From insanely fresh yellowtail to heavenly toro, New York City is spoiled with some of the best sushi on the east coast. Omakase, a Japanese phrase meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” is our favorite way to get the full sushi experience. Omakase dining consists of the chef pre-selecting courses, allowing diners to enjoy a culinary journey of the very best the restaurant has to offer. Whether you want to splurge on an extravagant experience or keep things simple, these are the best omakase restaurants in NYC.
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428 Greenwich St. / 212.274.0428 / Website
The first American restaurant for the renowned hospitality group Plan Do See, Azabu New York serves up a delicious and authentic omakase experience. The meal includes varying courses of Otoshi, Sashimi, Yakimono, Agemono, seven kinds of sushi selected by the chef, soup and finally dessert.
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17 W. 19th St. / 212.256.1368 / Website
New to the scene, bōm is an intimate chef’s counter brought to life by Michelin-starred chef Brian Kim and the OIJI MI team. This Korean omakase includes dishes that are seafood and vegetable-forward followed by various cuts of the highest quality meats of varied aging methods.
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20 Warren St. / 646.649.3415 / Website
Expect to find seasonal ingredients carefully selected by executive chef Kazushige Suzuki and fresh fish imported directly from Toyosu and Kyushu at this omakase counter. Icca also enjoys its own farm, meaning the Tokachi herb beef raised in Hokkaido, Japan is truly unbeatable.
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75 Barclay St. / Website
This omakase-style Tribeca hotspot is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Masa Ito and Kevin Kim in partnership with VCR Group. The food heightens the senses thanks to its expert preparation and unparalleled ingredients. Be sure to reserve early, as this 16-seat omakase counter tends to book out quickly.l
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175 2nd Ave. / 212.777.5266 / Website
This traditional Japanese restaurant serves up a reliably delicious omakase. Expect to find extremely fresh fish, with many varieties coming from Japan, as well as toro and fresh uni from Maine and California. Seatings take place at 6PM and 8:30PM Wednesday through Saturday.
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Multiple locations / Website
Lunchtime omakase? Sign us up. This traditional Japanese hotspot serves an 8-course lunch omakase on weekends, or the classic dinnertime experience consisting of 15 courses, including three appetizers, 10 nigiri pieces, one hand roll and dessert. Dine outside in the heated pergola seating for some fresh air.
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220 W. 13th St. / 212.727.1709 / Website
Chef Yoshihiko has been a Michelin-starred chef for the past ten consecutive years, so you know his omakase experience promises to impress. With only 18 seats, this hotspot tends to book out quickly, so be sure to make reservations in advance.
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37-12 31st Ave., Queens / 929.597.7761 / Website
If you’re seeking sleek, modern interiors and an elevated omakase experience, look no further. Koyo means “autumnal foliage” in Japanese in reference to Japanese maple leaves changing color with the seasons, reflecting the restaurant’s emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
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The Shops at Columbus Circle / 212.823.9800 / Website
Boasting an enviable three Michelin stars, Masa could very well be home to the best sushi in North America. Chef Masayoshi Takayama serves up a truly impeccable meal, from immaculate courses to flawless presentation and service. At $750 per person, Masa’s omakase is certainly a splurge, but will undoubtedly be a meal you’ll never forget.
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48 Bowery / 646.478.8282 / Website
This intimate ten-seat omakase experience lasts for two and a half hours, so prepare for an evening of great food and great conversation. Nakaji has been serving authentic Edomae-style sushi since the spring of 2020 and has climbed the ranks to be among NYC’s best Japanese restaurants.
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115 Division St. / 646.476.7717 / Website
Skip the fish and move on to greener pastures with this omakase experience, which is centered around some of the finest beef in the world, served shabushabu style. Eating shabushabu beef omakase-style ensures guests enjoy every piece of beef at its peak condition for a flawless dining experience.
