By Frankie Smith By Frankie Smith | August 19, 2024 | Food & Drink, Guides,
When it comes to sushi and just about everything else, Manhattanites get ultra-competitive. Here, we’ve rounded up the best sushi restaurants in the city–from traditional to innovative and beyond.
Blue Ribbon
Blue Ribbon is a classic New York sushi spot renowned for its premium fish quality and detail-oriented dishes. Located just south of Washington Square Park, this restaurant is the original collaboration between Bruce and Eric Bloomberg and sushi master Toshi Ueki. From daily fish imports from the Sea of Tokyo to an award-winning sake list, the cozy atmosphere (and nigiri) will transport you to the other side of the world. 119 Sullivan St, blueribbonsushi119.com
BONDST
With their recent expansion into Hudson Yards, BONDST is serving up reimagined modern interpretations of authentic Japanese cuisine. Between red snapper tacos, Short Rib Foie Gras Gyoza, and the commended Tuna Crispy Rice, their menu is full of must-try dishes. Whether you sit at the bar seating or lounge in the cozy corners of the dining room, BONDST is perfect for anniversaries, special occasions, and intimate gatherings. 6 Bond St, New York, NY. 20 Hudson Yards, bondstrestaurant.com
KazuNori
KazuNori, or The Original Hand Roll Bar, dishes simplicity with a twist. Priding themselves on dedication to the highest-quality sushi experience, KazuNori is a branch of the Sushi Nozawa Group, alongside SUGARFISH and Nozawa Bar. In 2017, they opened their doors in NYC, presenting two key things: a slice of fish and fresh, fluffy rice. Void of any fusion, crunchy stuff, or extravagant spices, KazuNori provides a brilliant balance of texture, temperature, and flavor contrast that keeps you coming back for more. 15 W 28th St, handrollbar.com
Moody Tongue
This vibey restaurant combines an unlikely duo: sushi and beer. Moody Tongue originally started as a brewery focusing on a sophisticated palette, hence the title “Moody Tongue.” However, just last year, they ventured out of Chicago and into New York City, opening a restaurant in the West Village featuring curated beer and sushi pairings. Aside from New York Specialties– a Pressed Asian Pear Saison or a Black Truffle Rice Lager–the spot also offers a fifteen-course sushi tasting menu, including beer pairings for under $200. 150 W 10th St, moodytongue.com
Moko
Are you looking for an affordable omakase experience? Moko has you covered with fifteen-course omakase starting at $95. Perfect for a romantic evening, the candlelit sushi bar ensures a no-stress dining experience. The chef delivers the highest-quality fish cuts while incorporating non-traditional flavors that will keep you wondering what will come next. Moko will be your favorite affordable date-night retreat tucked away in the East Village. 138 2nd Ave, mokonyc.com
Nami Nori
Nami Nori is a relaxed yet elegant sushi oasis channeling coastal vibes amid the bustling streets of the West Village. The temaki bar specializes in open-style sushi handrolls, Japanese-inspired appetizers, and a curated vegan selection. The urban beach house incorporates fusion flavors and top-notch twists that build on the foundation of traditional techniques. Eaten just like a taco, you won’t want to skip their toro scallion or spicy tuna rolls. 33 Carmine St, naminori.nyc
Neta Shari
Sitting on top of not one but two Michelin Star awards is Neta Shari, an acclaimed sushi restaurant in the heart of Brooklyn. Along the same line, they only have one thing on their menu: an 18-course omakase experience featuring dry-aged and fresh fish from Japan. Additionally, the restaurant operates on a reservation-only system, so be sure to book through their website or OpenTable before you go. Made right in front of your eyes, these melt-in-your-mouth bites and creative combinations are a must-try. 1718 86th St, netashari.nyc
Planta Queen
Seeking to expand the accessibility of plant-based dining, PLANTA was born to reimagine and revitalize the power of our earth. From unagi eggplant nigiri and watermelon ahi tuna to a crispy mushroom hand roll, this spot brings all the flavor and delicacies of a traditional sushi restaurant without fish. In furthering its commitment to sustainability, PLANTA is a paperless and reduced-waste environment that incorporates seasonal ingredients to reduce the impact of agricultural pollution. 15 W 27th St, plantarestaurants.com
Rosella
If you’re looking for locally sourced, tasteful sushi, Rosella is the place for you. With an emphasis on sustainability, the restaurant offers locally caught fish, shellfish, and wild-caught varieties. Their small but mighty menu presents redesigned cold and hot appetizers alongside fresh sushi and sashimi. Did we mention they were featured as one of Michelin’s new Plate restaurants? 137 Ave A, rosellanyc.com
Shinn East
At Shinn, you will encounter personally curated, rich and diverse ingredients inspired by the chef’s whimsical journey through the sushi world. Sitting at just $69, Shinn offers, quite possibly, the most affordable omakase in New York City. Their menu changes daily, depending on seasonal availability. In other words, you keep coming back to discover endless possibilities! 119 E 7th St, shinneast.com
Shuko
Situated in the heart of the East Village, Shuko is dishing up elevated and memorable Japanese cuisine. It is noted as one of the top omakase experiences in NYC, each dish is nothing short of unique and packed with mouthwatering flavor. Consider yourself lucky to taste their toro tartare with caviar on milk bread or wagyu nigiri. 47 E 12th St
Sushi Nakazawa
If you’ve been searching for simple, authentic, and refined sushi, look no further than Sushi Nakazawa. This nigiri-only omakase adventure costs $160 for 20 pieces and features fish sourced directly from Japan. The interior of Sushi Nakazawa is reflected in this simplicity, letting the fish speak for itself. Be sure to secure a reservation before you go! 23 Commerce St, sushinakazawa.com
Sushiro
Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or a casual diner, Sushiro transforms top-quality sushi elements into creative handrolls. Through experimenting with refreshing garnishes, various sauces, and fresh ingredients, chefs at Sushiro are building New York’s newest go-to sushi oasis. Can’t you choose between kampachi with yuzu pepper and scallion and the Sushiro special with toro, uni, ikura, and pickled wasabi? Try their signature omakase or curated handroll sets. 168 7th Ave S, sushironyc.com
Takumi Omakase
Sitting below $100, Takumi Omakase offers one of the most affordable, high-quality omakase in the East Village. This spot will satisfy your craving for an upscale, elaborate sushi-tasting experience. Their menu features seasonal ingredients sourced locally and internationally, bringing you a bit of everything while always presenting something new and exciting. To pair, take a peek at their hand-picked sake selection. 181 Essex St, New York, NY, takumiomakase.com
Ume
Last but certainly not least is Ume, a Brooklyn gem beloved for its incredible variety of sushi, specialty fusion dishes, and hot appetizers. Frequented by locals and residents of the greater New York area, Ume pulls on a particular string of nostalgia while combining Japanese authenticity with the New York aura. They genuinely view food as art, both visually and flavor-wise. 237 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, umenewyork.com
Photography by: Helga Christina
