Harvey Nichols,
107-111 Briggate,
Leeds,
LS1 6AZ
(0113) 245 0612
The ViewLeeds Review
YO! Sushi is an exciting alternative to Harvey Nichols’ 4th floor restaurant. It’s certainly more reasonable.
The Venue
YO! Sushi sits in the corner of the fourth floor of Harvey Nichols near the food market and this is the perfect place for it. A conveyor belt of sushi whirrs round and round, mesmerising the wealthy and the wannabes into having a quick lunch before fluttering away all their cash on a new Gucci bag.
It’s small so it fills up quickly. This at least gives the place a buzz, and it's always exciting seeing food on a conveyor belt. The interior is modern and slick and somewhat scary to a lot of folk.
However, if you're a regular it can look a bit old hat, and if you're lucky enough to have visited Japan you'll find it ridiculously overpriced. Lime green and white walls emphasise YO! Sushi’s fresh approach and dedication to cool.
The People
There always seems to be a queue outside, as wealthy mothers pay for preening daughters after their afternoon shopping spree. Cool yoof congregate on the high stools emitting a 'aren't we stylish?' vibe.
It’s a popular spot to impress a business client, so prepare to queue if your lunch break is the same as everyone else's in Leeds. The atmosphere is good at busy times - sushi gets people chit-chatting because it’s impossible not to be intrigued.
The staff go some way to adding to the theatre of things, but are mostly quiet and unobtrusive. You can't book so you may have to wait in a long line on a Saturday lunchtime.
The Food
This place works like a popular Japanese keiten sushi restaurant, which is basically where the food goes round on a conveyor belt and you grab it as it goes past. You eat from colour-coded plates and at the end of it all the staff count up how greedy or cautious you have been and hit you with the bill.
It sounds simple but exciting, and yes, it can be. However, with some dishes on the conveyor belt and the rest ordered separately, things can get complicated. You'll often spot dads trying to work out what the hell is in front of them while keeping an eye on how much everyone is spending.
Sushi (two piece prawn for £3.20, salmon for £2.20) is OK, the rice can be a bit hard and cold at times but it’s on the belt so you have to try it, don’t you? The sashimi (tuna is £3.70, yellowtail is £5) is more successful and a little more expensive, great washed down with delicious miso soup (£1.75).
California-style rolls (California roll is £2.70, cucumber is £1.70) are nothing to get excited about but are a cheap way to get a taste of all that’s on offer. Tofu is also on the belt, as well as some salads such as crayfish salad at £3.70. There’s even dessert, with the Japanese mochi (£2.70) for the adventurous and white chocolate and toffee cake (£3.70) for those with a sweet tooth.
You'll find two types of diners at YO! Sushi. Those who throw caution to the wind and go for everything they fancy and those who carefully pick and choose from the extensive menu. The first way is the most enjoyable but be prepared for it to get pricey.
The Drink
The drinks list is small and that suits this restaurant down to the ground. There’s enough decisions to be made at the conveyor belt without having to mull over a 20-page wine list.
There's Japanese beer such as Asahi Super Dry (£3.35) and Sapporo (£6 for a large), both delicious with the fish. You can try Japanese sake (£3.50) too, which also complements the sushi superbly, but be careful, this stuff is potent.
A compact wine list (six bottles) covers Europe, Africa and Australia (average £14 a bottle, £5 a glass). You can get unlimited water and green tea once you've paid a £1 charge. Other soft drinks include fruit juices (£2.30) and fizzy drinks (£1.50).
The Last Word
YO! Sushi is exciting if it’s your first time dipping into this wonderful world of Japanese sushi. However, it's somewhat style over substance here, with the shoppers at Harvey Nichols fuelling the fire.
YO! Sushi has been reviewed by 1 users