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69 Leonard St. / 212.404.4600 / Website
This Michelin-starred traditional Edomae-sushi restaurant serves up delicious omakase created with ultra-fresh, seasonal ingredients. Chef Shion Uino brings his experience at Tokyo’s esteemed three Michelin-starred Sushi Saito, so you know this omakase is one of the best in the city.
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47 E. 12th St. / 212.228.6088 / Website
Chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau bring a simple and reliably delicious omakase to life at Shuko. Choose between different menu options, such as the Sunomono featuring ultra-seasonal ingredients. We highly recommend Shuko for a special occasion, as the unassuming exteriors open to warm and welcoming interiors and even warmer and more welcoming staff.
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245 E 44th St. / 212.986.5300 / Website
With only nine seats, this ultra-intimate omakase bar always provides a meal to remember. The incredibly authentic Japanese omakase experience features a menu that changes seasonally to provide the freshest ingredients available. We love this one for date night!
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461 5th Ave. / 212.390.0925 / Website
You’ll find authentic Edomae sushi perfectly preserved via the aging process at this NYC favorite. Choose between the signature Kiwami menu, which showcases all the restaurant’s specialties, and the spring omakase, which focuses on highlighting seasonal ingredients.
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135 Sullivan St. / 917.409.1588 / Website
This Soho neighborhood favorite focuses on creating zero waste and highlighting seasonal ingredients, providing an omakase experience you can feel good about. Pop in on a Monday to enjoy lunch, because who doesn’t want to start their work week off with sushi?
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23 Commerce St. / 212.924.2212 / Website
This Nigiri-sushi exclusive omakase menu consists of approximately twenty courses at a price of under $200, making this experience, complete with fish and shellfish sourced globally, a steal as far as high-end and Michelin-starred omakase goes.
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181 E. 78th St. / 917.338.1792 / Website
Tucked away on the Upper East Side, Sushi Noz provides a memorable and intimate meal. The Edomae-style menu begins with five to six Otsumami, small plates that highlight seasonal fish and vegetables, before moving on to 12-14 courses of seasonal nigiri, followed by miso soup, Tamago and dessert.
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347 W. 46th St. / 212.957.0046 / Website
Sushi of Gari’s approachable and unpretentious omakase experience is sure to leave every guest satisfied thanks to their choice between sushi, sashimi and sushi and pure sashimi. Feel free to order a la carte as well!
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204 E. 43rd St. / 212.972.1001 / Website
Calming interiors full of solid bamboo planks, welcoming staff and impeccable food await at Sushi Yasuda. Each and every fish is individually selected, ensuring the perfect bite. We love that the omakase experience is available for lunch and takeout for those days you can’t be bothered to leave the house.
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88 W. 3rd St. / 646.405.4826 / Website
With locations across California, New York, Thailand and Hong Kong, Sushi Zo is beloved all over the world. The menu changes day to day, ensuring the highest quality fish goes into each carefully curated dining experience.
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566 Amsterdam Ave. / 646.370.6965 / Website
Chef Yukihiro Takeda brings 30 years of experience to his namesake restaurant, where the seasonal menu uses ingredients sourced from all over Japan. Beloved amongst Upper West Siders, this eight-seat counter is not to be missed.
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120 St. Marks Place / 646.360.4065 / Website
This brand-new omakase speakeasy provides a 21-course Edomae-style omakase menu that takes guests on a journey through time as they enjoy seasonal dishes sourced from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu fish market. Reservations open to the public on April 1st at 10AM and are sure to sell out quickly, so set your alarms now!
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342 Bowery / 917.444.1988 / Website
Each and every detail, from the knives to the bathroom doors, at this NYC favorite is carefully curated for a flawless experience based on the four pillars of Japanese cuisine: seasonality, beauty, balance and comfort. The result? An unforgettable meal, from beginning to end.
Each and every one of these NYC restaurants provide an excellent omakase experience, from toro and uni to shabushabu beef. We can’t wait to hear which is your favorite!
Photography by: courtesy of The Office of Mr. Moto
