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Sora
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-end omakase sushi and roll sets served in an art-driven room.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans planning a dedicated omakase night.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner seatings Thursday through Sunday.
What to order: Full omakase, chef’s roll box, seasonal sashimi add-ons.
Insider tip: Book counter seats to watch the chef assemble nigiri and rolls up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited after 6pm. Plan to arrive early or use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are fine if styled well, but most guests lean upscale.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate and quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservation required — no walk-in availability at peak seatings.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-only omakase service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — only possible with advance notice for a custom vegetable-focused tasting.
Vegan options: Not recommended — fish is central to the experience.
Gluten-free options: Mostly possible with advance notice — soy sauce substitutions available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate, impressive, and conversation-friendly, but best for someone who truly enjoys sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No — Sora operates as a reservation-only omakase counter with fixed seatings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the long tasting format and quiet atmosphere are better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: High-touch omakase service, pristine fish quality, and a refined date-night atmosphere compared to casual sushi bars.
Skip if: You want quick rolls, casual pricing, or a loud group dining scene.
Sora
8.8
Sora is an intimate omakase counter in Sunset Park where Toyosu-market fish, a 200-year-old hinoki counter, and gallery-level art create a polished, special-occasion experience. Guests book it for tasting-menu evenings that feel closer to a curated event than a casual sushi night.
Must-Try Dishes:
SORA Selection Omakase Nigiri, Rainbow Chirashi Box, Tuna Flight
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Art-forward omakase counter sourcing pristine fish directly from Toyosu.
Who should go: Omakase fans seeking a serious but intimate sushi experience.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the full tasting menu shines.
What to order: SORA omakase, Rainbow Chirashi Box, Tuna Flight.
Insider tip: Book counter seats for maximum chef interaction and pacing control.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on surrounding residential blocks; can be tight after 6pm, plan 10–15 minutes to circle.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated evening wear fits the omakase experience.
Noise level: Low - intimate and quiet enough for focused conversation with the chef.
Weekend wait: Reservations required; walk-ins rarely accommodated and may wait 30–60+ minutes if a seat opens.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; omakase runs evening-only seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - advance notice required; not ideal for strict vegetarians.
Vegan options: Not recommended; the experience is highly seafood-driven.
Gluten-free options: Yes - most courses can be adapted with advance notice; soy substitutions available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for the right couple—ideal if you both enjoy focused dining and intimate conversation; less ideal if you want something casual or spontaneous.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends and special occasions; last-minute weekday cancellations are your best chance for a walk-in seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Not designed for children; best suited for adults who can sit through a full multi-course tasting without disruption.
Best For
Better for: Quiet, art-forward omakase with deep chef interaction and pristine fish quality in Sunset Park.
Skip if: You want à la carte sushi, large group seating, or a lively, high-energy dining room.
Sora
8.9
Sora is an intimate omakase counter where Toyosu-market fish, a 200-year-old hinoki bar, and gallery-level art turn dinner into a full-on tasting event. Guests book it for birthdays, anniversaries, and promotion dinners that feel closer to curated performances than casual sushi nights. It’s the move when you want a serious, deeply polished special-occasion experience without leaving Sunset Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sora Signature Omakase, Toro and Uni Nigiri, Hokkaido Scallop with Yuzu
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-art omakase in an intimate, museum-like counter setting.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans celebrating big personal milestones.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the full tasting menu runs.
What to order: Signature omakase progression, uni courses, chef’s seasonal bites.
Insider tip: Request counter seats to watch every course assembled up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited after 6pm on weekends—plan 10–15 minutes to circle or use nearby paid lots if available.
Dress code: Dressy smart casual to upscale—guests tend to lean stylish; jeans are fine if paired with polished pieces.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for intimate conversation with light background music.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins are rarely seated and often turned away.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—omakase seatings are primarily dinner-focused.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—possible with advance notice but not a full vegetarian omakase experience.
Vegan options: Not recommended—menu is deeply seafood-centric with minimal plant-only substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice—soy substitutions and course adjustments are typically accommodated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for high-impact and intimate. It’s quiet, personal, and memorable—but it’s also a serious financial and time commitment for a first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely. Omakase seatings sell out in advance, especially on weekends and for special occasions.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. This is a quiet, paced tasting counter best suited for adults and older teens who can sit through a long, structured meal.
Best For
Better for: Highly curated, art-driven omakase experiences where the chef interaction, pacing, and presentation feel like a performance.
Skip if: You want a casual sushi dinner, flexible ordering, or a lower-commitment night out—this is a full, formal tasting experience by design.
Sora
8.9
Sora is an intimate omakase counter on 61st Street where Toyosu-market fish, a 200-year-old hinoki bar, and gallery-style lighting give dinner the feel of a curated art show. Reservations book up with couples and small groups chasing meticulous nigiri, tight pacing, and a sleek, modern room that’s built for special nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature omakase progression, Toro and uni nigiri, Seasonal sashimi flight
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Art-forward omakase where the room, pacing, and fish all feel choreographed.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans celebrating something meaningful.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings for the full tasting flow.
