Location: 237 Dyckman Street

Hours: Noon – Midnight 7 days a week.

Mamasushi.com

Tucked on the corner of Dyckman and Seaman Street, is the new Latin/Asian (Japanese) fusion restaurant, Mama Sushi.

A growing restaurant strip west of Broadway on Dyckman Street is beginning to mirror restaurant strips in other parts of the city; Madison Avenue, Chelsea and Tribeca to name a few.

Being a native of the neighborhood, a sushi establishment is something I would’ve never thought of laying its roots here. But with the effects of gentrification and new cultures calling Inwood home, everything from Indian, Arabic, and Asian inspired restaurants have opened for business.

The birth of new restaurants every year and the influx of young professionals into this Upper Manhattan area has really made Wahi/Inwood an up and coming neighborhood for both New Yorkers and entrepreneurs in the restaurant/service industry.

When I walked into Mama Sushi, I was pleasantly surprised that it was so quiet and cozy. The hallways were narrow and the place wasn’t necessarily as wide as neighboring restaurants in Mamajuana and Ilsole. I found that to be very comforting. Although, I did feel a bit boxed in with the narrow hallway as I sat there with a friend. Leg room wasn’t quite as considered, but I wasn’t on an airplane, I was in a restaurant.

The insertion of classic Dominican food fixtures such as sweet plantains, salami, and crispy white cheese (Queso Tropical) definitely make Mama Sushi one of a kind. Tasty drinks from Mojito’s to the landmark Japanese beer, Sapporo, which goes great with sushi, shows their was definitely effort in developing the menu.

Where Mama Sushi leaves some to be desired are in the areas of service and price. The waiter’s/waitresses are extremely attentive, but seem to have minor knowledge in the area of sushi. Instead, they rely on their knowledge of traditional Latin cuisine. This makes for a difficult beginning for a rookie trying sushi at the restaurant.

In relation to price, when looking at the menu, you notice that Mama Sushi is more expensive than some top notch sushi eateries of its kind in downtown Manhattan. Considering the average income of the neighborhood being 30k, you wonder if this restaurant will survive despite the continuous influx of young professionals.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I award Mama Sushi a five for food, a three for service and affordability.

Critics Pick: The “Mamasushi” – a mixture of chicken tempura, bacon, cream cheese, lettuce and sweet plantain.

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