Best Japanese Restaurants in Upper West Side (10024)
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: December 2025
Our Top Pick
Sushi of Gari - Columbus Avenue
Creative, sauce-driven nigiri and omakase that defined a modern Gari style of sushi.
Notable Picks
Upper West Side offshoot of Sushi of Gari serving omakase and signature nigiri topped with sauces and garnishes instead of soy sauce. Locals use it for splurge dinners and special occasions where chef Masatoshi "Gari" Sugio’s 1997-born style still centers on pristine fish and warm rice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tofu Sushi, Salmon Tomato Sushi, Sushi Omakase
What Makes it Special: Creative, sauce-driven nigiri and omakase that defined a modern Gari style of sushi.
8.4
Tiny omakase counter opened in 2024 offering 9-course lunch and 13-course dinner tastings at a fixed price. The minimalist format and small seating make it a focused experience for diners who want chef-led bites without Midtown formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
9-Course Lunch Omakase, 13-Course Dinner Omakase, A La Carte Extras
What Makes it Special: Small-seat omakase counter focused on tightly paced chef’s tastings.
8.2
Ramen shop at 82nd and Amsterdam, open since the mid-2010s, known for tonkotsu and miso bowls, pork buns, and late kitchen hours. High-volume reviews and steady lines make it a neighborhood staple for comforting noodle dinners and quick casual meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Pork Buns
What Makes it Special: Busy ramen bar delivering rich broths and dependable late-night bowls.
Worthy Picks
#4
Momoya
7.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Lively Japanese restaurant from the Momoya group with a long sushi menu, signature rolls, and cooked plates in a modern Upper West Side room. It’s a go-to for neighborhood sushi nights where diners can mix crispy rice, creative rolls, and sake without full-on omakase pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice, Momoya Spicy Tuna Roll, Miso Black Cod
What Makes it Special: Stylish, crowd-pleasing sushi spot with signature rolls and full Japanese menu.
7.6
Upper West Side branch of Mido Japanese Group serving sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls with a long list of rolls and lunch specials. Regulars lean on it for weekday chirashi, combo lunches around $15–$16, and friendly service in a straightforward dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rice Crisp Roll, Sushi Entree, Twins Roll
What Makes it Special: Casual Upper West Side standby with extensive rolls, bento lunch deals, and popular delivery sushi.