the temaki hand roll with fatty tuna and chopped raw onion reveal the innovative touches within a traditional framework.

Authentic Edomae-style sushi with seafood sourced directly from Japan.
Intimate 12-seat counter that offers a front-row view of the chef’s skillful preparation.
Traditional yet innovative dishes such as the renowned temaki hand roll packed with fatty tuna and balanced with raw onion.

Far from being a trendy spot, Shion 69 Leonard Street invites sushi aficionados to immerse themselves in an authentic and pure culinary experience marked by quality, respect for tradition, and an ambiance that allows the food to shine. For those seeking the pinnacle of Edomae sushi in New York City, Shion is a destination worth savoring.

Shion 69 Leonard Street: A refined sushi experience in Manhattan's heart New York City

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Manhattan, Shion 69 Leonard Street offers a highly authentic Edomae-style sushi experience that stands out for its dedication to tradition and quality. This refined Japanese establishment is renowned for its exclusive eight-seat counter, providing an intimate and immersive dining environment where guests can witness Chef Shion Uino's masterful craftsmanship firsthand.

culinary excellence and authentic craftsmanship

At Shion, the spotlight is on genuine Edomae sushi artistry. Chef Shion sources the freshest seafood directly from Japan, including specialties from his hometown Kumamoto, ensuring each dish bursts with seasonally inspired flavors. The meticulous preparation and artistic presentation elevate every bite into a celebration of texture and taste — from the perfectly textured shari rice to standout pieces like the aji and kohada nigiri, as well as the exceptional temaki hand rolls featuring a unique blend of fatty tuna and chopped raw onion that balances richness with bright crispness. Accompanying the nigiri are a series of memorable otsumami starters, each thoughtfully crafted and richly flavorful, including the highly praised uni tastings served at the meal’s prime moments rather than the end.

intimate setting with a serious vibe

With seating limited to just eight guests at the sushi counter, Shion offers an intimate dining experience that fosters a close connection between diners and the chef. This exclusivity is a key part of its charm, allowing patrons to engage with Shion's culinary narrative as he explains each dish. However, the quiet and serious atmosphere, paired with the minimalist setting and subtle piano jazz, may not appeal to those seeking a lively or casual dining environment. The restaurant’s focus is firmly on the pursuit of sushi perfection rather than creating a bustling social vibe.

considerations for visitors

Potential diners should be aware that Shion's omakase experience comes at a premium price point — approximately $420 per person — reflecting the quality of ingredients and Chef Shion's expert skill. Due to the limited seating and high demand, reservations must be made well in advance to secure a spot. Some guests have noted that additional charges, such as for the uni tasting, can add to the overall cost. Additionally, the service style is professional and efficient but can sometimes feel somewhat impersonal, a factor to consider for those who prefer a more casual or interactive hospitality approach.

Pros: Authentic Edomae-style sushi with fresh, high-quality seafood sourced from Japan, prepared with meticulous care and artistic presentation by Chef Shion Uino in an intimate eight-seat counter setting.
Cons: High price point with omakase priced around $420 per person, limited seating requiring advance reservations, a quiet and serious atmosphere that may not suit all diners, extra charges for add-ons like uni tasting, and service that can feel impersonal to some guests.

4.5

69 Leonard St, New York, NY 10013, USA

(212) 404-4600

Closed - Opens 6:00 PM

Monday

18:00–23:00

Tuesday

18:00–23:00

Wednesday

18:00–23:00

Thursday

18:00–23:00