case in point regarding primacy of good product: Pepe Rosso in SoHo [1]. True that it is a charming place and has a definite take on presentation, but seating, utensils, etc. are all subpar. But the food is great and it is always packing them in. The nearby Tomoe Sushi is kinda the same deal. It is a hassle because of the ever present line and the interior is ~shabby but it has an excellent product.

[1]: http://onthegrid1.imgix.net/Pepe-2.jpg