All the way from Tokyo to New York City, Japanese cuisine is a now a definitive staple in the NYC food scene. No matter if you’re after sushi rolls, fresh nigiri, or warm sake, you’ll be sure to find a menu with these Japanese specialities. Here in NYC, there are such a wide range of restaurants serving up signature dishes. Whether you’re looking for a fancy omakase meal or a hidden gem of a sushi house in your neighborhood, you’ll be sure to find something that fits your taste and budget. To fulfill your craving, we put together a complete guide to the best sushi NYC has to offer.
1. Sushi of Gari, Multiple Locations
No matter where you are in NYC, you’ll probably find a Sushi of Gari near you. What originated on the UES back in 1997, there are now a few other locations including one in UWS, FiDi, and Midtown. Although the founder Masatoshi “Gari” Sugio no longer whips up sushi in any of the restaurants, his imprint on the food is very noticeable. You can order an omakase meal or pick and choose a la carte items depending on what you’re feeling. Their chefs, who reign straight from Tokyo are knowledgeable, friendly, and generous with portions. It’s an overall lovely experience that requires reservations beforehand since their sushi bar is small and intimate.
Where: Multiple locations
2. Gouie, LES
One of the most affordable options in this list probably has to be Gouie, which lives within the Lower East Side’s Market Line. Gouie thrives with its casual atmosphere and mouth-watering low prices for top quality sushi. They also have one of the best sake bars in town. If you’re looking for quality ingredients for less than $50, you have to try out this spot!
Where: 115 Delancey St
3. Sushi Sasabune, UES
Find yourself on the Upper East Side? Head to Chef Kenji Takahashi’s Sushi Sasabune. Although their slightly-intimating sign on their front door reads ‘No California Rolls,’ ‘No Spicy Tuna Rolls,’ and ‘Trust Me,’ you will quickly get over that fear by putting your trust into the chefs. Between their high-class omakase specials and signature a la carte menu, the staff here will be sure to put you into the best hands possible to pick out something delicious. Their specific focus on rice, sauces, and vinegar makes their product some of the best sushi in NYC.
Where: 401 E 73rd St
4. Cagen, East Village
Cagen in Japanese means “just right,” and that’s what you’ll be saying about this restaurant’s food and meal preparation. Head chef Toshio Tomita offers two different tiered omakases that vary in price and amount of food. Their pricier option at $250 consists of 17 pieces of sushi and 1 hand roll made from their latest rare fish they’ve flown in from Japan. In the front room, the $150 omakase meal offers a similar experience with just slightly less food (12 pieces of sushi and 1 hand roll). Don’t forget to try their unbelievable soba noodles as well!
Where: 414 E 9th St
5. Nami Nori, West Village & Williamsburg
Nami Nori has two different locations that have slightly different menus, but the food is delicious no matter what. What we love about this spot is that they even have vegan sushi offerings! We personally love their “sets” that you can create with whatever sushi you want. Starting at $28, you’re able to mix and match temaki handrolls to create whatever kind of meal you’re in the mood for! The signature set you certainly can’t go wrong with, but you can take the creativity into your own hands.
Where:
33 Carmine St (West Village)
236 N 12th St (Williamsburg)
6. Momoya, Multiple Locations
Frankly, we love Momoya for its super reasonable prices and its incredible quality of food. Perfect for a lunch with co-workers or casual dinner with your parents, you’re sure to not break the bank at this sushi spot, all while enjoying a quality experience. They have tons of entrees to choose from and a jaw-dropping amount of fish to try. If you stop in during lunch, you can even opt for one of their current lunch specials or even sneak into a spot at the sushi bar. There are 3 different locations in UWS, Chelsea, and a new one in SoHo, but we tend to favorite the original location on the UWS.
Where:
427 Amsterdam Ave (UWS)
47 Prince St (SoHo)
185 7th Ave (Chelsea)
7. SUGARFISH, Multiple Locations
What takes the form of a sushi chain restaurant from Los Angeles, SUGARFISH has affordable food and casual vibes. Here, you won’t find the typical California rolls or teriyaki. Instead, you’ll be served meals based on the habits of a former chef Chef Nozawa. What particularly called our name was the ponzu on the tuna sashimi!
