Best Date Night Sushi Restaurants in New York
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Masa
Chef Masa’s omakase is considered one of NYC’s most refined sushi experiences.
Essential Picks
#1
Masa
9.2
High‑end omakase led by chef Masa Takayama offering meticulously crafted sushi at the legendary 10 Columbus Circle location.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Nigiri Course, Toro sushi, Seasonal Omakase Roll
What Makes it Special: Chef Masa’s omakase is considered one of NYC’s most refined sushi experiences.
9.2
An eight-seat Edomae omakase built around pristine seafood, immaculate knife work, and a calm, ceremony-forward pace. It’s a destination experience where every detail—rice temperature, seasoning, and timing—stays tightly controlled from first bite to tamago.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Seasonal otsumami, Tamago
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred Edomae omakase with precision rice-and-fish control.
9.2
An intimate, high-end sushi experience offering meticulous omakase prepared with precision, showcasing the freshest ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase, Uni, Toro
What Makes it Special: Sushi Nakazawa offers a world-class omakase experience with expert preparation.
9.2
A reservation-driven, chef-led Edomae counter where the defining move is precision: deeply considered aging, curing, and temperature control that makes each bite feel intentional. It’s a special-occasion format with high concentration—go in ready to follow the chef’s pacing and let the fish do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase progression, Kohada (gizzard shad) nigiri, Uni moment (seasonal)
What Makes it Special: Edomae technique-forward omakase with Michelin-level precision.
Notable Picks
#5
Bar Miller
8.9
A micro-counter, high-intent sushi experience that puts craftsmanship first, where hand rolls and rice work feel deliberate rather than decorative. Come for a tightly choreographed meal and treat any roll course as a highlight—crisp seaweed, warm rice, and fish that tastes chosen, not generic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal hand roll course, Chef’s nigiri progression, Tuna hand roll (when offered)
What Makes it Special: A tiny, high-craft counter where rice and fish are the whole point.
#6
Ishi
8.9
Ishi is an intimate omakase counter and tasting room where a multi-course nigiri progression and premium sake program bring a more formal sushi experience to 5th Avenue. The focus is seasonal fish sourced from Japan, precise rice work, and a quiet, composed room that suits serious sushi nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gokujo Nigiri Omakase, Ginmi Nigiri Tasting, Kanmi Sweets Course
What Makes it Special: A focused omakase counter where seasonal Japanese fish and premium sake are served in a calm, almost meditative setting.
#7
Kinjo
8.9
Kinjo is a 14-seat Dumbo omakase and cocktail bar tucked under the Manhattan Bridge, offering a seasonal tasting menu that leans modern while still honoring classic nigiri craft. It feels like a special-occasion counter, but one that’s slightly more accessible in price and attitude than Manhattan’s flashiest omakase rooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal omakase nigiri progression, Signature cooked small plate from the current menu, Uni or toro course when available
What Makes it Special: Intimate omakase counter with a focused seasonal menu and serious cocktails in a dramatic Dumbo space.
8.9
Upscale sushi and Japanese‑Peruvian fare in a sleek, stylish space — a go‑to for a special night out when you want refined eats and ambiance. Locals and visitors rely on its consistent high quality and elegant plating. Nobu Fifty Seven delivers reliably polished sushi and signature dishes with class.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Toro Tartare
What Makes it Special: Refined Japanese‑Peruvian sushi with polished presentation and consistently high quality.
#9
Takeda
8.9
Intimate omakase counter on Amsterdam Avenue where Chef Takeda serves a tightly choreographed tasting focused on dry-aged fish, pristine nigiri, and a few composed small plates. It’s where Upper West Side diners go when they want a serious, lingering sushi experience without crossing town.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beltfish with king crab and yuba, Fluke nigiri, Hotategai (scallop) nigiri
What Makes it Special: Quiet omakase counter where multi-course sushi tastings feel personal and precise.
