Best Chefs Table Restaurants in Long Island City (11101)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Meju
A fermentation-first Korean tasting counter built around house-aged sauces.
Notable Picks
#1
Meju
8.9
An eight-seat chef’s counter hidden inside a banchan shop, built around Korean fermentation and a tightly paced tasting arc. The experience rewards diners who want a guided progression where sauces, aged pastes, and subtle technique do the heavy lifting, not theatrics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fermentation-driven tasting menu progression, House-aged jang courses (doenjang/gochujang variations), Finale rice + kimchi course
What makes it special: A fermentation-first Korean tasting counter built around house-aged sauces.
8.4
A low-friction omakase counter that keeps the focus on clean nigiri sequencing and steady timing. It’s strongest when you treat it like a full sit-down experience—settle in, let the chef drive, and add one rich bite to round out the run.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-course omakase, Wagyu + uni + ankimo, King salmon course
What makes it special: Course-driven omakase focused on seasonal fish with a tight, curated flow.
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A chef-curated sushi tasting built for a clean, course-by-course arc with a few richer showpiece bites baked in. The best version is at the counter, where the pacing stays crisp and the progression feels intentional instead of à la carte chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
13-piece omakase set, 17-piece omakase set, Chirashi bowl
What makes it special: A streamlined, sub-$100 omakase lane in an unexpected LIC setting.
8.2
A handroll-first spot designed for fast, high-impact bites, where the best move is to build a tight set of their signature temaki instead of over-ordering. It hits the sweet spot for quality fish at approachable pricing, especially when you target their standout specialty handrolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Butter Cod handroll, Toro Mushroom handroll, Spicy Scallop handroll
What makes it special: Temaki-focused menu anchored by signature handroll combinations.
#5
Hibino LIC
8.1
A neighborhood Japanese restaurant where sushi shares the spotlight with homemade tofu and Kyoto-style small plates, making it more versatile than a pure sushi bar. It’s strongest as an everyday quality option—sushi plates, donburi, and specials—when you want solid fish without an omakase commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh homemade tofu, Kaisen don, Hibino sushi plate
What makes it special: Homemade tofu and obanzai depth alongside dependable sushi.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A casual sushi-and-more neighborhood option that plays well for groups, especially when you treat it as a value-forward place for classic sushi plus one hot item. It’s not an omakase destination, but it’s a reliable rotation spot when you want variety and an easy sit-down pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi boat, Specialty hand rolls, Ramen
What makes it special: Broad menu range that makes sushi nights easy for mixed groups.
#7
Sushi Nikko
7.6
A food-hall omakase counter that delivers a structured course run without the formality of a stand-alone fine dining room. It’s best for diners who want a clear progression and a predictable price point—sit at the bar and let the chef keep the tempo moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handroll set, Seasonal nigiri, Omakase dinner (14-course)
What makes it special: Food-hall sushi that delivers structured sets with seasonal fish.