Where:
33 E 20 St (Flatiron)
152 E 53 St (Midtown East)
210 W 56 St (Midtown West)
202 Spring St (SoHo)
8. Kotobuki, NoHo
Kotobuki has many locations, but only one in New York. When we say they have one of the largest sushi menus we’ve ever seen, we aren’t kidding! Not only does their menu consist of just about everything you can think of, but their atmosphere in the restaurant is one of the best. Their crispy rice is always on point and their desserts are a sweet treat to round out your meal too.
Where: 56 3rd Ave
9. Blue Ribbon, SoHo
What might be the most accessible sushi restaurant on the list, Blue Ribbon comes in as an affordable option with good quality fish. Their late night hours from noon to 2am allow them to satisfy your sushi craving whenever you have it! From appetizers to rolls to bowls, you’ll always have a consistent meal for a great price.
Where: 119 Sullivan St
10. KazuNori, NoMad & Midtown East
For all your handroll needs, go to the “Original Handroll Bar” that is, KazuNori. Taking up a deli-style type of ordering where you choose your type of handroll and fixins via a pencil and paper, your options are endless, and they are all filling. The seaweed rolled meals are prepared rather quickly and are perfect for a quick meal or even delivery. If you decide to go in, go early because the lines get long quickly (even though it’s worth the wait).
Where:
15 W 28 St (NoMad)
157 E. 53 St, Plaza Level (Midtown East)
11. The Chemistry Room by Sushi Lab, Midtown
Step into this intimate indoor dining experience where you are treated to a 13 course omakase meal for a total of $125. The Sushi Lab’s latest Chemistry Room aims to focus on the fresh ingredients that will “leave you wanting more.” If you’re not in the mood for a full course meal, ask to sit on the rooftop portion of the restaurant where you can enjoy an outdoor meal with just as much pizazz as the Chemistry Room.
Where: 132 W 47th St
12. Sushi Katsuei, Park Slope & West Village
If you’re looking to get your money’s worth out of a sushi experience, we recommend looking into Sushi Katsuei. What started with a Park Slope location in Brooklyn has since added a spot in the West Village. Their menu consists of a miso soups, salads, appetizers, a la carte options, and of course omakase (at an unbeatable price). You surely will be getting good value no matter what omakase meal you decide on. Whether you opt for the 15 course meal or the smaller 9 piece plus roll meal, you’re able to pick and choose what “package” works best for you. They even have a kosher omakase, which makes them even more unique!
Where:
210 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY (Park Slope)
357 6th Ave, New York, NY (West Village)
13. DOMODOMO, Greenwich Village
DOMODOMO is in a class of its own because of their unique offering of sushi. This restaurant is unequivocally a handroll bar, which means they specialize in handrolled sushi, like lobster rolls, crab rolls, salmon rolls, and so much more. These coned handrolls made with seaweed are often stuffed with meat, rice, and fixins.
Now, it’s important to note that DOMODOMO does serve other items as well. Their options of both hot and cold dishes are quite impressive, plus their lineup of classic nigiri is diverse too. All of the options are moderately priced and it’s a great spot to get some high quality seafood for a decent price.
Where: 138-140 W Houston St.
14. Rosella, East Village
While most of the spots so far on our list have been omakase-focused, Rosella’s takes a more traditional route of offering different dinner dishes and a la carte options. Their most famous (and highest priced) item is their chirashi bowls that combine sashimi, rice and other items. Their menu also offers many separate sashimis and sushi options as well. We really love the roll selection they have! They come in different sizes and depending on how hungry you are can help you choose whether you want a “little” or “big” roll.
Not to mention, their prices are very affordable for the wide variety they offer. They do also offer omakase for those special occasions, plus an extensive drink menu as well.
Where: 137 Ave A
15. Amami, Greenpoint
What doubles as a sushi restaurant and cocktail bar, Amami is truly one-of a-kind. Located in Brooklyn, this upscale spot serves some of the best sushi in NYC alongside super creative cocktails. Their rolls and sashimi are decently sized for the price, but our eyes can’t go anywhere but their signature cocktail menu. Between their frozen drinks and their sake, we’ll take one of everything please!
