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| JAPANESE Kouzan: Japanese. 685 Amsterdam @ 93rd; 20/23/$35; 280-8099; Gorgeous interior including a waterfall; Reasonable prices and attentive service as well… try it! While not the best sushi in Manhattan, it is the best north of Neo Sushi; Menu is huge with dozens of cooked items to select; The special rolls are all $12-$14; With this much to choose from, you won’t go home hungry. Yuki Sushi: Japanese. 656 Amsterdam @ 92nd; 21/15/$31; 787-8200; Excellent neighborhood option; Affordable and friendly service; Solid if not mind-blowing. Highlites are rolls and cooked dishes. Momoya: Japanese. 427 Amsterdam @ 80-81st; 22/20/$41; 580-0007; Simple, spacious setting; Unreal-fresh sushi; Extremely unique, tasty rolls; Menu features many cooked dishes and boxes as well; Great deal for the quality; Inventive & high quality all in one. Tons of sake available; This place is under the radar and one of the best mid-priced options in the genre. Gari: Japanese. 370 Columbus @ 77-8th; 27/15/$75; 362-4816; Melt in your mouth fresh sushi; Absolutely straight from the sea; Unique combos; Order ‘off-menu’; Omakase- $~75. Sushi is served as works of art; Can order a la carte as well. Meticulously presented sushi, exquisitely plated, and of the highest freshness and quality. Teriyaki, tempura and noodle dishes available as well. Tenzan: Japanese. 285 Columbus @ 73rd; 23/15/$32; 580-7300; What a deal! Large, ‘gorilla’ sized slabs of sushi and rolls for great prices. Extremely fresh. Mixed service but food is tops. Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill: Japanese. 308 W 58th @ 8th-9th Av; 24/20/$64; 397-0404; Combining many elements of Blue Ribbon Sushi and Blue Ribbon (other Bromberg brother owned restaurants), this open-late mecca serves the highest quality sushi, rolls, steaks and fish; Also have various combo platters; Breakfast available; Top notch service; Expensive and perfect for a special occasion. Nobu 57: Japanese. 40 W 57th @ 5-6th Av; 26/24/$82; 757-3000; Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa owned; Peruvian influence; Off the chart good. Ridiculously fresh sushi and fish/ seafood dishes; Fancy & Trendy; Celeb Hot Spot; Larger than Soho version and more comfort – same quality. All locations, now all over the world, provide that over the top experience, now sponsored by Robert DeNiro. Sugiyama: Japanese. 251 W 55th @ BWay-8th Av; 26/19/$75; 956-0670; Seasonal menu from chef-owner; Ideal service; Prix-fixe-only menu: 3 courses for $32 served early bird only; 5 courses for $58 or $65; and 8 courses for $79; Closed Sunday-Monday; Restaurant where you leave yourself to the chef’s brilliance. The fish and sushi are ulta fresh. Yakitori Totto: Japanese. 251 W 55th St @ BWay-8th Av; 26/16/$46; 245-4555; Various forms and styles of Chicken on a stick. See website; This is a particular type of Japanese cooking and it is the best in the city. Try something original- it is gourmet! Natsumi: Japanese/ Italian. 226 W 50th @ B-Way-8th; 24/19/$45; 258-2988; Japanese-Italian fusion but it works; King Crab dumplings; Fun scene at the bar/ lounge; Attentive service; Great date spot due to the scene; Spicy seafood soup; Tuna tartar martini; Crispy Calamari; Rock shrimp tempura; Full sushi bar with a huge number of selections; About 30+ types of rolls including special rolls; Cooked dishes; Sushiden: Japanese. 123 W 49th @ 6th-7th Av; 25/17/$61; 398-2800; Endless menu of fresh sushi andcooked meals; Miso Soup with Lobster; Kind of a corporate setting; I love the large number and variety of sushi/ sashimi combinations; The better experience is for lunch; Only thing missing is lack of Special rolls – which I love; Fairly priced as well. Sushi of Gari: Japanese. 347 W 46th @ 8-9th; 27/15/$75; 957-0046; Melt in your mouth fresh sushi; Absolutely straight from the sea; Unique combos; Order ‘off-menu’; Omakase- $~75. Sushi is served as works of art; Can order a la carte as well. Meticulously presented sushi, exquisitely plated, and of the highest freshness and quality. Teriyaki, tempura and noodle dishes available as well. Sushi Zen: Japanese. 108 W 44th @ B-Way – 6th Av; 25/20/$58; 302-0707; Flat out incredible sushi; Omakase or a la carte – still amazing; Fresh beyond belief. Unique rolls. The chef is a master of preparation Momoya: Japanese. 