Best Tasting Menus Restaurants in East Village (10003)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Tsukimi
A Michelin-recognized kaiseki tasting in a 12-seat counter format.
Essential Picks
#1
Tsukimi
9.1
Intimate 12-seat kaiseki counter serving a seasonal tasting menu with modern technique and a quiet, speakeasy-like feel. Courses are precise and often playful, with pacing that makes the meal feel like a guided narrative. Best for a special-occasion splurge in the East Village.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki tasting menu, Sablefish with konbu butter, Wagyu course (changes seasonally)
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized kaiseki tasting in a 12-seat counter format.
Notable Picks
#2
Shuko
8.8
A sleek, reservation-only sushi counter where chefs Jimmy Lau and Nick Kim run an omakase that balances classic edomae structure with occasional luxe flourishes. The experience is deliberate and polished, with a tight room that feels like a private club. Expect top-tier fish and a serious special-occasion vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase tasting, Toro and uni progression, Caviar add-on bites
What makes it special: High-precision omakase in a minimalist, high-luxury setting.
8.5
A sleek, higher-end East Village counter focused on elegant Edomae technique and pristine sourcing. The progression highlights subtle aging and texture changes, making it a great pick when you want a more serious tasting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal omakase, Kohada (gizzard shad), Uni tasting bite
What makes it special: Edomae-style omakase with meticulous aging and balance.
#4
Kabawa
8.4
Chef Paul Carmichael’s Caribbean tasting menu spotlights island flavors in a sleek, emerald-toned dining room. It’s a newer, high-intent option for celebrators who want something different from the usual Manhattan fine dining playbook.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roti with curry chickpeas, Black bass with yellow curry, Coconut turnover
What makes it special: A rare Caribbean tasting menu in a true fine-dining frame.
#5
Moko
8.0
A modern, approachable omakase that keeps pricing south of typical Manhattan counters while maintaining strong fish quality. Courses arrive with playful garnishes and a steady rhythm that suits both newcomers and repeaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase, Smoked trout nigiri, Toro with yuzu kosho
What makes it special: Affordable omakase with creative seasoning.
Worthy Picks
#6
Kawa Omakase
7.8
A newer 14-course omakase counter offering a compact, well-priced tasting that highlights clean cuts and a few inventive bites. The vibe is casual-intimate, making it easy to drop in for a low-pressure sushi tasting. A good hidden-gem option for value-seekers exploring East Village counters.
Must-Try Dishes:
14-course omakase, Wagyu-uni hand roll, Seasonal salmon nigiri
What makes it special: A quietly strong, budget-friendly omakase tasting.