Best Fine Dining Japanese Restaurants in New York
40 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.
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.
#5
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.
#6
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.
#7
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.
#8
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
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.
#10
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.
#11
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.
#12
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.
#13
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.
#15
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.
#16
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.
#17
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.
#18
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
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.
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.
#21
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.
#22
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.
#23
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.
#24
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.
#25
U Omakase
8.6
U Omakase is a compact counter-focused sushi experience where a fixed-price menu runs through around 13 courses of nigiri, sashimi, and composed hot dishes. It’s one of Greenpoint’s splurge options, emphasizing chef interaction, plating, and pacing rather than a long à la carte menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
13-course omakase tasting menu, Wagyu course, Smokey King Salmon or other signature sashimi bite
What Makes it Special: A focused omakase counter delivering a tightly paced sequence of high-quality bites.
#26
Omi Omakase
8.5
Omi Omakase is a small, reservation-only counter on the upper floor of One Fulton Square, offering fixed-course sushi tastings in a quiet space. The experience revolves around seasonal nigiri, composed bites, and close interaction with the chef.
Must-Try Dishes:
16-course omakase, Seasonal sashimi flight, Chef’s uni selection
What Makes it Special: A focused, higher-end omakase where each course is assembled in front of you.
8.5
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.
#28
Towa
8.5
A reservation-led, technique-forward Japanese room where the sushi reads best as a focused omakase experience rather than a broad, à la carte crawl. The fish quality is the headline, with pacing and precision that reward letting the chef drive the meal from lean whites into richer toro-and-uni territory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Otoro (fatty tuna) nigiri, Uni (sea urchin) hand roll
What Makes it Special: Omakase-first sushi with a precision, quiet-luxury rhythm.
#29
Enso
8.4
Enso is a design-forward omakase on Berry Street inspired by Kyoto-style minimalism, with a chef’s counter, lounge, and garden that all run fixed-course tastings. Early reviews highlight precise nigiri, cocktails, and a room that feels like a quieter, more intimate alternative to Manhattan omakase temples.
Must-Try Dishes:
16-course omakase tasting, Katsuo tataki, Hojicha pudding
What Makes it Special: Kyoto-inspired omakase where the room, cocktails, and sushi all feel choreographed together.
#30
One Bite Omakase
8.4
Tiny omakase counter opened in 2024 offering 9-course lunch and 13-course dinner tastings at a fixed price. The minimalist format and small seating make it a focused experience for diners who want chef-led bites without Midtown formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
9-Course Lunch Omakase, 13-Course Dinner Omakase, A La Carte Extras
What Makes it Special: Small-seat omakase counter focused on tightly paced chef’s tastings.
8.3
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Fushimi Williamsburg is a polished Japanese-fusion restaurant where elaborate specialty rolls, sashimi platters, and cocktails land in a clubby, mood-lit room. It functions as a go-to spot for birthdays and group dinners when you want sushi with a bit of spectacle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Fushimi sushi and sashimi platter, Specialty dragon-style rolls, Rock shrimp tempura
What Makes it Special: High-energy, cocktail-heavy Japanese-fusion dining built for celebrations.
8.3
Iki Modern Japanese Cuisine sits inside One Fulton Square, combining a full sushi bar with cooked izakaya-style plates and set menus. It’s the kind of place where you can lean into toro and uni or build a more casual mixed Japanese dinner with friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Foie gras uni sushi, Wagyu beef sashimi, Deluxe sushi lunch set
What Makes it Special: A modern Japanese dining room where sushi, wagyu, and composed plates share equal billing.
8.3
An intimate omakase‑style fine dining experience, where the chef curates a seasonal multi‑course sushi and kaiseki menu. Ideal for diners seeking a polished, elevated take on traditional Japanese cuisine in Midtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Seasonal Omakase Course, Miso‑marinated Fish Course, Handcrafted Sashimi Plate
What Makes it Special: Chef‑led seasonal omakase blending sushi and kaiseki traditions.
8.3
A refined Gramercy/East Village edge omakase counter where the chef leans into clean Edomae fundamentals with a few modern touches. The rice seasoning and careful temperature control make each nigiri feel deliberate, and the pacing stays calm even on busy nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase set, Otoro nigiri, Uni hand roll
What Makes it Special: Red-vinegar rice and precise, traditional nigiri execution.
#35
Kaiyo Omakase
8.2
A focused omakase counter built around a curated progression of seasonal fish, with a pacing that rewards going all-in on the set rather than ordering around it. Best for diners who want a sit-down sushi experience that feels intimate and structured without turning overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-course omakase, Wagyu + uni + ankimo, King salmon course
What Makes it Special: Course-driven omakase focused on seasonal fish with a tight, curated flow.
#36
Mitsuru
8.2
Mitsuru is a townhouse-style West Village restaurant where chef-owner Mitsuru Tamura, formerly of Sushi Yasuda, runs an eight-seat omakase counter alongside a lounge for a la carte sushi and small plates. Natural wine, thoughtful nigiri, and a quietly stylish room have quickly made it a destination for serious sushi fans in 10012.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi omakase (about 14 courses), Mitsuru’s Choice five-piece nigiri set, Uni over warm rice
What Makes it Special: Intimate omakase and natural-wine-focused sushi from a veteran Yasuda chef.
#37
Sushi by Scratch
8.2
An intimate, omakase-only experience built around a tight sequence of bites where the move is to trust the chef and let the progression do the work. It’s at its best when you treat it like a single focused performance—no overthinking, just show up ready for a paced run of nigiri and hand rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase tasting sequence, Otoro nigiri, Botan ebi (sweet shrimp) bite
What Makes it Special: A compact, omakase-only sushi experience designed as a progression.
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Luxury Dining Elite
Trendy Table Hotspots
Mikiya’s Manhattan location brings the brand’s all-you-can-eat wagyu shabu-shabu format to Midtown East, with tiered pricing that climbs into A5 territory. Tables cook their own thin-cut wagyu, seafood, and vegetables in individual pots, backed by a polished room and a staff that keeps refills moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
All-You-Can-Eat A5 Wagyu Shabu Set, Wagyu Tartare, Wagyu Nigiri
What Makes it Special: An AYCE wagyu shabu-shabu experience with multiple premium tiers and a sleek setting.
#39
Shinzo Omakase
8
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
7.8
Upscale-feeling sushi-and-steak room on Avenue U with moody lighting, cocktails, and a full sushi bar. People use it for occasions when one person wants rolls and another wants a ribeye or lamb chops without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Tempura Roll, California Roll, Stuffed Shrimp
What Makes it Special: Sushi bar and steakhouse hybrid with lounge-style ambiance.