Where: 57 Nassau Ave
16. Ume, Williamsburg
We have to show Brooklyn some love on our list, and Ume in Williamsburg is one of our favorites. If you were to combine classic sushi with the upscale community of Williamsburg, this restaurant is exactly what you would get. The food here is “inspired by art” and everything is curated with this mindset. From the food on the menu to the interior decor, this is a true combination of Tokyo and Williamsburg. The menu has traditional a la carte options as well as their most popular item, the “sushi sets.” We particularly love this spot too because they have outdoor seating and even takeout if you’re on the go!
Where: 237 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY
17. Kanoyama, East Village
Moving into more expensive omakase options, Kanoyama offers a $170 omakase special from Wednesday-Saturdays by reservation. They do have other options ranging from appetizers to the “Fish of the Day,” but if you want the full experience (and are willing to pay the price), consider the omakase. Give their spicy scallop roll a try too, it won’t disappoint!
Where: 175 2nd Ave
18. Sushi Kaito
Whether you’re looking for a sushi date spot or going alone, Sushi Kaito is a good spot to treat yourself. Their omakase meal typically offers 15 pieces but you can even upgrade to the 18 piece option if you’re feeling extra hungry! There are only about 9-10 seats available at a time in this small spot so be mindful of that before making a visit!
Where: 244 W 72nd St
19. Sushi Nakazawa, West Village
A vast 20 piece nigiri omakase is the highlight of this West Village sushi spot, Sushi Nakazawa. Served up by Chef Daisuke Nakazaw who you may remember from the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, their globally imported fish from both Japan and other countries makes for a tasty dinner or lunch. Pull up a spot to one of their 10 chairs at the sushi bar for a omakase lunch, or make a dinner reservation in their dining room. Meals can range from $150-$180 depending on the time of day and reservations fill up quickly, so pick a time and try to stick to it!
Where: 23 Commerce St
20. Sushi Seki, Multiple Locations
Sushi Seki has multiple locations through NYC and is one of the best in terms of restaurant atmosphere. Their chefs are super friendly and the overall aethsetic and clientele in the restaurant makes for a top notch meal. Their fish and handrolls are some of the best and their omakase is exquisite as well. Don’t forget about their sake options too, as many say they have some of the best in the entire city.
Where:
1143 1st Ave (UES)
208 W 23rd St (Chelsea)
365 W 46th St (Midtown)
21. Omakase Room by Mitsu, West Village
The ultimate omakase experience can be found at the appropriately named Omakase Room by Mitsu. Served up by Japanese chef Mitsunori Isoda, he makes it a mission to “warmly welcome all of his guests and offer them a highly special omakase experience.” His typical meal focuses on Edomae-style sushi and offers 12 pieces of sushi, an appetizer, and soup for $200. Also, make sure you ask the in-house sommelier about drink specials that will pair with your meal, because it will elevate the quality of your experience tenfold.
Where: 14 Christopher St
22. Sushi Yasuda, Midtown East
Nestled into the always bustling Midtown East neighborhood is Sushi Yasuda, one our favorite spots for the best sushi in NYC. Their menu offers appetizers, meals, and of course omakase which will run you anywhere from $80-$200. The best seat is at the bar so you can chat with the chefs about what they’re going to serve you. We recommend hopping in during lunchtime in order to get the best experience possible. Plus, you’ll likely meet other sushi enthusiasts, tourists in the city, and other interesting characters, all while you feast on whatever sushi you’re hankering for.
Where: 204 E 43rd St
23. Sushi Noz, UES
Starting with the crème de la crème, Sushi Noz on the Upper East Side is a luxurious and delicious omakase experience that earns the title of some of the best sushi in NYC. Choose between their two rooms, The Hinoki Counter, or the lesser expensive Ash Room to decide on which kind of meal you want to have. The Hinoki Counter is donned by the head chef Nozomu Abe (Noz) serving a $400 omakase, while the Ash Room is headed by one of his companions who serves a $230 dinner. Each meal here begins with appetizers followed by several nigiri bites, miso soup, and tomago. If you’re looking for a fixed menu with high-end cuisine, stop by Noz’s and say hello.
