Best Japanese Restaurants in Long Island City (11101)
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Sushi Saint
Intimate handroll counter with chef-driven combinations and tight pacing.
Notable Picks
#1
Sushi Saint
8.8
A tiny, reservation-driven handroll counter where the experience is built around precision, pacing, and high-flavor combinations rather than huge menus. It’s a destination-style night when you want chef-driven temaki and a curated set that feels special without being stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin tuna with black garlic handroll, A5 wagyu handroll, Ikura handroll with yuzu soy
What makes it special: Intimate handroll counter with chef-driven combinations and tight pacing.
8.4
A high-volume LIC sushi bar that wins on clean, fresh fish and a menu that works equally well for rolls, sashimi, and a casual sit-down with drinks. It’s most reliable when you lean into their core sushi execution and keep the order balanced between nigiri and one signature roll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ooi Roll, Volcano Roll, Omakase
What makes it special: High-volume proof with consistently clean rolls and nigiri in central LIC.
#3
Takumen LIC
8.3
A ramen-first Japanese spot that rewards going beyond the basics—broths run deep, noodles hold up, and sides land with real intent. It’s strongest when you pick a signature bowl and add one crispy, salty side to round out the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wantan Men, Tsukemen, Karaage
What makes it special: Broth-forward ramen and tsukemen with sides that actually matter.
8.2
A focused omakase counter built around a curated progression of seasonal fish, with a pacing that rewards going all-in on the set rather than ordering around it. Best for diners who want a sit-down sushi experience that feels intimate and structured without turning overly formal.
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.
8.2
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.
#6
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
Mogmog
7.8
A Japanese seafood market that doubles as a prepared-food destination when you want sashimi-grade fish and grab-and-go staples without a full-service dining commitment. It’s most useful as a repeatable routine stop: shop a few premium cuts, then build a simple meal around rice and seasonal add-ons.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Sashimi assortment, Prepared bento
What makes it special: Seafood-market quality with prepared Japanese meals for real-life convenience.
7.7
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
A casual neighborhood izakaya that works best for bento lunches and straightforward Japanese comfort at dinner, with cocktails and an after-work cadence. It’s most reliable when you keep it simple: one hot dish, one cold bite, and a drink rather than trying to turn it into a sushi destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bento box lunch, Chicken karaage, Spicy tuna roll
What makes it special: Izakaya-style range with bento lunches and drink-friendly dinners.