What to order: Full omakase, toro and uni courses, seasonal sashimi add-ons.
Insider tip: Counter seats see the most interaction and off-menu bites from the chef.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited after 6pm near 61st Street with alternate-side rules strictly enforced.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are fine if styled well, but most guests lean upscale.
Noise level: Low — quiet, intimate room where conversations stay easy and private.
Weekend wait: Reservation only — walk-ins rarely seated and usually turned away.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner reservations required.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — advance notice required for a modified vegetable-forward progression.
Vegan options: Not accommodated for full omakase; may offer a few standalone veggie bites with notice.
Gluten-free options: Mostly workable with advance notice; soy-based courses can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if both people appreciate quiet, refined dining and polished pacing. It’s romantic and impressive without feeling showy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely. Seats are extremely limited and typically booked out several days in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — best suited for adults and older teens who can sit through a full tasting quietly.
Best For
Better for: More intimate and art-driven than most neighborhood omakase counters, with tighter pacing and visual polish.
Skip if: You want casual sushi, large group seating, budget-friendly pricing, or a loud, social dining atmosphere.
Sora
8.7
Sora is an intimate omakase counter on 61st Street where a short, tightly paced tasting menu built around Toyosu-market fish is served over a pale hinoki bar under gallery-style lighting. The focus is on precise nigiri, seasonal small plates, and a calm, almost hushed room that feels markedly more polished than most of Sunset Park’s casual spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toyosu-market nigiri flight, Chawanmushi with ikura, Monkfish liver with red wine
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Focused omakase tasting built around Toyosu fish at a minimalist counter.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans chasing high-end omakase in Sunset Park.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings for the full chef’s choice progression.
What to order: Full omakase, chawanmushi with ikura, toro and uni nigiri.
Insider tip: Counter seats closest to the chef offer the best pacing and interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on surrounding residential blocks; can be difficult after 6pm. Give yourself extra time or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished for date nights.
Noise level: Low and intimate — easy to converse quietly without competing with background noise.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; walk-ins can face 30–60 minutes or may not be accommodated at all.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused omakase service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — occasional vegetable-focused small plates, but the experience is firmly seafood-driven.
Vegan options: Not recommended — omakase structure and broths rely heavily on fish and seafood.
Gluten-free options: Generally accommodating for soy sensitivity and gluten concerns with advance notice, but not fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate counter, quiet room, and paced tasting menu naturally encourage conversation without pressure or distraction.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on slower weeknights if you arrive right at opening, but most peak hours are fully booked in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the hushed room, tasting-menu format, and counter seating are better suited to adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Quiet, refined omakase without Manhattan-level chaos or pricing — especially strong for couples and special-occasion intimacy.
Skip if: You want loud energy, à la carte sushi flexibility, or large-group dining — louder sushi bars or traditional roll-focused spots will fit better.
Sora
9.1
Sora New York is an intimate omakase counter in Sunset Park where a Michelin-starred chef guides guests through a focused, seasonal progression of fish. The narrow room, low lighting, and chef interaction make it one of the most polished date night experiences in the neighborhood for couples who want serious sushi over small talk.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's seasonal omakase progression, Toro and uni nigiri course, A5 wagyu bite
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Intimate omakase counter led by a Michelin-starred chef with meticulous seasonal fish.
Who should go: Couples celebrating milestones who want serious, chef-driven sushi.
When to visit: Later evening seatings for a slower, more relaxed experience.
What to order: Full omakase, any toro course, A5 wagyu bite.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal add-ons like extra uni or wagyu if you want to splurge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; most guests rely on rideshare or nearby paid lots along 8th Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — dark jeans are fine, but most guests dress up for the omakase experience.
Noise level: Low — quiet, intimate room where you can easily hear the chef and your date.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins are rarely accommodated and often turned away.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-only omakase service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not ideal — menu is heavily seafood-focused with limited accommodation beyond a few vegetable bites.
Vegan options: Not recommended — the experience centers entirely on fish and seafood.
Gluten-free options: Yes — chef can adapt most courses if notified in advance, and soy sauce substitutes are typically available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established couples than first dates — the intimate, quiet setting is romantic but can feel intense for someone you just met.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely — reserve in advance, especially for weekends and special occasions.
Is it kid-friendly? No — this is an adult-focused omakase experience designed for quiet, seated tasting, not children.
Best For
Better for: A refined, chef-forward omakase experience that feels personal, cinematic, and celebration-worthy compared to more casual sushi spots.
Skip if: You prefer a lively sushi bar, shared plates, or budget-friendly rolls — this is a high-investment, tasting-menu-style night.