Best Japanese Restaurants in New York
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Shion 69 Leonard Street
Michelin-starred Edomae omakase with precision rice-and-fish control.
Essential Picks
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.
#2
ITO
9.1
ITO is a 16-seat Tribeca omakase counter where chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim serve an extended progression of Hokkaido uni, aged bluefin, and precise nigiri in a dim, focused room. It functions as a destination sushi experience for guests who want an intimate, chef-driven meal rather than a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido uni nigiri, Aged bluefin tuna nigiri, Uni and caviar rice bowl
What Makes it Special: High-end, chef-led omakase with meticulous Edomae technique in an intimate room.
#3
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.
#4
Sushi On Me
9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Girls Night Out Approved
A speakeasy-style omakase that leans as hard into entertainment as it does into fish—high-tempo service, loud joy, and a parade of bites that keeps moving. The sushi is strongest when you treat it like a set-piece experience: arrive hungry, surrender control, and let the room carry the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase set (course menu), Fatty tuna sandwich, Thai Penang curry eel
What Makes it Special: A party-forward omakase where the show is built into the pacing.
Notable Picks
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is an omakase-style, seafood-focused tasting counter hidden in the back of a Hudson Yards grocery, now led by chefs Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins. Multi-course menus lean heavily on Japanese technique and pristine product, with meticulous pacing and polished service that make it one of Midtown’s most serious splurge destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin tuna taco, Uni and king crab course, A5 wagyu beef course
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-level, Japanese-leaning seafood tasting counter hidden inside a Hudson Yards market.
#6
Hirohisa
8.9
Since 2013, chef Hirohisa Hayashi’s Michelin-starred kappo counter has quietly served seasonal multi-course menus that lean into kaiseki-style technique rather than sushi. The serene, low-lit room and small dining counter make it one of SoHo’s most refined Japanese experiences for guests willing to invest in a long, carefully paced dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corn and egg flan with uni, Roasted duck salad, Grilled Wagyu beef course
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred kappo dining with intimate counter service and seasonally driven courses.
#7
icca
8.9
icca is a Michelin-starred omakase in Tribeca where chef Kazushige Suzuki folds subtle Italian touches into an otherwise orthodox Edomae progression. The counter leans luxurious and theatrical, with hairy crab-uni pasta, abalone liver nigiri, and deep sake pairings drawing diners who track the city’s top sushi bars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido hairy crab and uni angel hair, Abalone liver nigiri, Japanese melon pudding dessert
What Makes it Special: Michelin-star omakase that layers Italian flourishes onto precision sushi.
#8
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.
#9
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.
#10
Secchu Yokota
8.9
A chef-driven tempura omakase where the craft shows in the batter, temperature control, and the way each course lands crisp, clean, and specific. It’s less about spectacle and more about precision—best enjoyed as a focused counter meal where you trust the sequence.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempura omakase, Seasonal prawn and fish tempura, Uni and wagyu add-ons (when offered)
What Makes it Special: Tempura omakase built around chef-level timing and restraint.
#11
Tempura Matsui
8.9
Tempura Matsui is a quietly luxurious counter focused on tempura omakase, where a chef fries each course to order in front of you. Diners come for precise technique, pristine seafood, and a rare opportunity to treat tempura as a full tasting menu rather than a side dish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempura omakase menu with seasonal seafood, Shrimp tempura with shiitake and vegetables, Tendon bowl with tempura over rice
What Makes it Special: Tempura-focused omakase that treats frying like fine dining.
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.
#13
Mr. Taka Ramen
8.8
Mr. Taka Ramen is a compact Lower East Side shop from Tokyo-trained chefs where rich tonkotsu, miso, and vegan bowls draw steady lines. Diners pack into the tight space for deeply flavored broths, charred pork belly, and a focused menu that has become a benchmark for ramen in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Tokyo-style bowls with long-simmered broths and serious attention to toppings.
#14
Nara Sushi
8.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Nara Sushi is a high-volume FiDi sushi bar where office workers rely on big delivery platforms and quick counter service for maki combos, chirashi bowls, and nigiri platters that are consistently fresher than typical takeout. With thousands of orders logged across apps and a compact dine-in space, it functions as the neighborhood’s default Japanese option for both weekday lunch and casual after-work sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
3-roll lunch special, Salmon avocado roll, Chirashi sushi bowl
What Makes it Special: High-volume FiDi sushi bar turning out reliably fresh rolls and chirashi for both dine-in and delivery.
#15
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.
#16
Nobu Downtown
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Nobu Downtown brings the brand’s Japanese-Peruvian signatures to a landmark Financial District space with a lounge-like bar upstairs and a sprawling dining room below. Thousands of reviews across platforms confirm it as a reliable destination for miso black cod, rock shrimp, and lychee martinis before or after downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Cod with Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Rock Shrimp Tempura
What Makes it Special: Big-room Nobu with classic signatures and a dramatic two-level space.
