Haru Sushi Breathes New Life Into Times Square
When you are a native New Yorker and have been around so many areas of New York City, you start to become familiar with what each area has to offer, one in particular being food. Seeing as Times Square has turned itself into the number one tourist hot spot with national chains taking over what used to be a really cool and hip area back in the day, it is hard to find anything unique and tasty in a sea of Red Lobster & Olive Garden type establishments. That point was proven to be false when I took myself and my friend to Haru Sushi’s flagship location in the heart of Times Square, located on West 43rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. Times Square itself doesn’t have many locations devoted to all things sushi, so when I got word that this brand new location was opening up, my taste buds and general excitement took itself there on Thursday night to see if the food, decor and service was worth the walk through the battlegrounds of TS.
I have to say that overall I was quite impressed by what Haru Sushi had to offer. Even though it was in the midst of Times Square appropriate, it wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded to the point where you felt claustrophobic while you were downing your third piece of California Roll. Matter of fact, it was quite roomy and spacious allowing it to be a great place to go after work or if you are visiting a nice place to bring your friends and family. Located right when you walk into Haru Sushi you will find a large bar, serving top of the line alcohol and mixed drinks which bodes well for the bar type person who just wants the delectable after work cocktail. I absolutely loved the way the unique blend of greys, yellows and blues really adorn itself throughout the establishment and give Haru Sushi a quite warm environment upon entry. This is quite inviting especially with the cold weather that we have been having lately.
Now onto the food of course! Haru Sushi is known for its sushi of course, but there are other options that I would definitely recommend anyone trying. So let’s hypothetically say that you are going with a friend and want to do the following- two appetizers, two sushi rolls and one dessert per. This is what I would recommend. For appetizers, I would go with the Beef Negimaki, which is grilled slice beef with a scallion roll. The other that I would recommend is their Lobster Gyoza with a side of soy sauce. Both have great flavor and texture and are the perfect bite to start your meal off perfectly. Now onto the rolls. If there were two I would severely recommend in the Special Roll option of Haru Sushi’s menu it would be the Perfect Fantasy Roll, which is Avocado-Wrapped Shrimp Tempura and Asparagus with Spicy Mayo. The other would be their Rainbow Roll, consisting of Shrimp, Striped Bass, Yellowtail, Tuna and Salmon wrapped around Kani & Avocado (Both are pictured in this article). Spectacularly delicious in many different ways for both and have a great price point for what they are serving you (Under $20 for each. Pretty good deal). If I were to recommend a third it would be on their specials menu and called the Shogatsu. The Shogatsu features Tuna, salmon and albacore tuna-wrapped spicy snow crab and asparagus roll, topped with cilantro, mango, strawberry, tobiko and wasabi tobiko sauce. Complex flavors but they blend really together into one really delicious bite. To end things, why not try their Mochi Green Tea Ice Cream, adorned in whipped cream and chocolate sauce? A great way to end a perfect meal.
Overall I would give Haru Sushi a high rating for sophistication, taste and overall appeal of the location itself. Even if you are a Times Square hater, I would highly recommend trying this place during the winter season and beyond as you will leave feeling full and happy. For more information about the Times Square location as well as the others they have plastered throughout the New York City area, log on to their official website.
Haru Sushi: Times Square
229 West 43rd Street
212-398-9810