My husband, parents and I went there this past weekend. We've gone there several times over the years - I know the owners very well and I have nothing but the best things to say about their entire family, their food, or the atmosphere of their restaurant.
Obviously, I'm not alone - in 2008 Mari's was voted "Best Sushi" in the Metroland with the following statement:
Last year’s winner for Best Japanese is now this year’s winner for Best Sushi. Twenty-three years of artistry by the assured (should be insured) hands of sushi chef Jiro Omiya add up to exactly what it’s meant to be—simple, fresh and consistent. Rolls, sushi and sashimi are traditional, and the presentation is tastefully minimal, letting the banquet before you speak for itself. Try a Dragon Roll, a Union, or a refreshing Salad Roll, just to name a few. If it’s pieces you’re into, the Hamachi (yellowtail) is always buttery and on point. And if you’re lucky enough to visit the friendly family and staff on days when they happen to have Shiro Maguro (white tuna) or Bonito (a seasonal—early fall—small tuna seared and accompanied with a touch of ginger and scallion), you can consider yourself on cloud nine.
If you needed yet another reason to go there or try their food - they carry gluten free soy sauce available on request. How awesome is that? I mean, I don't mind bringing along a bottle of soy sauce but it does make it hard to go out on the spur of the moment - at Mari's, you don't have to worry about that, and can enjoy Jiro's wonderful sushi.
(Full disclosure: I worked there during my undergraduate college years - and I'm still a devoted customer and fan. However, they're not encouraging me to plug for them, I just think that they're that good.)
Here's their contact information:
Mari's Japanese Cuisine
2049 Van Vranken Ave
Schenectady, NY 12308
(518) 381-4881