#10
Ume Williamsburg
8.9
Ume runs a prix-fixe sushi set in a cottage-like space where floor seating, hand-washing rituals, and an enclosed garden make dinner feel like a small trip to Kyoto. The set menu focuses on pristine nigiri, a savory soup, and rotating salts and condiments drawn from the chef’s travels, so the experience is as much about play as it is about technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Set prix fixe platter, Toro and uni nigiri when available, Mushroom-chicken style soup starter
What Makes it Special: Interactive, floor-seated sushi set with travel-inspired salts in a cottage-like space.
#11
BONDST
8.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
In NoHo, BONDST stages new-Japanese cooking with a heavy emphasis on elaborate rolls, crispy rice, and sashimi in a multi-level townhouse setting. It’s a longstanding scene restaurant where sushi rolls share space with cocktails, Wagyu, and a crowd that skews celebratory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Eye Tuna Tarts, Tuna Crispy Rice, Signature Specialty Rolls
What Makes it Special: Long-running NoHo hotspot for creative rolls, crispy rice, and scene-y sushi.
#12
Domo Omakase
8.8
Domo Omakase is a small, reservation-only sushi counter where Chef Jiro serves multi-course omakase in a minimalist room that feels designed for two-person celebrations. Lux touches like toro, caviar, and wagyu-focused bites make it a splurgey option when you want sushi to feel like an occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aki omakase tasting, Wagyu foie gras truffle taco, Toro, uni and ikura roll
What Makes it Special: High-touch omakase in a tiny room led by a veteran sushi chef.
Kaizen is a modern omakase and hand-roll bar tucked just off Farrington Street, known for tightly curated nigiri flights and made-to-order temaki. Guests come for pristine fish, a long counter, and a vibe that feels closer to a sleek city bar than a traditional Flushing storefront.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro hand roll, Salmon ikura hand roll, Chef’s omakase nigiri set
What Makes it Special: A focused omakase and hand-roll counter where seasonal cuts and temaki are the star.
#14
Neta Shari
8.8
A tight omakase counter that focuses on clean, composed nigiri and a paced progression, aiming for precision over spectacle. The best experience is committing to the chef’s sequence, letting a couple of standout bites anchor the memory instead of trying to customize the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase, Toro toast, Ikura don
What Makes it Special: Omakase-first counter focused on clean, high-clarity nigiri.
#15
noda
8.8
Refined Japanese restaurant offering Michelin‑starred omakase in a sleek Flatiron‑area setting, blending tradition and modern restraint.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase, Seasonal fish tasting, Premium nigiri set
What Makes it Special: Michelin‑starred Japanese omakase near Chelsea/Flatiron with disciplined technique.
#16
Odo
8.8
Refined kaiseki from Chef Hiroki Odo, combining precise technique with seasonal Japanese ingredients in an intimate Flatiron setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal omakase course, Hand‑made soba, Dessert — seasonal Japanese sweets
What Makes it Special: Modern kaiseki executed with seasonal Japanese precision in downtown NYC.
8.8
Since 1963, Restaurant Nippon has been Midtown East’s classic Edo-style dining room, pairing pristine sushi and sashimi with signatures like beef negimayaki and hand-cut soba. Guests come for precise, traditional fish work and a serene, old-school room that still draws business regulars and Japanese expatriates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Negimayaki (scallion and prime beef roll), Sushi deluxe combination, Sashimi over sushi rice
What Makes it Special: New York’s original Edo-style sushi house, credited with inventing beef negimayaki.
#18
Sora
8.8
Sora is a reservation-only omakase counter in Sunset Park where Toyosu-market fish is shaped into meticulous nigiri and compact roll sets. The art-filled, low-lit dining room turns a 61st Street storefront into a destination for drawn-out sushi tastings rather than quick takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase roll selection, Spicy tuna roll from SORA box, Negi hama roll with scallion and yellowtail
What Makes it Special: High-end omakase sushi and roll sets served in an art-driven room.
#19
Sushi Katsuei
8.8
Since 2014, this compact Park Slope counter has been the neighborhood’s reference point for omakase, serving high-quality Edomae-style nigiri at prices that undercut Manhattan’s marquee sushi names. Locals use it for milestone dates and serious solo sushi sessions where the focus is squarely on fish, not décor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Omakase, Sashimi & Sushi Omakase, Chef’s Toro Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Intimate Park Slope omakase where serious Edomae-style nigiri leads the experience.
