LINN Restaurant is Closed!

This was the website for Linn, a minimalist, modern sushi & Japanese eatery that displays works by local artists on the walls. According to Yelp, the restaurant is permanently closed. By reading Yelp reviews from 2008 -2014 you can watch the quality of the restaurant start to slip dramatically once the head chef, Chef Tanaka Shigenori left. Sad.

 

LINN Japanese Restaurant gives a modern and contemporary eating experience in the heart of Astoria, NY. The Head Chef Tanaka Shigenori, formerly from MASA Japanese Restaurant in Manhattan, is a culinary artist when it comes to the art of sushi making.

The crescent-shaped walnut sushi bar give us the opportunity to have the viewing pleasure of watching him create sushi masterpieces with his delicate but quick knife skills. The food is traditional Japanese with a "modern French twist." The walls are left bare to be filled with the artwork of potential and hopeful up and coming artists of the neighborhood.

Music as well as audio/visual pieces are available as entertainment in order to complete the dining experience. The wait staff are friendly and eager to please and the chef himself is a very delightful host and open to communication.

The candlelit space emanates a "zen" and " peaceful" feeling that is reflected in the simplicity and delicacy of the food.

 

 

Typical Yelp Reviews from 2008-2014

6/15/2014 Updated review
Anna H.
Dumbo, NY
2.0 star rating
Update of original 9/9/2013 post.
I am sad to say that the chef at Linn left.
We first noticed that all the art is all gone, the space looked bland. It wouldn't have been so bad, but the walls were not repainted and were marked up.
My boyfriend and went last week and were very unhappy with our meals. We ordered from the menu and both received meals that were not what was described. They had some similarities, but were not what we thought we were ordering.
The prices have gone up too, I would not mind that if the food was on the same level as it once was.
Time to find a new favorite sushi place.

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6/3/2014   Updated review
Trang L.
San Francisco, CA
1.0 star rating

 

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3/2/2014
Esther S.
Manhattan, NY
4.0 star rating
Clean and modern Japanese gallery/food lounge.
Apparently there is live music from 8-10pm but I wasn't there in time to check it out.
The sushi is authentic and the kara age chicken is deliciously seasoned and fried. I also had the miso ramen which was equally satisfactory.
I was quite surprised with the quality of food here as I've been to other sushi joints in Astoria that are takeout standard in my opinion. So after doing some research, I found that Chef Tanaka Shigenori worked at Masa and Morimoto before opening this establishment.
Will definitely be back to try more of the items on the menu.

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4/25/2012
Arden R.
Manhattan, NY
4.0 star rating
Linn is the best sushi restaurant in Astoria.  I have tried their omakase, sushi deluxe, orange clams, and oysters on numerous occasions and find it to be consistently great.  I have also tried many different sushi restaurants in Astoria, but Linn in my opinion is the only genuine sushi establishment here.  I feel people who thinks Watawa or JJ's is amazing is only settling for a distant second.   My only complaint is that the wait staff need to polish up on their English.

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11/13/2011
Meg S.
Astoria, NY
4.0 star rating
Exactly what Astoria needed. Funky, quirky menu. Pork belly was to die for. Dumplings were fantastic. Sushi was fresh and high quality. atmosphere makes you feel like you're in Chelsea. But more genuine. Great date spot.

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9/13/2009
Amy C.
Queens, NY
5.0 star rating
The service is great.  The waitress that attended us was really nice and helpful.  After coming back from Japan, I wanted to find a REAL Japanese restaurant. (Especially after trying most of the japanese restaurants on Broadway, that aren't authentic)  I'm telling you this is as close as it gets.  It truly is authentic.
I love this place.

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rating 10/21/2008
Joanna W.
Manhasset, NY
5.0 star
I've only been there for dinner but here are my faves:
1. Yellowtail salt cheek.  Perfectly moist, flavorful and delicious.  My 14-month-old daughter loves it too!
2. Spicy yellowtail.  Divine.
3. Salmon and toro sashimi.  Some of the freshest you'll ever find.
4. Kara-Age.  There's something about this classic fried chicken appetizer here...it's not oily.
5. Shumai - NOT your typical frozen kind.
6. Shira Tama dessert.  I would have it as part of my last meal.  OMG.  I heard the Green Tea pudding was also amazing but they didn't have it the last time I was there.
Looking forward to going there again this weekend.
BTW, Take out is great too!!

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More Background on LinnRestaurant.com

Linn Japanese Restaurant was a distinguished dining venue in Astoria, New York, known for blending traditional Japanese cuisine with modern aesthetics. This sushi-centric eatery stood out for its minimalist design, showcasing local artists’ work, and for offering an intimate and upscale dining experience. Headed by Chef Shigenori Tanaka, the restaurant earned a loyal customer base during its early years but ultimately saw a decline, resulting in its closure.

