When I eat here, I feel like I'm buying into a lifestyle concept, like I'm eating at the J. Crew of sushi. It's good, but I'm paying more for the idea of eating sushi at Haru, rather than eating good sushi. The preparation and quality of the sushi is good, but nothing different than my favorite sushi joint, which is considerably better priced. I find them to be quite expensive for their cuts and portions of the rolls. This is not Nobu we're talking about.
So I wonder what the buzz is about for Haru, given I pass by constant lines waiting for a table outside. I suppose it has to do with being the first "restaurant", rather than a sushi "joint", to come to the area, hence the ever-lasting perception that this is the place to go for sushi. I disagree with the idea that it's a romantic restaurant, because it's not. Although the decor is very nice, it doesn't excuse the fact that you're shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors, and people watch you like vultures for your table to be ready upon your last bite.
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