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Ki Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ki Sushi
8.4
Ki Sushi on Smith Street is a Cobbble Hill–Boerum Hill favorite where long-running staff, consistently fresh fish, and a big modern menu make it a go-to for date nights and group dinners. The room feels livelier and more polished than a takeout joint, but still casual enough for weeknight cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s choice sushi or sashimi platter, Ki signature specialty roll, Crispy tuna or salmon appetizer
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Long-running Smith Street sushi house with loyal regulars, attentive staff, and consistently fresh rolls and sashimi.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning a casual but polished sushi night.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for full energy or early evening for easier seating.
What to order: Chef’s sushi or sashimi platter, a Ki signature roll, and a crispy tuna starter.
Insider tip: Regulars often call in direct orders; if you’re nearby, pickup can be faster and more precise than third-party apps.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm, especially on weekends. Plan to circle or use a nearby paid garage.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean a bit polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — energetic crowd, but still possible to hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable rolls, avocado-focused options, tofu dishes, and veggie appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with custom vegetable rolls and specific salads, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — sashimi and select rolls can be prepared gluten-free upon request; soy sauce alternatives available but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the atmosphere is lively but not chaotic, service is attentive without hovering, and the menu is approachable even for non-sushi experts.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekend dinner is a gamble without a reservation and usually involves a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi, tempura, and noodles, but it’s more of a date-night and group-dinner vibe than a family-focused room.
Best For
Better for: Reliable quality for groups, polished-but-casual date nights, and a broad menu that works for mixed tastes better than smaller omakase counters.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, intimate omakase experience or ultra-traditional Edomae sushi — this leans social and modern.
Ki Sushi
8.5
Ki Sushi on Smith Street is a polished, sit-down Japanese restaurant where signature rolls, omakase platters, and composed sashimi plates take center stage. With hundreds of strong reviews and a long-running reputation, it’s a go-to for date nights and small celebrations when you want better fish and more elaborate rolls than a basic neighborhood spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Foxy Lady Roll, Passion Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeño
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A long-established Smith Street sushi house with an expansive menu of creative signature rolls and reliable omakase platters.
Who should go: Groups and couples looking for a more polished sushi night.
When to visit: Prime dinner seatings for full buzz; early evenings for easier walk-ins.
What to order: Foxy Lady Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeño, and an omakase or sushi platter.
Insider tip: Focus on the special rolls and nigiri flights—regulars treat basic maki as backup, not the main event.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Smith Street with heavier competition after 6pm. Nearby garages available within a 2–3 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual — jeans are fine, but many guests dress up for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation-friendly at the table, but not whisper-quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours (7–9pm).
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; typically seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls, avocado-based maki, tofu dishes, and vegetable tempura.
Vegan options: Limited — a few rolls can be made vegan on request; confirm sauces and prep with the server.
Gluten-free options: Partial — sashimi and many nigiri are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some rolls contain gluten unless substituted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels polished but relaxed, the menu encourages sharing, and the energy is upbeat without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Early evenings and weeknights are usually manageable, but weekends are hit-or-miss without a reservation during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — families do come earlier in the evening, but the vibe tilts more toward adults, couples, and groups after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Creative signature rolls, lively group dinners, and polished Smith Street date-night energy.
Skip if: You’re looking for a minimalist omakase counter or a quiet, ultra-traditional sushi experience.
Ki Sushi
8.7
Ki Sushi on Smith Street pairs polished rolls and sashimi platters with a warm, modern dining room that works well for date nights and small groups. Generous specialty rolls, solid sake options, and fair pricing make it a reliable choice when you want something nicer than a neighborhood takeout spot without going full omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s choice sashimi platter, Spicy crunchy tuna roll, King crab specialty roll
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Lively Smith Street sushi spot balancing quality fish with approachable prices.
Who should go: Couples wanting lively sushi without full-on fine dining.
When to visit: Prime time is 7–9pm for buzzy Smith Street energy.
What to order: Omakase sashimi, signature specialty rolls, miso black cod.
Insider tip: Split a sashimi platter and one or two signature rolls to keep the bill reasonable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Smith Street is limited; meters run late and spots fill quickly. Plan for nearby residential blocks or a paid garage on Court Street if visiting during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean slightly dressy for date nights, though stylish jeans and a nice top fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; you can hold a conversation at a two-top, but the room gets energetic during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–50 minutes without a reservation between 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with faster turnarounds and easier walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of veggie rolls, salads, and cooked vegetable starters.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—simple veggie rolls and edamame are reliable options.
Gluten-free options: Several sashimi and rice-based dishes work well; soy sauce substitutes are available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes; the lighting is warm, the energy is lively without being overwhelming, and the polished sushi feels special without the pressure of a formal omakase counter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but timing matters—early evenings and weekday nights are easiest. For prime weekend slots, walk-ins usually face a moderate wait.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s possible but not ideal; the room is geared toward adults and groups. Older kids or teens accustomed to sushi will be fine, but it’s not designed for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups who want shareable specialty rolls, generous portions, and a celebratory feel without omakase-level pricing.
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist omakase experience or are sensitive to louder dining rooms during peak hours.