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Sushi Hayashi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sushi Hayashi
8.3
Sushi Hayashi is a lively omakase spot known for its all-you-can-eat nigiri format with included beer and sake, keeping the room loud and celebratory. The 14-course progression leans on fatty cuts, salmon, and shellfish, drawing enthusiastic repeaters who value quantity without sacrificing fish quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
AYCE Omakase Nigiri (14-course), Toro Nigiri, Wagyu Beef Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: An unusually value-forward omakase where AYCE nigiri and free-flow sake make it feel like a party rather than a ceremony.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting fun omakase without white-tablecloth stiffness.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings for full energy or later seatings for slower pacing.
What to order: Lean-to-fatty tuna progression, wagyu bites, extra eel and salmon.
Insider tip: Pace yourself—save room for second rounds of your favorite nigiri toward the end.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay and competitive after 6pm; no valet. Paid garages within 1–2 blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean slightly dressy for omakase, but clean jeans and a nice top are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Loud and energetic—conversation is possible but not intimate; expect celebratory chatter throughout the seating.
Weekend wait: With a reservation, seating is punctual. Without one, waits can run 30–60 minutes depending on demand.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are usually accommodated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited. A few vegetable maki or tamago pieces may be offered, but omakase is fish-forward and not optimized for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Not suitable. Components like fish, eggs, and sauces containing bonito or soy-marinated elements are unavoidable.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice. Staff can avoid soy-based marinades and provide gluten-free soy sauce, though cross-contact is likely in a fast-paced service.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you prefer a lively, high-energy setting over a quiet, romantic one. The AYCE format and flowing sake make it fun and interactive but not ideal for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but expect variable wait times during prime dinner hours. Walk-ins fare best at early openings or post-8:30pm seatings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The loud room and raw-fish focus skew adult-oriented. Teens comfortable with sushi are fine; younger children may find limited suitable options.
Best For
Better for: Quantity-plus-quality omakase, social energy, and value-driven dining with inclusive sake—rare for Midtown’s sushi scene.
Skip if: You want hushed, traditional omakase; require robust vegetarian/vegan accommodations; or prefer quieter, chef-focused interactions.
Sushi Hayashi
8.3
Sushi Hayashi is a compact omakase counter known for its 14-course set followed by all-you-can-eat rounds of nigiri for under $100. Social buzz centers on generous toro, scallop and unagi portions served in a no-frills room that emphasizes value over flash.
Must-Try Dishes:
14-course omakase progression, Extra rounds of toro and sea scallop nigiri, Matcha ice cream dessert
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A 14-course omakase with AYCE rounds and optional unlimited drinks at a sub-$100 price point.
Who should go: Value-conscious omakase fans willing to trade polish for quantity.
When to visit: Book prime evening seatings; avoid running late to your time slot.
What to order: Standard omakase, then reorder toro, scallop and unagi rounds.
Insider tip: Pace yourself early; the AYCE phase is where the best-value refills happen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay, especially after 6pm; rely on nearby paid garages within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual; clean denim is fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date-night seatings.
Noise level: Moderate — small counter room with steady conversation, still easy to talk to your date.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face waits of 30–45 minutes or be turned away if omakase slots are full.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though omakase availability may be limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — the omakase format is fish-forward with only a few vegetable bites.
Vegan options: Not recommended — no true vegan pathway within the set menu.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; soy sauce substitutions available, but cross-contact risk remains due to shared prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate counter and structured omakase pacing create an easy, conversation-friendly flow. Just note the no-frills room if your date prefers a more polished setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally, but not guaranteed. Omakase slots run on fixed seatings, so walk-ins are only taken if a counter seat opens last-minute.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the fixed multi-course format and tight counter setup suit teens and older rather than families with small kids.
Best For
Better for: Quantity-driven omakase value, generous cuts of toro and scallop, and a rare AYCE nigiri phase under $100.
Skip if: You want a high-design room, premium-tier fish provenance, or a fully customizable menu — choose a more polished omakase instead.
Sushi Hayashi
8.8
Intimate omakase counter in Midtown East serving around 14–15 courses of nigiri-focused sushi with an optional all-you-can-eat format that keeps serious fish lovers engaged. The room is compact and low-lit, so it feels tailored to couples who want to focus on the chef and the fish rather than the scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
AYCE omakase nigiri experience, Sea scallop nigiri, Fatty tuna nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: High-end omakase energy with approachable AYCE pricing under $100.
Who should go: Couples who want a focused omakase sushi night
When to visit: Prime-time seatings between 7–9 pm for full energy
What to order: AYCE omakase, extra toro, extra scallop nigiri
Insider tip: Book later seatings to linger over extra rounds of your favorite nigiri.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce after 6pm. Closest reliable option is nearby garage parking within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy given the omakase setup.
Noise level: Low to moderate — the room is intimate and conversation-friendly, ideal for date-focused dining.
Weekend wait: Plan ahead — walk-ins are rare. Without a reservation, expect to be turned away or quoted 45–75 minutes if slots open.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though counter seats may still fill up early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — this is a nigiri-forward omakase; a few vegetable pieces may be offered but not enough for a full meal.
Vegan options: Not recommended — the experience is overwhelmingly fish-based with minimal vegan substitutes.
Gluten-free options: Manageable — the chef can accommodate with GF soy sauce and careful handling, but communicate needs at booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate counter, soft lighting, and chef-led format create an easy, focused setting that works well for a first date without feeling too formal or high-stakes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely during peak dinner hours. Counter seating drives capacity, so book ahead; if trying last-minute, aim for early or late seatings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the narrow counter, extended pacing, and raw-fish focus are better suited to adults or teens already comfortable with omakase dining.
Best For
Better for: A high-value omakase experience under $100 with ample room for extra rounds, plus a date-friendly atmosphere that stays intimate rather than buzzy.
Skip if: You want a full cooked-menu experience, a large group setting, or a vegetarian/vegan-friendly dinner — alternatives will serve those needs better.