8.8
A serene Chelsea omakase counter that leans Edomae in spirit—precise knife work, clean rice seasoning, and a tight progression that stays focused on fish quality. The meal reads as modern but not flashy, with luxurious cuts like otoro and Hokkaido scallop delivered in a calm, chef-driven room. Opened recently and already drawing strong local praise for polish and freshness.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-course omakase, Otoro handroll, Hokkaido scallop nigiri
What Makes it Special: A new-school Chelsea omakase with exceptionally clean execution and premium neta.
8.8
Upper West Side outpost of Sushi of Gari, known for topping pristine nigiri with creative sauces and garnishes rather than relying on soy sauce. Locals use it for splurge dinners and special occasions where the omakase leans playful but still focuses squarely on top-tier fish.
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.
#22
Sushi of Gari 46
8.8
A long-running Theater District destination celebrated for Gari Sugio’s signature sushi—fish topped with sauces and warm elements that are integrated, not optional. High review volume reflects steady execution and staff polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature omakase, Kumamoto oyster nigiri, Seared salmon with miso
What Makes it Special: Signature seasoned nigiri that redefined NYC’s modern sushi.
#23
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.
8.8
Wall Street Grill is a kosher fine-dining steakhouse in the Financial District with a serious sushi program, including an omakase-minded nigiri bar led by a veteran Tokyo-trained chef. Locals and business diners come for polished service, rooftop seating, and sushi that feels more like a composed tasting than standard rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeno Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll
What Makes it Special: Kosher fine-dining steakhouse with a dedicated sushi bar and rooftop.
8.7
A longtime SoHo fixture, Blue Ribbon Sushi pairs pristine fish with classic and contemporary rolls, plus cult-favorite crispy rice in a lively, late-night room. Locals use it for everything from casual dates at the counter to celebratory group dinners when they want serious sushi without full-on formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toshi Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Omakase Sushi Selection
What Makes it Special: Downtown institution for high-end sushi, signature rolls, and late-night energy.
#26
Kakurega Sushi
8.7
Kakurega Sushi is a small, reservation-driven sushi bar hidden along 37th Avenue, built around intimate omakase experiences. The room is low-lit and compact, with much of the action happening inches away at the counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase tasting, Tri toro don, Chirashi bowl
What Makes it Special: A tiny, counter-focused omakase bar where the chef leads the entire experience.
#27
Ki Sushi
8.7
Ki Sushi is a spacious, modern Japanese restaurant where high-quality fish, big-format platters, and composed signature rolls make it a go-to for both dates and groups. The room feels polished but relaxed, with enough seating and a deep menu to handle pre-Barclays crowds without sacrificing execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ki Roll, TNT Truffle, Spicy Tuna Roll
What Makes it Special: A sleek Flatbush Avenue sushi room that balances serious fish with crowd-pleasing signature rolls.
#28
Kiwami
8.7
Overlooking Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kiwami is a serene Dumbo omakase destination pairing unobstructed waterfront views with a carefully choreographed sushi tasting. The experience leans tranquil and refined, making it a choice for milestone dinners and out-of-town guests who want both scenery and skillful nigiri.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full omakase experience, Premium toro or wagyu supplement, Seasonal white-fish nigiri flights
What Makes it Special: Waterfront omakase with skyline views and a calm, design-forward dining room.
#29
Kosaka
8.7
Michelin‑starred Japanese spot known for sushi precision and understated elegance in West Village/Chelsea border.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase sushi course, Seasonal sashimi platter, Chef’s nigiri selection
What Makes it Special: Michelin‑starred Japanese omakase in an intimate, calm setting.
8.7
Mido Omakase Room is an intimate, reservation-only counter where a 15-course omakase leans into aged fish, precise nigiri, and thoughtful sake pairings. The space is compact and softly lit, making it one of the most focused, special-occasion sushi experiences in South Williamsburg without the ultra-luxury price tag.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase nigiri tasting, botan ebi with miso and citrus, miso black cod
What Makes it Special: Serious omakase technique in an intimate, design-forward South Williamsburg counter.
