Given the dearth of Japanese food up here in upper Washington Heights, Sushi Yu II is better than it has to be. It's affordable, decent portions, it's tasty, with enough variety to satisfy the yen for Japanese, hence making it essential to the neighborhood. Their Agedashi Tofu is actually some of the best I've had of this perennial fav. The tonkashu is hot, crunchy, and plentiful. The rolls are yummy. Haven't tried the sashimi, though the simple sushi fare is acceptable. The atmosphere is nice, just slightly better than the average Chinese run Japanese place littering the Upper West Side. The green tea is well steeped without being too gritty and the service is good. The flat screen TV above the sushi bar showing silent scenes from Hawaii somehow passes for tasteful, instead of cheesy or wrong. I can't give this 4 stars in good conscience, but it deserves a good 3 plus; though, if this neighborhood has a handicap, it would get a 4.
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