185 7th Av @ 21st; 22/20/$41; 989-4466; Simple, spacious setting; Unreal-fresh sushi; Extremely unique, tasty rolls; Menu features many cooked dishes and boxes as well; Great deal for the quality; Inventive & high quality all in one. Tons of sake available; This place is under the radar and one of the best mid-priced options in the genre. Matsuri: Japanese. 369 W 16th @ 9th; 23/25/$59; 243-6400; Maritime Hotel; Gorgeous décor; Sexy people; Trendy with a great lounge. Larger than life décor; Sushi fresher than a new born; Fashionable date place with model types; Non-sushi dishes are hit and miss; The ambiance makes up for anything lacking in the meal; Grab a drink at the bar beforehand. Menu huge with all types of Japanese food. Morimoto: Japanese. 88 10th Av @ 15-16th; 24/26/$75; 989-8883; Hot Sushi place; Trendy; Great décor; Date spot; Iron Chef’s Morimoto!! Much more expensive if you let chef choose (omakase). Just a cool scene all the way around. Has prepared dishes as well. High tech bathrooms; Rock shrimp tempura amazing; Just a cool, trendy spot to impress a date or out-of-towners. Enjoy the ride. Sushi Samba: Japanese. 87 7th Av @ Barrow; 21/20/$46; 691-7885; Fancy, cool & trendy; Date Spot; Great food; Party atmosphere; Brazil inspired sushi joint; High energy; Fancy drinks; Great for groups. Bachelorette parties; You pay for the scene as much as the food. Food has gone down hill a bit but its still a fun weekend date spot. Rooftop in the summer.
Aki: Japanese. 181 W 4th @ Barrow-Jones; 25/15/$44; 989-5440; Small but amazing; Unique selections; Gorgeous preparation. Sushi that melts in your mouth with a Caribbean influence.. Discount pre-theatre prix fixe. Seats under 20 people but perfecto service. Above Down the Hatch bar; Universal rave reviews; Due to size, go on off-hours or weekday; Food gorgeously prepared.
Yama: Japanese. 38-40 Carmine @ Bedford-Bleecker; 23/13/$40; 989-9330; Sushi/ Sashimi ate “whale size” and scrumptiously fresh as if caught a few blocks away; Great value if not a stunning looker of a place. Often has lines and tight quarters. Ushi Wakamaru: Japanese. 136 W Houston @ MacDougal-Sullivan; 27/15/$70; 228-4181; Very small, under the radar Sushi star; Ultra fresh fish, possibly still alive; A la carte & omakase options; Super tasty rolls; Near perfection with Tokyo level quality. Soto: Japanese. 357 6th Av @ Washington Pl – W 4th; 26/20/$70; 414-3088; Adventurous sushi and rolls; Inventive and melt in your mouth good; Perfect cooked dishes as well; Visually stunning; Dishes considered works of art. Blue Ribbon Sushi: Japanese. 119 Sullivan @ Prince-Spring; 26/19/$58; 343-0404; Fresh Sushi, known for possibly the best Sashimi in Manhattan; Works of art; Mind blowingly good; So very fresh your order may swim to you. Cooked dishes outstanding as well. Make-it-yourself Miso soup. Only real downside is the cost, which is fairly substantial; Special rolls or Sushi/Sashimi Platters are way to go. Tomoe Sushi: Japanese. 172 Thompson @ Bleecker-Houston; 25/8/$41; 777-9346; Affordable; Monster-sized, perfect sushi; Shoebox sized place, always with lines; Just off the boat fresh; Wondrous quality; Go off-peak hours. Sushi Azabu: Japanese. 428 Greenwich @ Laight; 25/21/$60; 274-0428; What a sleeper; On the ground floor is Japanese-Mediterranean fusion and downstairs is fresh from the Ocean sushi; They employ an attentive staff and the decor is relaxing and pleasant; Try the ‘Koi Course” with 10 pieces of sashimi to sample. Limited number of rolls; Better suited for those willing to try Omakase. EN Japanese Brasserie: Japanese. 435 Hudson @ Leroy; 24/25/$59; 647-9196; Gorgeous interior- large and spacious; Tapas like small plates; Décor is outstanding and transporting- recreation of a Japanese home & pond; Sushi & more. Tons of Sake on menu; Extremely popular and great for big groups; Love the Sashimi small plates: 5 pieces for $22-25 and 15 for $39; Menu has a large mix of selections. Nobu: Japanese. 105 Hudson @ Franklin; 27/23/$83; 219-0500; Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa owned; Peruvian influence; Off the chart good. Ridiculously fresh sushi and fish/ seafood dishes; Fancy & Trendy; Celeb Hot Spot; Go to Nobu, Next Door for slightly cheaper / same food at same address. All locations, now all over the world, provide that over the top experience, sponsored by Robert DeNiro. Zutto: Japanese. 