#31
Shinpi Omakase
8.7
Shinpi Omakase is a tiny Madison Avenue counter where a single chef walks guests through a long, seasonal menu of nigiri, sashimi, and wagyu. The experience is slow, detailed, and personal, with a focus on premium product like Hokkaido uni and Miyazaki wagyu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal omakase, Wagyu hand roll, Hokkaido uni nigiri
What Makes it Special: Ultra-intimate omakase built around premium fish and wagyu.
#32
Shota Omakase
8.7
Shota Omakase is a Michelin-starred counter where a tight progression of small plates, nigiri, and a hand roll leans on auction-level seafood and dual rice blends. The room is compact and focused, making the experience feel like a serious but welcoming Edomae-style sushi session on the South Side waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-course omakase nigiri progression, Shark skin flounder with aged ponzu, Hand roll and dessert finale
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred omakase with dual-vinegar rice and big-ticket seafood.
8.7
Perched inside an actual hotel suite, Sushi Suite 1001 runs an intimate, reservation-only omakase with just a handful of seats and full bar service. It feels like a private sushi party in a friend’s luxe apartment, with a longer, more indulgent progression than the downstairs bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature omakase progression, Seared wagyu bites, Hokkaido uni nigiri
What Makes it Special: Speakeasy-style omakase held in a converted hotel suite.
#34
Sushi Goda
8.7
Sushi Goda is an intimate Upper East Side sushi dining room where a contemporary omakase format and composed nigiri plates headline the experience. Guests come for the 15-course ContempOkase, polished service, and a room that feels special without tipping into white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
ContempOkase 15-course omakase, Chef’s selection nigiri platter, Brownie & Matcha dessert
What Makes it Special: Contemporary omakase and composed nigiri served in a chic, intimate room.
#35
Sushi Nakazawa
8.7
A focused omakase-only sushi counter from chef Daisuke Nakazawa, serving a precise progression of nigiri in an intimate West Village townhouse. Expect high-end product, meticulous technique, and a quietly formal experience built around the chef’s seasonal selections rather than à la carte choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Twenty-Piece Nigiri Omakase, Toro Nigiri, Tamago Egg Custard
What Makes it Special: Serious omakase from a Jiro alum in an intimate counter-only setting.
#36
Sushi Seki
8.7
A sleek, modern sushi bar known for its expertly prepared sushi and exceptional omakase, perfect for a luxurious date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Toro Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: Sushi Seki is celebrated for its traditional sushi, modern ambiance, and outstanding omakase.
#37
SUteiShi
8.7
SUteiShi is a long-running Seaport sushi house known for elaborate signature rolls, fusion bites, and a broad sake list overlooking the East River. Locals use it for dressed-up sushi nights that still feel relaxed, with enough menu depth to satisfy both purists and roll hunters.
Must-Try Dishes:
SUteiShi Rainbow Roll, Sushi for Two platter, Spicy Tuna Crisps
What Makes it Special: Signature rolls and fusion bites in a waterfront Seaport setting.
#38
Takumi Omakase
8.7
Takumi Omakase is an intimate counter where a tightly edited progression of nigiri, small plates, and seasonal specials leans luxe without feeling stiff. Diners praise the balance of premium product and attentive pacing, making it a destination for serious sushi fans on the Lower East Side.
Must-Try Dishes:
Foie Gras Nigiri Bite, King Salmon Nigiri, Miso Black Cod
What Makes it Special: High-end omakase that emphasizes premium fish and composed bites in a small counter setting.
#39
Watawa Sushi
8.7
Watawa Sushi is the go-to Ditmars sushi bar for creative special rolls, generous sashimi platters, and a long track record of consistently fresh fish. It balances neighborhood comfort with destination-level sushi, drawing steady crowds for birthday dinners, date nights, and delivery orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Watawa Roll, Dynamite Roll, Chirashi
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood sushi bar with creative special rolls and consistently fresh fish.