Where: 181 E 78th St
24. Shuko, Union Square
Co-owners and chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau met over 15 years ago at another NYC sushi staple, Masa, before launching their own joint, Shuko shortly later. After walking through their leather curtains and unmarked doors that give off speakeasy vibes, you’ll find a sushi bar that sits about 20 customers with a front row view to where your food is prepared. Meals typically price out at $270 per person for their omakase plus an optional $150 for a drink pairing. The full course meal treats you to caviar, sashimi, assorted fish, and a seasonal dessert. Plus, their up-beat environment makes for the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion.
Where: 47 E 12th St
25. Shion 69 Leonard St, Tribeca
Chef Shion Uino is the star of the show at this pricey, yet luxurious sushi-ya in Tribeca. Shion 69 Leonard St is an Edomae-style restaurant that starts with a 7 course omakase meal before moving into staples like nigiri, mitso soup, hand rolls and more. Each plate during this portion is carefully curated by the chef, so much so that you feel like you should be studying his methods. Learning straight from Tokyo, his usage of ingredients like salt and vinegar on the fish is something rare to find in NYC. If you’re looking for rare finds and immaculate preparation, this is the spot for you.
Where: 69 Leonard St
26. Sushi Ginza Onodera, Midtown
Sushi Ginza Onodera offers a unique style of sushi preparation in their omakase-only restaurant. This sushi spot focuses on Edomae-style sushi that helps capture some of the tastiest flavors and textures. Their omakase is $450, plus you can add other additions as well such as Miyazaki Beef Nigiri topped with Uni and Caviar, Toro Hand Roll, and the Otoro, Uni & Ikura Hand Roll. Sushi Ginza Onodera also offers highly discounted lunch specials as well that are just as tasty! Be sure to stop by and try out their “Ginza style” food to see why they are one of our favorite omakase restaurants.
Where: 461 5th Ave
27. Trust Bae, NoMad
This spot is fairly new to the sushi scene, taking over Broadway with a modern and hip take on more traditional sushi restaurants, while blending Filipino flair into the menu. Chef Frances Tariga promises an unorthodox 16-course tasting menu consisting of unique flavor combinations with their popular Kinalaw Pod (served and consumed like an oyster) and the Botan Ebi Tartare with housemade sago chicharron, calamansi yuzu gel, and kaluga caviar. We encourage you order a drink or two while you dine because beyond their beautiful and funky presentation, they’re refreshing and delicious! Read even more about Trust Bae here.
Where: 1204 Broadway
28. Studio 151, Alphabet City
Enjoy your sushi to the backdrop of spinning vinyls at this record/omakase lounge tucked away on the second floor above music venue, Nublu, in Alphabet City. This hidden gem is modeled after Japanese listening bars. It’s important to note that dining reservations are required. Customers can choose from the Chef’s Table for an omakase experience or order from the a la carte menu. Learn more about Studio 151 here.
Where: 151 Loisaida Ave. (2nd Floor)
29. Osakana, East Village
This Japanese-style fish market located in the East Village first popped up in 2016. Founded by Yuji Haraguchi, Osakana not only makes high quality sushi and sashimi for takeout more attainable in NYC, but even offers sushi classes to teach you how to make your own meal using seasonal ingredients. Learn more on their website here.
Where: 42 1/2 St. Marks Pl., New York
30. Sushi Suite 1001, NoMad
For an unordinary experience, you’ll definitely want to check out Sushi Suite 1001. That’s because Sushi Suite 1001 has a secret: it was a former hotel suite! Yes, this restaurant was entirely transformed into a inconspicuous sushi spot, 10 stories high and hidden in NoMad’s Hotel 3232. To enter, you’ll need an exclusive hotel key. From there, you’ll be privy to an intimate 4-seat omakase counter, lounge area, and outdoor terrace with a bar. Read all about Sushi Suite 1001 here.
Where: Hotel 3232, 32 E 32nd St Suite 1001 Suite 1001, New York