U presents a non-traditional approach to Japanese fine dining. Omakase’s literal translation is “I leave it up to you” — from the moment you arrive, you’ll enjoy a curated experience from veteran sushi masters.

The meal is made up of 12 courses, sourcing only what is fresh, seasonal and delicious that day. This experience is meant to be social, sensory, surprising and most of all - fun!

We look forward to welcoming U!

Luis Durand (Owner, Chef de Cuisine) was born in Asuncion, Paraguay and moved to the US at the age of 9. From a young age, Luis became his family's official translator, seamlessly traversing the many cultures of Woodside, Queens. 

In his early twenties, Luis suffered an accident that left him bed-ridden for a year and caused significant weight gain. He met Yasu, an award-winning Japanese chef while working for the Health Department and at Yasu's insistence, shifted his diet in favor of vegetables and raw fish. A decades-long friendship and obsession with sushi was born, also infecting Luis' teenage son, Jake, who from the age of three could taste the difference between salmon and king salmon.

Luis attended the Culinary Institute and is passionate about creating flavors that surprise and delight, blending Japanese, French and Latin American influences. He has become known by local chefs as “the sauce guy”, spending hours each week preparing sauces, oils and glazes to bring fresh fish to life.

Prior to U, Luis worked for decades as a contractor and interior designer. He met his wife, Kate, while building her yoga studio's Greenpoint location. Together they have two sons who love to eat.