8.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Oishii Sushi Japanese is a delivery-forward sushi shop at the east end of Ditmars that has built a large following on consistent, well-priced maki combos. People lean on its mix-and-match roll lunches and straightforward nigiri for weeknight dinners, late takeout, and casual gatherings at home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Volcano Roll, Crunch Roll, Any Three Roll lunch combo
What Makes it Special: High-volume delivery sushi shop with customizable roll combos and strong value.
#18
Rule of Thirds
8.8
Rule of Thirds is a sprawling modern Japanese restaurant and sake-focused event space where shareable plates, karaage, and Japanese breakfast sets anchor Greenpoint’s Japanese dining scene. Locals use it for everything from brunch and date nights to large-format celebrations, with a menu that balances comfort dishes and more composed plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese breakfast set, Tonkatsu with cabbage, Mazemen noodles
What Makes it Special: A flagship modern Japanese restaurant that also works as a full-scale event space.
#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
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.
#21
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.
#22
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.
#23
Hibino
8.7
Hibino is a Kyoto-style Japanese restaurant in Cobble Hill known for fresh homemade tofu, daily-changing obanzai small plates, and carefully made sushi. Open since 2007, it functions as both a weeknight staple and a low-key destination for diners who want Japanese comfort food with a bit more precision and craft.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Tofu, Salmon Hako Sushi, Kyoto Style Futomaki
What Makes it Special: Kyoto-style obanzai and fresh-made tofu give Hibino a distinct, homestyle personality beyond sushi alone.
#24
Ikigai
8.7
Ikigai is a kaiseki-style tasting menu restaurant in a Fort Greene townhouse where a seasonal progression of small plates is served at a long counter after a tea-room welcome. The experience feels intimate and quietly celebratory, with a mission-driven approach that connects fine dining to local food-rescue work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Kaiseki Tasting, Black Truffle Tamagoyaki, Sashimi Course
What Makes it Special: A kaiseki-inspired tasting menu in a townhouse setting that pairs seasonal cooking with a community-focused mission.
#25
Ivan Ramen
8.7
Ivan Ramen turns a narrow Clinton Street space into a chef-driven ramen bar where inventive shio and shoyu bowls anchor the menu. Whole-wheat noodles, playful toppings, and small plates make it feel like a full dinner spot rather than a quick slurp-and-go shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shio Ramen, Chicken Paitan, Triple Pork Triple Garlic Mazemen
What Makes it Special: Creative, chef-led ramen with house-made noodles and layered broths.
#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
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.
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Ramen Spot made in NY is a tight, counter-focused shop where a long list of shoyu, miso, and spicy bowls comes out fast and generously topped. With thousands of recent reviews and all-day hours, it functions as Greenpoint’s default neighborhood ramen stop for quick, filling meals under $20.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Ramen with Pork Belly, Miso Classic Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: A high-volume, low-frills ramen counter with big bowls under $20.
8.7
Opened in 2019, South Slope Ramen from chef Victor Gomez has grown into a high-volume ramen and Japanese comfort-food hub, with kimchi, tan tan, and birria-inspired bowls alongside wings, buns, and snacks. It reads casual and family-friendly, but the broth depth and portion sizes keep ramen fans coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tan tan ramen, Kimchi ramen, Pork buns
What Makes it Special: A ramen-focused shop with huge order volume and playful, flavor-packed bowls.
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.
#31
Sushi Yu
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
A family-owned fixture on Prospect Park West for over two decades, Sushi Yu leans heavily on takeout and delivery while still offering a handful of casual seats. The sushi is straightforward but consistently executed, with value-packed lunch boxes and large combo platters that have made it a default neighborhood order-in option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Chef’s Sushi & Sashimi Combination
What Makes it Special: Long-running, family-run sushi focused on generous combo platters and reliable delivery right off Prospect Park.
#32
Taco Mix
8.7
Tiny, perpetually busy East Harlem taqueria where carved-to-order al pastor is the main event and lines run late into the night. The menu stays tight—tacos, quesadillas, and a few plates—but execution and salsa variety make it a citywide taco destination. Expect to stand at the counter and eat quickly while the next round is sliced from the trompo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Barbacoa tacos, Flor de calabaza quesadilla
What Makes it Special: Iconic East Harlem taqueria built around carved-to-order al pastor.
#33
Tomi Jazz
8.7
Speakeasy-style Tomi Jazz packs live jazz, Japanese bar food, and serious drinks into a low-ceilinged basement just off Second Avenue. Plates like cod roe spaghetti, omurice, and fried croquettes come out of a tiny kitchen while trios play to a room of tightly packed two-tops and counter seats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod Roe Spaghetti, Omurice, Honey Toast
What Makes it Special: A snug jazz club where serious Japanese comfort food meets live nightly sets.
