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Best Sushi Restaurants in East Village (10009)

7 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

$$$$ East Village
A sleek, reservation-driven sushi counter that leans into clean nigiri execution and a paced omakase rhythm. The best experience comes from letting the chef drive, keeping add-ons focused, and treating it like a tight, fish-forward meal rather than a long menu crawl.
Must-Try Dishes: Omakase set, Seasonal nigiri flight, Toro add-on
What makes it special: Polished East Village sushi built around chef-led pacing and tight nigiri focus.
$$$$ East Village
A theatrical, speakeasy-leaning omakase that pairs high-touch storytelling with a long tasting progression. It shines when you settle into the set menu, lean into the chef’s sequence, and treat it as an occasion meal built on detail and presentation.
Must-Try Dishes: Omakase tasting menu, Chawanmushi course, Seasonal toro nigiri
What makes it special: Immersive, story-driven omakase with a high-production dining arc.
$$ Alphabet City
A long-running neighborhood Japanese spot where the win is repeatable sushi comfort and a menu that covers both classic and cooked favorites. Order like a regular—nigiri plus one warm dish—and you’ll get the most satisfaction for the spend.
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.
$$$$ Alphabet City
A value-forward omakase counter that delivers a steady run of bites with modern garnishes and a casual room. The best move is to commit to the set, keep drinks simple, and treat it as an efficient tasting that hits above its price lane.
Must-Try Dishes: 13-piece omakase, Otoro course, Uni add-on
What makes it special: Accessible omakase that prioritizes a strong quality-to-price ratio.
8.1
$$ Alphabet City
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.
$$ East Village
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.

Worthy Picks

7.7
$$$ East Village
A streamlined, time-boxed omakase that’s designed for efficiency and a solid fish-to-dollar trade. Go in with a simple goal—get the set, enjoy the rotation, and leave—because it works best as a clean, focused hour rather than a lingering night out.
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.