Yuu

The story

Yuu in New York City – Michelin-Starred Japanese-French Cuisine in Brooklyn

A Single, Deliberate Choice

Chef and owner Yuu Shimano is clear about his path: “Not sushi, not kaiseki — I chose French cuisine, and I chose New York.” At Restaurant Yuu in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, that conviction shapes every dish. His approach is to express French cuisine entirely through a Japanese lens, layering classical technique with the rhythm of Japan’s four seasons, exceptional fish and produce, and an aesthetic rooted in wabi-sabi — the beauty of restraint and quiet attention.

The eighteen-seat counter-dining room is intimate, every seat offering a front-row view of the chefs at work. The evening unfolds as both theater and feast, with a progression of courses that reflect the finest seasonal ingredients available. The tasting menu is priced at $300, with wine and sake pairings curated to complement each course.

Recognition and Philosophy

Yuu has earned a Michelin star and been named a Best New Restaurant, with a place on the OAD Top Restaurants list. The Michelin Guide notes that “classic French training and Japanese heritage translates to beauty and boldness on the plate.” Chef Shimano’s philosophy — that French cooking, expressed through a Japanese spirit, can offer something found nowhere else — is the foundation of the experience.

The restaurant’s Japanese cuisine sensibility is present in every detail, from the ingredient sourcing to the plating. Each dish carries the changing of seasons and a deep respect for simplicity. The space itself, in the heart of Greenpoint, reflects this ethos: understated, precise, and welcoming.

Practical Notes

Due to the fixed menu’s nature, certain dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated, including gluten-free, lactose-free, allium-free, vegetarian, and vegan requests. Advance notice is required for any modifications. The menu is served Tuesday through Saturday at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM seatings.