Best Date Night Sushi Restaurants in East Village (10009)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Shinn East
Polished East Village sushi built around chef-led pacing and tight nigiri focus.
Notable Picks
#1
Shinn East
8.6
A sleek, reservation-driven sushi counter that leans into clean nigiri execution and a paced omakase rhythm. The best experience comes from letting the chef drive, keeping add-ons focused, and treating it like a tight, fish-forward meal rather than a long menu crawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase set, Seasonal nigiri flight, Toro add-on
What makes it special: Polished East Village sushi built around chef-led pacing and tight nigiri focus.
8.3
A value-forward omakase counter that delivers a steady run of bites with modern garnishes and a casual room. The best move is to commit to the set, keep drinks simple, and treat it as an efficient tasting that hits above its price lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
13-piece omakase, Otoro course, Uni add-on
What makes it special: Accessible omakase that prioritizes a strong quality-to-price ratio.
#3
Takahachi
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
A long-running neighborhood Japanese spot where the move is to keep it simple and share a few classics over warm service and steady energy. It’s not a high-concept omakase play—just reliable sushi and cooked dishes that make a low-pressure date feel easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted nigiri set, Chirashi bowl, Black cod miso
What makes it special: Neighborhood Japanese staple that balances sushi with reliable warm plates.
#4
Rosella
8.1
A seafood-leaning sushi bar that plays best as a paced, order-in-waves dinner—start with something cold, move into nigiri, then finish with a small sweet. It rewards restraint and balance more than over-ordering, especially if you catch the earlier specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri set, Hand rolls, Ceviche-style seafood starter
What makes it special: Sushi bar that blends seafood starters and nigiri in a social, polished room.
8.1
A compact omakase counter that’s priced like a deal for the amount of food you get, making it an easy “special night” without going full luxury. The best dates here are the ones that want a focused sushi experience and don’t need a big, theatrical dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase, Nigiri progression, Chef’s choice finale
What makes it special: A strong-value multi-course omakase in a small Avenue B setting.
8.0
A compact omakase experience built for diners who want a quiet, chef-forward progression rather than a loud scene. It’s strongest when you trust the sequence, keep conversation low-key, and treat it like a focused tasting where rice and temperature matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase progression, Chu-toro nigiri, Seasonal uni course
What makes it special: Intimate omakase built around precise pacing and temperature-driven bites.
#7
SourAji
8.0
A low-key omakase room that keeps the spotlight on the fish and the rhythm of the courses rather than the scene. It works well for couples who want a quieter, more straightforward sushi night that still feels special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Yellowtail jalapeño roll, Salmon hand roll
What makes it special: A small-format sushi counter where rolls stay tight and fish-forward.
Worthy Picks
#8
Sushi W
7.9
A newer, compact omakase bar built around a quick, fixed-course format—good for dates that want structure and a clear start-to-finish arc. The experience shines most when you treat it as a tight one-hour sushi run, then go elsewhere for drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Basic omakase set, Premium omakase upgrade, Seasonal hand roll finish
What makes it special: Time-boxed omakase built for strong value and fast pacing.
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A grab-and-go counter built for a low-cost sushi date that’s more about strolling and snacking than sitting for hours. It’s at its best when you treat it like a curated takeout stop—pick a few hand rolls and one bolder roll, then take the night elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon avocado roll, Shrimp tempura roll
What makes it special: Fast, budget-friendly rolls that keep the basics dependable.