Tsubame is chef Jay Zheng’s kaiseki-inspired omakase near City Hall, pacing seasonal small plates and nigiri in a minimalist room that feels more intimate than grand. Since opening in 2023, it has built a following for thoughtful flavor progressions, special-occasion hospitality, and extras like complimentary bubbles for celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki-style appetizer course, Uni and caviar opening bite, Signature banana dessert
What Makes it Special: Kaiseki-style omakase that emphasizes progression, seasonality, and warm hosting.
#35
Uzuki
8.7
Uzuki is an intimate soba house devoted to 100% buckwheat noodles and seasonal Japanese small plates, run with a quiet, technique-driven focus. The room feels like a tiny salon for noodle obsessives, ideal for slow, sake-backed dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Shio Soba, Black Truffle Duck Soba, Soba kanten dessert
What Makes it Special: A soba-obsessed, buckwheat-only kitchen treating noodles like a tasting-menu centerpiece.
8.6
ICHIRAN’s Times Square outpost offers reliable, customizable Hakata‑style tonkotsu ramen in solo‑dining booths — ideal for a quick, focused bowl any time. Their consistent broth and streamlined ordering keep it a dependable stop for solo diners or late‑night cravings near Broadway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, Veggie Ramen, Premium Yakibuta (extra chashu) bowl
What Makes it Special: Individual booths + fully customizable tonkotsu ramen for distraction‑free dining.
8.6
Jin Ramen West Harlem is the neighborhood’s go-to Japanese noodle shop, serving long-simmered tonkotsu, shoyu, and curry ramens just off 125th Street. Students and locals treat it as a reliable sit-down option for big, comforting bowls, small izakaya plates, and a short sake list before or after campus life.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Katsu Curry Don
What Makes it Special: Tokyo-style ramen shop where slow-cooked broths and Japanese curry bowls anchor hearty meals near Columbia.
#38
Kogane Ramen
8.6
Kogane Ramen is a Brooklyn Heights standby for rich tonkotsu and miso broths, lobster ramen, and a wide range of classic and seasonal bowls. Regulars treat it as the neighborhood’s go-to ramen shop, with steady lines at peak hours and a menu that works for both quick solo meals and casual dinners. The cozy space near the Clark Street station makes it an easy stop before or after a walk on the promenade.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Miso Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Pork Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood ramen shop with a deep menu and lobster miso bowls.
#39
Kuu Ramen
8.6
Kuu Ramen is a compact Financial District ramen shop known for rich broths, karaage, and quick-moving lines that turn over constantly at lunch and dinner. Since 2016, it’s been the go-to bowl near the Seaport and WTC for office workers and ramen regulars who want depth of flavor without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kuu Chili Chili Ramen, Triple Chicken Yuzu Ramen, Karaage Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: A tiny ramen counter with big, slow-simmered broth and serious repeat traffic.
#40
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.
#41
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.
#42
Nakamura
8.6
Nakamura is an 18-seat ramen shop from chef Shigetoshi Nakamura, known for clear shoyu, rich tontoro tonkotsu, and an XO miso vegan bowl. The space is tiny but calm, with table service and quietly precise bowls that attract repeat locals and visiting ramen fans alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tontoro Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, XO Miso Vegan Ramen
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven bowls in a tiny room focused on precise broths.
#43
New Mizu Sushi
8.6
A high-volume neighborhood workhorse that still delivers clean fish, tidy rolls, and dependable takeout. The menu is broad without feeling sloppy, and locals lean on it for consistency more than novelty.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy salmon crunch roll, Tuna tartare, Chirashi bowl
What Makes it Special: Massive local following built on reliable sushi.
#44
Okonomi
8.6
Okonomi is a tiny Japanese spot in East Williamsburg known for its traditional ichiju-sansai breakfast sets by day and rich, focused ramen bowls at night. Locals treat it as a destination for carefully grilled fish, seasonal sides, and a quietly serious approach to simple Japanese cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ichiju Sansai breakfast set, Yakizakana grilled fish set, Yuji shoyu ramen
What Makes it Special: Traditional Japanese breakfast and focused ramen served in a tiny, serene room.
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Raku It's Japanese is a high-volume Midtown East standby where office workers and neighborhood regulars come for reliable sushi, noodles, and bento-style plates. UberEats and delivery platforms show thousands of recent ratings, and in-house diners praise the balance of fresh nigiri, hearty udon, and generous combo platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Deluxe (9 pcs), Yakiniku Udon, Sashimi Regular
What Makes it Special: Massive volume with a 4.8-star delivery score shows remarkably consistent sushi, udon, and bento at friendly neighborhood prices.
#46
Shalom Japan
8.6
Shalom Japan blends Jewish and Japanese traditions into dishes like lox bowls, okonomiyaki with pastrami, and refined small plates in a warm, brick-lined dining room. It’s a South Williamsburg fixture for creative cooking that still feels grounded and personal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox bowl with sushi rice, Okonomiyaki with pastrami, Miso ramen matzo ball soup
What Makes it Special: Jewish-Japanese plates and sake in a cozy, chef-driven neighborhood spot.
#47
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.
#48
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.
#49
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.
#50
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.