#40
DOMODOMO
8.6
Just off Houston, DOMODOMO pioneered New York’s hand-roll bar, now centering its DOMOKASE tasting and build-your-own hand-roll sets. It’s a go-to for creative rolls and cones that balance modern plating with traditional flavors in a loud, stylish dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
DOMOKASE Tasting Course, 3 Hand Roll Set, Spicy Tuna Cone
What Makes it Special: First NYC hand-roll bar, now a Michelin-noted spot for inventive rolls.
8.6
IWAK Sushi + Kitchen is a modern Japanese spot where a long list of creative rolls and sashimi plates is backed by consistently strong fish quality and a cozy, date-friendly room. With hundreds of recent reviews praising freshness and ambiance, it’s a reliable choice for couples who want a fuller dinner beyond just omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Mac signature roll, negitoro scallion roll, chef’s choice sashimi platter
What Makes it Special: High-volume neighborhood sushi with standout rolls and a warm room.
#42
Kaki
8.6
Kaki is a small LES sushi counter where omakase sets lean focused and generous for the price, spotlighting cuts like toro, king salmon, and Spanish mackerel. The room is compact and understated, but regulars come for the fish quality and relaxed, neighborhood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Nigiri, King Salmon Nigiri, Spanish Mackerel Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Tight, value-forward omakase that overachieves on ingredient quality for the price.
#43
Mikado
8.6
Mikado is a polished Brooklyn Heights Japanese restaurant where sushi, sashimi, and cooked plates are treated with equal care in a relaxed but upgraded room. Locals lean on it for reliably fresh fish, generous lunch specials, and a menu that works for both casual meals and low-key celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna tart with crispy rice, Spicy tuna crunch maki, Chef’s assorted sashimi plate
What Makes it Special: Upscale neighborhood sushi with consistently high-quality fish and polished execution.
#44
Nakaji
8.6
An Edomae-style omakase built around precision and pacing—clean cuts, tight temperature control, and a progression that’s meant to be followed, not customized. It’s best for diners who want a focused, chef-led experience where the details (rice, seasoning, timing) do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Seasonal otsumami (appetizers), Toro course (when offered)
What Makes it Special: Edomae omakase with a disciplined, chef-led progression.
#45
Shinn East
8.6
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.
#46
Sushi Koju
8.6
Tucked inside the Ace Hotel lobby, Sushi Koju serves a high-end, visually driven omakase that leans into dramatic plating and a strong Japanese beverage list. The experience is structured around a multi-course chef’s tasting, making it more of a planned night out than a casual neighborhood drop-in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Tasting Omakase, Seasonal Sashimi, Hōjicha Monaka Ice Cream
What Makes it Special: A lobby-side omakase experience with theater, precise nigiri, and an unusually deep Japanese beverage program.
#47
Sushi Ryusei
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Sushi Ryusei is a refined Murray Hill counter where the chefs serve composed omakase flights built around pristine fish and precise knife work. The room is calm and quietly upscale, making it feel more like a chef’s studio than a busy neighborhood spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal omakase, Chu-toro and o-toro flights, Uni nigiri
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven omakase with quietly serious fish and technique.
#48
Sushi Yasuda
8.6
A long-running Midtown sushiya where the best version of the meal is clean, traditional nigiri with careful rice temperature and straightforward seasoning. It’s strongest when you keep the order classic—sit at the bar if you can, let the chef steer, and avoid overcomplicating the arc with too many rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase/nigiri set, Toro nigiri, Uni (when quality is strong)
What Makes it Special: Classic NYC sushi bar format built around disciplined nigiri.
#49
Tatsuda Omakase
8.6
A serene 16-course omakase tucked off the bustle, with carefully aged fish and subtle Korean-influenced accents. The pacing is smooth, and the chef’s menu shows strong seasonal judgment.
Must-Try Dishes:
16-course dinner omakase, Wagyu-uni handroll, Kinmedai nigiri
What Makes it Special: High-skill, modern omakase at a compact chef’s counter.
#50
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
What Makes it Special: A sustainability-forward sushi bar using 100% domestic seafood in a stylish townhouse space.