4.5 stars
The hunt for a new sushi place to call home took us to Etsu for Sunday night dinner. We were really impressed.
Our kimono-clad server was attentive, polite, friendly and even humored my SO as he practiced his Japanese on her. Our food came quickly, and was warm and delicious.
I had Vegetable Udon Soup which was pretty standard but good. my SO had Chicken Katsu Don which he enjoyed. We split an unassuming Hamachi Roll and his more ostentatious cousin, the Volcano Roll. (someone else has already shared a photo of it). The waitress actually giggled when she saw our expression.
The atmosphere and little details definitely receive bonus points. Nice, comfortable, clean with stylish tables and chairs. Finally NON-DISPOSABLE actual chopsticks (!!!!!) and little chopstick holders. Our table had little flower ohashi-oki's, the table next to us had little cranes. Solid, large tea cups with constant refills. Quality dishware.
Extra Bonus points for fun Japanese toilets, enormous Sushi Boats, and hand cream and mouthwash in the washrooms. Constant tea refills, good service, good food.
Definitely elevated to go-to status. Yes our meal was $10 more than we used to pay, but it is well worth it. If you can make it here during lunch, the lunch specials were much better than anything in the Y&B neighborhood.
Too cold at the moment, but there is a cute patio.