We’re no fans of production-line meals, especially when it comes to sushi (we’re talking about you, flavorless, pre-packaged rolls at the grocery store). But conveyor belts? That’s a different story, thanks to YO! Sushi.
A huge fish FORCE in the U.K.—they served 6 million customers last year alone—YO! Sushi is on a, ahem, roll, in spreading that success stateside with the opening of its first New Jersey location at the Garden State Plaza Mall (a second outpost, at Short Hills Mall, opens later this year).
YO!’s concept is as simple as an tuna-avocado roll: “Fast, Fun, and Fresh Japanese food.” Part of that fun includes YO!’s trademark conveyor belt, which moves up to 674 plates—up to 80 different dishes—by each table, allowing diners to pick and choose their favorites. Each dish is color-coded (seven colors, seven prices, ranging from $3 to $7 each) and time-stamped to guarantee nothing is left out too long.
Jamie Liddell, YO!’s Business Development Chef, told us the focus is on the food and the service. “We want people to have a great environment as well. The lights, music and décor coupled with quality food is what makes us unique.”
We tried the Yellow Tail Yuzu ($6)—four slices of thinly sliced yellowtail with a spicy citrus sauce. In a word, spectacular, and the sauce was a perfect compliment to the fish. We also plucked a Blossom Roll ($5)—four pieces of crunchy shrimp roll topped with spicy tuna and a sweet, sticky, soy glaze. I thought it was excellent, and was instant proof that Yo! isn’t kidding when it says it uses only the freshest ingredients.
The vibe is equally fresh, with lively music pumping and tables full of families and, from what we could tell, real sushi lovers, which is a good sign for judging a sushi joint’s authenticity. It’s a spot we’ll definitely hit again.
Carla Sullivan is the dining editor for Bergen Mama and the founder of nyc dining resource MiniMunchers.com, she resides in Ridgewood with her husband and 3 kids.
YO! Sushi
Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall (near the carousel)
Official Website
Open Monday-Saturday 11am – 10pm, Sundays 11am to 8pm
(no liquor license)
