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Crave Sushi Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Crave Sushi Bar
8.5
Crave Sushi Bar turns a slender Midtown townhouse into a polished, sustainably focused sushi spot built around domestically sourced fish and creative rolls. It’s popular for pre-theater dinners and date nights where salmon crispy rice, warm buttery crab rolls and sake-friendly small plates headline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon crispy rice, Warm buttery crab roll, Brown butter local scallop
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A sustainability-forward sushi bar using 100% domestic seafood in a stylish townhouse space.
Who should go: Roll lovers who care about sourcing and ambiance.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings before or after Midtown events.
What to order: Salmon crispy rice, warm buttery crab roll, scallop special.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu or seasonal crudo and let the server steer a shared plate progression.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce after 5pm. Nearest reliable option is a paid garage on 55th–56th St, typically $25–$35 for dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Polished jeans, button-downs, and elevated casualwear fit the room’s date-night energy.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak 6:30–8:30pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; tables turn quickly given business-lunch traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, oshinko, and vegetable rolls, plus several non-fish small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—simple vegetable rolls and salads, though sauces may require modification.
Gluten-free options: Good support—tamari available, most crudo and sashimi are naturally GF, and servers proactively guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The townhouse setting feels intimate without being stuffy, and the shareable roll progression keeps the meal interactive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early weekdays or post-theater slots are your best bet; weekend primetime almost always requires a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine, but the narrow space and date-night crowd make it less ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Creative domestic-seafood rolls, polished ambiance, and a sustainable sourcing ethos that feels premium without being formal.
Skip if: You want traditional Edomae sushi, omakase pacing, or budget-friendly rolls—other spots in the neighborhood specialize in those lanes.
Crave Sushi Bar
8.3
Set in a 19th-century Turtle Bay townhouse, Crave Sushi Bar pairs sustainability-minded sourcing with a cocktail-ready sushi menu and softly lit, ocean-toned dining room. It reads as a modern date-night spot where rolls like the Spicy Maine Lobster sit alongside creative nigiri and a lively bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Maine Lobster roll, Yellowtail (Kampachi) roll with truffle yuzu, Maine Eel roll
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Townhouse setting, domestic sustainable seafood, and a cocktail-friendly sushi menu.
Who should go: Couples who want sushi with a buzzier bar scene
When to visit: Happy hour into primetime for drinks then dinner
What to order: Spicy Maine Lobster roll, yellowtail roll, a few nigiri flights
Insider tip: Use happy hour for highball cocktails and hand rolls before settling into a full dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay, especially after 6pm; rely on nearby garages along 2nd Ave (typically $25–$35 for the evening). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—dark denim or dresses are common; athletic wear tends to look out of place.
Noise level: Moderate buzz with a lively bar; still suitable for date-night conversation at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially 7–8pm prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early evening happy hour fills quickly but turns over fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—avocado, cucumber, oshinko, and specialty veggie rolls plus vegetable tempura.
Vegan options: Limited—basic veggie rolls and seaweed salad; most specialty items use mayo or sauces with egg.
Gluten-free options: Manageable with modifications—tamari available on request; many nigiri and sashimi items are naturally GF, but rolls may require sauce swaps.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The softly lit townhouse setting, ocean-tone palette, and balanced noise level make it easy to talk while still feeling lively and modern.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—especially early in the evening or at the bar. For peak weekend hours, walk-ins should expect a short wait or plan to start with drinks at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The ambiance skews date night and happy hour. Older kids or teens comfortable with sushi will fare fine, but there are no dedicated children’s amenities.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric date nights, sustainable seafood sourcing, and a cocktail-forward sushi experience without Midtown formality.
Skip if: You want omakase-level precision, ultra-traditional sushi, or a quiet, family-oriented setting.