Chef Shigenori Tanaka: The Creative Force

At the heart of Linn's early success was Chef Shigenori Tanaka, who had previously worked at MASA, one of New York’s most prestigious sushi restaurants. His background in high-end Japanese cuisine brought credibility and a sense of artistry to Linn, particularly with dishes like omakase and sushi deluxe, which became favorites among the restaurant's patrons. Chef Tanaka's departure significantly impacted the quality of food and the overall dining experience. According to diners, his absence led to a noticeable decline in food presentation and flavor.

The Menu: Japanese Cuisine with a Twist

Linn's menu offered a broad range of traditional Japanese dishes with unique French influences. Sushi was the central attraction, with customers praising the freshness and quality of the fish. Popular dishes included kara age chicken, omakase (chef’s choice sushi), orange clams, and oysters. Regulars appreciated the delicate balance of flavors and the sophisticated yet simple presentations that emphasized authenticity.

Customers who frequented Linn praised its ability to offer a true Japanese dining experience outside of Manhattan, something rare in Astoria at the time. The restaurant aimed to compete with higher-end Japanese venues in Manhattan, using fresh, high-quality ingredients, much of it directly influenced by Tanaka's earlier work at MASA. Linn became known for its minimalist approach to food, letting the quality of ingredients speak for themselves without overcomplicating the dishes.

Unique Ambiance: More than Just a Restaurant

The atmosphere at Linn was another key feature of its charm. The restaurant’s interior design was inspired by Japanese minimalism, featuring bare walls that were periodically adorned with local art from Astoria’s up-and-coming artists. This rotating gallery gave the restaurant a sense of being part of the local creative community, further establishing its identity as a neighborhood favorite. The design philosophy also extended to the sushi bar, where diners could watch the chefs create sushi masterpieces with deft knife skills.

The ambiance was consistently described as calming and peaceful, with dim lighting and a zen-like vibe. Music performances occasionally took place in the restaurant, enhancing its cultural atmosphere. Together with the art displays, this combination of food, music, and art made Linn a sought-after dining destination for both locals and visitors.

Press Coverage and Reception

During its early years, Linn Japanese Restaurant received praise from various local food critics and dining blogs. Many reviews highlighted its balance of modern and traditional Japanese cuisine. Its reputation spread beyond Astoria, with foodies traveling to experience what was hailed as one of the best sushi spots in Queens. Reviewers from platforms like Yelp noted the restaurant’s consistency and Chef Tanaka’s expertise.

However, after Tanaka’s departure, reviews took a sharp downturn. Criticism emerged regarding the decline in food quality, service, and ambiance. Some reviews even called for the restaurant to change its name, as they felt that the current iteration did not live up to the original standards set by Tanaka.

Audience: Who Dined at Linn?

Linn's clientele was a mix of locals from the Astoria neighborhood and food enthusiasts from across New York City. The restaurant became especially popular among sushi lovers looking for an authentic experience outside of Manhattan. Additionally, the integration of local artists' works attracted a younger, more creative crowd, who appreciated the fusion of dining and artistic expression. Couples often visited Linn for romantic dinners due to its intimate setting, while larger groups came for special occasions, drawn by its calming ambiance and premium dishes.

Cultural and Social Significance

Linn Japanese Restaurant stood out not only for its cuisine but also for its role as a cultural hub in Astoria. By displaying works from local artists, it played a part in fostering the creative community in Queens. The restaurant embodied the ethos of blending food, art, and culture, making it a place where people could not only enjoy excellent sushi but also engage with the local arts scene.

This blend of culinary and artistic expression was rare in Astoria at the time and made Linn a popular spot for both casual diners and art enthusiasts alike. Its presence added to the evolving food scene in Queens, contributing to the perception that quality dining was no longer limited to Manhattan.

Decline and Closure

Linn’s trajectory took a significant turn after Chef Tanaka’s departure, which, according to numerous reviews, marked the beginning of its decline. Once hailed as the best sushi in Astoria, the restaurant faced growing criticism over the quality of its dishes, the disappearance of its art displays, and poor service. Long-time customers voiced their dissatisfaction, noting the inconsistency in food quality, incorrect orders, and a drop in the restaurant's ambiance. Reviews on platforms like Yelp were rife with disappointment, with many diners lamenting the loss of their once-favorite sushi spot.

The restaurant eventually closed its doors, with many attributing its downfall to the loss of its head chef and the resulting shift in quality. It serves as a reminder of how essential leadership and consistent quality are to maintaining the success of a dining establishment.

 

Linn Japanese Restaurant was once a shining example of high-quality Japanese cuisine in Astoria, driven by the vision and talent of Chef Shigenori Tanaka. Its unique combination of sushi artistry, minimalist design, and support for local artists made it a beloved part of the Astoria dining scene. While its eventual decline and closure were unfortunate, Linn’s early years remain fondly remembered by those who experienced its high standards of food and atmosphere.