0 Followers
Oishi Bay Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Oishi Bay Sushi
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Oishi Bay is a long-running Kips Bay Japanese spot where sushi rolls share space with teriyaki, udon, and hibachi-style plates. It’s a dependable option for affordable combo dinners, big takeout orders, and mixed groups who don’t all want raw fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon avocado roll, Sushi and sashimi dinner, Chicken or salmon hibachi
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Affordable sushi-plus-hot-dishes menu that serves many use cases.
Who should go: Budget-minded groups wanting sushi alongside cooked Japanese standards.
When to visit: Busy early evenings and weekends for family-style sharing.
What to order: Roll combos, sushi and sashimi dinner, hibachi-style mains.
Insider tip: Use their online ordering for smoother timing on larger takeout orders.
Oishi Bay Sushi
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Oishi Bay is a longtime Kips Bay Japanese restaurant balancing sushi rolls, teriyaki, and noodles at approachable prices. It’s a neighborhood staple for combo dinners, takeout platters, and mixed groups where not everyone wants raw fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Love Cruise for Four sushi and sashimi boat, Chicken or beef teriyaki entrées, Chirashi or sashimi don over rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Affordable all-around Japanese menu that covers sushi, teriyaki, and noodles.
Who should go: Locals needing flexible sushi-plus-hot-dishes in one place.
When to visit: Busy early evenings and weekends for family-style sharing.
What to order: Sushi boats, teriyaki entrées, a chirashi or sashimi don.
Insider tip: Large party platters travel well for game nights and office gatherings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; meter parking is limited and gets tight after 6pm on weekdays. Garages available a few blocks away.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner but still easy to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, tofu teriyaki, noodles, and veggie tempura.
Vegan options: Limited — a handful of veggie and avocado-based rolls; confirm broth ingredients for noodles.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sashimi and select rolls work, but soy sauce and fried items contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a low-pressure, casual first date, especially if you want something relaxed and affordable rather than intimate or upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights and at lunch. Peak weekend dinner may come with a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — wide menu, familiar flavors, and flexible seating make it comfortable for kids and families.
Best For
Better for: Affordable group dining, takeout platters, and mixed menus where some want sushi and others want hot entrées.
Skip if: You're looking for premium omakase, standalone sushi craftsmanship, or a high-end Japanese dining experience.
Oishi Bay Sushi
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Oishi Bay Sushi in Kips Bay is a high-volume neighborhood favorite where generous rolls, chirashi, and bento-style combos make for an easygoing, affordable sushi date. It leans more casual and delivery-friendly, but the steady dine-in traffic and reliable quality give it strong weeknight appeal for couples nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maki combo three-roll set, Chirashi (15 pieces), Sushi platter from the sushi bar
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Busy neighborhood sushi shop known for big, reliable rolls and combos.
Who should go: Local couples wanting casual, affordable sushi with variety.
When to visit: Weeknights before peak delivery rush for quicker service.
What to order: Maki combo, chirashi bowl, sushi platter to share.
Insider tip: Use combos to sample more rolls, then add a chirashi to split.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Kips Bay is limited after 6pm; nearby garages on 2nd and 3rd Avenue are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans and everyday wear are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak dinner hours, but still easy enough to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on delivery volume and walk-in traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie rolls, avocado-cucumber maki, vegetable tempura, and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — simple veggie rolls and salads available, but options are basic.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — sashimi, chirashi without soy sauce, and some rolls can be adapted; no formal gluten-free prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a low-pressure, casual sushi date that feels easy and affordable. It’s not romantic or high-end, but it’s great for keeping things relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate mostly on walk-ins. Arrive before the peak dinner delivery rush for the fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — informal seating, quick service, and wide menu variety make it suitable for families with kids of most ages.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, fast service, and budget-friendly combos compared to pricier omakase-focused spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for a romantic or elevated sushi experience with premium cuts and refined pacing; choose a dedicated omakase counter instead.