Best Date Night Sushi Restaurants in Lower East Side (10002)
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Zen Sushi Omakase
Fixed-price omakase that feels polished yet attainable, with an emphasis on quality nigiri pacing.
Notable Picks
8.4
A quiet Lower East Side omakase spot delivering a 14‑course seasonal sushi experience with fresh imported fish and skilled chefs. Great for intimate dinners with thoughtful execution and approachable pricing for omakase standards. Locals appreciate its consistency and unpretentious, intimate vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
14-Course Omakase Nigiri Flight, Toro Nigiri, Uni Nigiri
What makes it special: Fixed-price omakase that feels polished yet attainable, with an emphasis on quality nigiri pacing.
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
A well‑known Lower East Side sushi and izakaya hybrid dishing out fresh sushi, small Japanese plates, and a broad sake selection — nice for a relaxed, celebratory night out. It combines reliable quality with a lively yet approachable ambience. It remains a locals’ fallback for consistent sushi and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maguro Tataki, Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken Wings, Oxtail & Bone Marrow Fried Rice
What makes it special: Big-tent Japanese tavern where classic Blue Ribbon sushi meets indulgent izakaya comfort food.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A tiny omakase-only sushi bar offering a quick and focused 12‑piece set in under 30 minutes — ideal for a spontaneous, informal date night or a sushi-lit evening stroll. Experience is efficient and casual, with quality ingredients like hamachi, sweet shrimp, and seared wagyu highlighting its concise format.
Must-Try Dishes:
12‑piece omakase set, Seared wagyu with uni, Sweet shrimp nigiri
What makes it special: Tiny outdoor omakase‑only bar serving a curated 12‑piece set in ~30 minutes.