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Sushi Ginza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sushi Ginza
7.9
Sushi Ginza is a modern, softly lit First Avenue dining room where omakase, specialty rolls, and teriyaki lunch sets coexist on a broad menu. Online reviews highlight very fresh fish, polished service, and nicely plated tartares and tempura, making it a versatile choice for date night or a business lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Avocado Tartare, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Yellowtail Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A stylish, contemporary room with omakase-level fish quality and a menu that ranges from lunch bento to composed nigiri and tartares.
Who should go: Couples and clients wanting polished sushi in a calm setting.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for bento deals or early dinner for quieter tables.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Avocado Tartare, Rock Shrimp Tempura, omakase nigiri mix.
Insider tip: Lunch boxes deliver much better value than ordering those components à la carte at dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on First Ave and surrounding side streets; meters open up after 7pm but expect competition. No valet; a few paid garages operate within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—button-downs, sweaters, casual dresses.
Noise level: Moderate. The room is softly lit and generally conversational, with enough background noise for privacy but easy dialogue across the table.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation, longer after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options—vegetable rolls, salads, tofu dishes, and some cooked appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—basic vegetable rolls and seaweed salad; most sauces contain fish or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Manageable—sashimi, nigiri without sauces, and select rolls; request gluten-free soy sauce. Tempura and many marinades contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm lighting, polished service, and steady-but-not-loud atmosphere create an easy setting for conversation, and the menu is broad enough for different comfort levels with sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially at lunch or early dinner. On weekends after 7pm, walk-ins may face short waits; small parties fare best.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy sushi or simple teriyaki dishes. No dedicated kids’ menu, and the setting is more adult-leaning, especially at dinner.
Best For
Better for: A versatile mix of omakase-quality fish, approachable rolls, and value-forward lunch sets—ideal when you need both quality and a broad menu in a calm Midtown East setting.
Skip if: You want a high-drama, premium omakase experience, ultra-traditional Edomae precision, or extensive vegan options.
Sushi Ginza
8.1
Sushi Ginza on First Avenue blends omakase, composed appetizers, and generous chirashi lunches in a comfortable, modern room that works for both dates and business dinners. It’s not as rarefied as the city’s priciest counters, but couples get polished fish, solid cocktails, and a relaxed Midtown pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaisen Chirashi lunch box, Sushi Lunch set with spicy tuna roll, Spicy tuna avocado tartare
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Versatile sushi spot offering omakase, composed plates, and well-priced lunch sets.
Who should go: Couples wanting solid sushi without ultra-formal omakase
When to visit: Early evening for a quieter, less office-heavy crowd
What to order: Kaisen Chirashi, omakase set, spicy tuna tartare
Insider tip: Lunch sets offer most value; use dinner for omakase and shared appetizers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Sutton Place; meters open up after 7pm but fill quickly. Nearby garages on 1st Ave and 53rd–55th typically run $20–$30 for dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—button-downs, dresses, and clean sneakers blend in.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a date-night conversation without raising your voice, though the room hums during peak business-dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for two without a reservation; longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, even for solo diners.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options—vegetable rolls, cucumber/squash maki, seaweed salad, and select cooked dishes—though selection is limited compared to fish-forward plates.
Vegan options: Minimal. You’ll find basic vegetable rolls and salads, but most composed dishes rely on fish or dashi.
Gluten-free options: Manageable. Sushi and sashimi are accessible; ask for gluten-free tamari. Some appetizers rely on soy-based marinades, so confirm before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting is flattering, the pace is relaxed, and the sushi quality feels elevated without being intimidating or overly formal. Couples get enough ambience to feel special without the stiffness of high-end counters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, especially on weekdays. For peak weekend dinners, walk-ins for two are usually seated within 20–40 minutes, but parties of three or more may face longer waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. Older kids and teens who enjoy sushi will be fine, but the room skews business and date-night oriented. No dedicated kids’ menu or stroller-friendly spacing.
Best For
Better for: A balanced mix of omakase, à la carte sushi, and composed appetizers in a comfortable setting—ideal for dates, business lunches, and solo counterside meals without the ultra-premium price tag.
Skip if: You’re seeking a rarefied, hushed omakase with showpiece fish cuts or highly experimental courses; higher-end Midtown counters will better fit that expectation.