77 Hudson @ Harrison; 21/17/$39; 233-3287; Perfect back up plan to Nobu in area; Truly delicious sushi selections; Unique specials; In business 28 years. TriBeCa favorite; No competition in this price range. Bond Street: Japanese. 6 Bond (2nd St) @ Lafayette (NoHo); 25/23/$61; 777-2500; Stylish, sexy set-up; Trendy, unique sushi selections; Hip and popular; Cool downstairs lounge and this place features all-star level people watching; Impress a date; Not extremely roomy so reserve; Japanese small plates as well. Food wise, besides Sushi, the Chilean sea bass is outstanding as are the spicy crispy shrimps. Jewel Bako: Japanese. 239 E 5th @ 2-3rd Av; 26/22/$55; 979-1012; Sushi so fresh it seems alive; Omakase is $52 or $95. A la carte – affordable. Considered the #1 sushi place downtown; Gorgeous bamboo setting; Epic good quality. Michelin 1-star; Chic setting lined with bamboo- though small; I suggest getting the Makimono Omakase (1 of each of the 9 large rolls) and the Selection of Sushi or Sashimi if you are a party of two- about $80 in total. Start with Miso! Takahachi: Japanese. 85 Av A @ 5-6th; 23/14/$41; 505-6524; Well priced fresh Sushi; Hot dishes too- ever changing menu; Creative rolls; High quality with a bill you can live with. Kyo Ya: Japanese. 94 E 7th St @ 1st Av – Av A; 27/24/$79; 982-4140; Undiscovered genius; Multi-course set meals; Sweet potato tempura; Every dish prepared with care; Features “Bozushi” – hand pressed sushi; Japanese small plates is the style; King Crab appetizer. 10 course tasting “kaiseki” menu ($120); Chilean Sea Bass perfect; Order a la carte and you can afford it; Perfect for a date.
Soba-ya: Japanese. 229 E 9th @ 2-3rd Av; 23/17/$26; 533-6966; Soba noodle specialist; Array of broths; Relaxing atmosphere; Very inexpensive; The broth- a veggie stock is delicious. Hasaki: Japanese. 210 9th @ 2-3rd; 23/14/$41; 473-3327; Has wonderful classic Japanese selections & sushi as well. Large menu; Tempura is great; No reservations. Focus is on the swimmingly fresh fish. Try the sushi and sashimi combo for two for $54- comes with their distinctive Miso soup and salad; Even have some Korean items on the menu; Yummy Shabu-Shabu. Kajitsu: Japanese/Vegetarian. 414 E 9th St @ Av A – 1st Av; 27/24/$88; 228-4873; Michelin 2-star rated; They have a $55 5-course option and a $70 7-course option; Impeccable service; This is a vegetarian restaurant however, that carnivores love; Shojin cooking at its best; If you try vegetarian, go here. Ippudo: Japanese. 65 4th Av @ 9-10th St; 25/21/$26; 388-0088; Home of perfect ramen noodles done many ways; Noodle heaven; Best not to venture from this menu item; Tranquil, serene setting; Cool décor. Long waits as it is extremely popular; Inexpensive goodness; 2,717 reviews on Yelp – most I’ve ever seen and 90% are 4 or 5 stars; Momofuku Noodle Bar: Japanese. 171 1st Av @ 10-11th St; 24/15/$34; 777-7773; David Chang’s most affordable place (of his 4 restaurants); Always packed – the master does his genius on noodle soups & hall of fame pork buns. Small & hectic and the usual spartan décor; Cool date spot (if your back isn’t hurting); Enjoy a pork or shrimp bun – amazing; Also has Fried Chicken of all things on menu. Kanoyama: Japanese. 175 2nd Av @ 11th St; 26/17/$53; 777-5266; Sushi lovers come here; Fresh amazing fish; Incredible bargain for a ‘26’; Friendly servers; Sushi served straight from the Japan Sea it seems; Bluefin Toro is notable. Rare varieties available; Cool sake bar recently added; Wildly popular with East Village hipsters; Go for the omakase; Massive menu – endless appetizers. Japonica: Japanese. 100 University Pl (near 4th Av) @ 12th St; 24/16/$45; 243-7752; Excellent Sushi- crazy fresh & giant in size; Japanese classic dishes – tempura, dumplings. Favorite of NYU students. Fans rave over the sashimi; Energetic chefs and you will never walk out hungry. No Rez during peak hours; Been around since 1978 and going strong. Momofuku Ssam Bar: Japanese. 207 2nd Av @ 13th St; 25/16/$48; 254-3500; David Chang’s 3 star NY Times rated eatery; Awe inspiring pork buns and an incredible hog feast; Rotisserie duck for lunch M-F; