Best Trendy Sushi Restaurants in Upper West Side (Central)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Takeda
Quiet omakase counter where multi-course sushi tastings feel personal and precise.
Notable Picks
#1
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.
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.
#3
Sushi Skooba
8.3
Sushi Skooba is a kosher sushi counter sharing space with New Amsterdam Burger, built around high-grade fish and a concise menu of rolls and bowls. The focus is on clean flavors, premium ingredients, and composed rolls rather than an endless list of options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kanpachi Hibiscus Orange Jalapeno Roll, Tuna Poke Truffle Roll, Salmon Rice Bowl
What Makes it Special: Kosher sushi specialist emphasizing premium fish and composed rolls inside a shared burger bar setting.
8.2
Namazake Sushi operates as a sushi bar and delivery-focused concept turning out signature rolls, crispy rice, and a deluxe box built around six inside-out rolls. It’s a go-to for well-presented takeout sushi when you want more creativity than a basic neighborhood spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Namazake Deluxe Box (6 Signature/Inside Out Rolls), Miso Black Cod Roll, Double Tuna Signature Roll
What Makes it Special: Delivery-friendly sushi focused on deluxe roll boxes and crispy rice with punchy flavors.
#5
Omakase 95
8.1
A budget omakase counter on the Upper West Side running tiered tasting menus from $32 to $69, with fish sourced daily from Toyosu Market through the Shihou Group's multi-location supply chain. The format is efficient—75-minute seatings at a clean counter where chefs explain each course and adjust service to individual diners. It fills a specific gap for neighborhood-accessible omakase without the prix-fixe sticker shock, though it's still too new to know if the early momentum holds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase (12 Pcs Sushi, 2 Appetizers, Dessert), Chiba 15-Course Lunch Omakase, Omakase Dinner (10 Pcs Sushi, Appetizer, Dessert)
What Makes it Special: Sub-$100 omakase on the Upper West Side with tiered tasting menus starting at $32, using fresh ingredients sourced daily.
#6
Momoya
8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Lively Japanese restaurant that balances signature rolls, sashimi platters, and kitchen dishes in a modern room just off 81st Street. It’s a go-to on the Upper West Side for groups, dates, and family dinners when you want polished sushi without full omakase formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice, Momoya Spicy Tuna Roll, Miso Black Cod
What Makes it Special: Stylish, crowd-pleasing sushi spot with signature rolls and full Japanese menu.