Many food enthusiasts claim that uni is the new truffle, and we would have to agree.
There is something inherently sophisticated about those whose eyes glimmer when they see uni on the menu.
People who pick uni as their sushi of choice belong in the same category as people who order an extra dirty gin martini. Adventurous. Enlightened. Daring. Cultured.
In the wise words of Tiktok, the girls who get it, get it. The girls who don’t, don’t.
See Also: The 8 Most Wonderful Wagyu Dishes In NYC
We’re here to raise our glasses–or better yet, our Sea Urchin Shooters–to the best uni dishes in all of New York City.
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104 Bayard St, Manhattan/Website
Although uni is an acquired taste, the Uni Bottarga Pasta from Dr. Clark is a must-try for any foodie not afraid to eat out of their comfort zone. The luscious fish melts in your mouth like a Sea Urchin-flavored sucking candy, dissolving instantaneously, yet leaving behind a trail of pure deliciousness. The velvety noodles cut the sharp taste of the urchin, making it nearly impossible to not want to lick the plate clean. And how could we forget about the uni french fries, riceballs, and squid stuffed with uni rice? Dr. Clark is a Hokkaido-style haven for uni addicts like us.
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240 Central Park S, Manhattan/Website
Let’s all take a moment of silence for the Casarecce from Marea. Prepared with Jumbo Lump crab, uni puree, basil, and Calabrian chili, this pasta dish is truly unlike anything else we have ever tasted. And that says a lot, considering we stuff our faces seven nights a week. The crab and uni puree seamlessly melt together like a watercolor painting, creating a seafood masterpiece straight out of the Impressionist movement. The Calabrian chili adds a smoky flare to the dish that is hotter than your crush’s latest Hinge pic.
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128 1st Ave, Manhattan/Website
Nestled in the East Village, this Michelin-recognized Hawaiian restaurant serves the freshest uni in the entire city. Although uni is sprinkled across the entire menu, you absolutely must order the tray of Maine Sea Urchin uni, their version of a deconstructed uni toast. Served with delicious ‘alaea salt, tangy nori jam, and crunchy Kings Hawaiian bread, this dish is sure to intrigue even the pickiest of palettes. The moment it hits your tongue, the buttery uni elicits the feeling of vacationing on a remote island far far away.
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35 E 21st St, Manhattan/Website
You probably don’t associate Mexican food with uni, and to be honest, we were pretty skeptical about it at first, too. But Cosme boldly shatters all our preconceptions with their Black Garbanzo Tetela: a quesadilla meets empanada hybrid. Topped with Salsa Mexicana and deliciously pungent sea urchin, there is no better way to describe this dish than a party in your mouth. We celebrate Cosme for powerfully blending two cuisines that don’t typically fit together, all while successfully curating one of the best uni dishes in Manhattan.
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435 Hudson St, Manhattan/Website
If you’re a real sushi lover, you’ve probably had Chawanmushi (a fancy term for steamed egg custard) a million and one times in your life. But if you haven’t had the Uni and Ikura Chawanmushi from Japanese Brasserie, you are seriously missing out. Topped with the highest-quality sea urchin and soy-marinated roe, this dish is the definition of luxury comfort food. There is something magical about the pillow-like texture of the custard, mixed with the fluffiness of the uni, and the pop-in-your-mouth roe.
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109 1st Ave, Manhattan/Website
If somebody asks you to go to SenYa, the only sane response is “Hell Ya!” The Uni Scrambled Eggs puts every other egg dish you’ve ever had to shame. Topped with Sturgeon Caviar, and served with a side of uni toast, this dish is the most elite version of a breakfast sandwich to ever exist. We actually may be boycotting diners until they serve uni scrambled eggs with a side of bacon (and extra uni toast, please). 10/10!
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47 E 12th St, Manhattan/Website
Everything at Shuko is undeniably incredible, but the Milk Bread Toast is what keeps us coming back time and time again. Topped with caviar, Maine uni, and toro, this dish is a tower of sheer opulence. As you bite into toast, your tastebuds are instantly awakened by the divine flavors of the fish. When handled properly, caviar, uni, and toro are an unstoppable trio that cannot be messed with.
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40 Kenmare St, Manhattan/Website
Almost as surprising as uni on a Tetela is uni on pizza. Served with uni, sweet soy sauce, pink peppercorns, and scallions, Kimika’s Uni Pizzette Fritte boldly converges Japanese and Italian cultures. Served in an innovative DIY style, diners have the choice of adding as much or as little uni as they want to the thin, crispy dough. If you’re just as obsessed with uni as we are, then you’re probably smearing the entire thing on like a child fingerpainting for the first time. We’ve eaten an embarrassing amount of pizza since we’ve lived in New York (typically around 2 am), and it’s safe to say this is the most memorable slice we have ever had.
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249 9th Ave, Manhattan/Website
The Uni Mushroom Ramen from this stylish noodle shop is so addicting it should probably be illegal. Made with uni, roasted pancetta, porcini butter, truffle oil, fried shallots, scallion, and parmesan cheese, this dish is a culmination of life's most delicious offerings. Served dry, diners can really taste the complexity of the flavors: the salty creaminess of the uni, the powerful earthiness of the truffle, and the sharp nuttiness of the Parmesean. Take your date to Jun-men Ramen, and you may even leave the meal with a ring on your finger.
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2 Harrison St, Manhattan/Website
Did somebody say Sea Urchin Bibimbap? Please pinch us, we must be dreaming. Prepared with crispy quinoa, seaweed rice, kimchi, and quite possibly the richest uni to ever exist, this dish deserves to have its moment in the spotlight. You know it’s the real deal when you can see the bright orange tones of the uni radiating from across the restaurant. Even if you’re just as out of shape as we are, RUN, don’t walk, to one of the most respected Korean spots in all of NYC.
Photography by: Cody Chan
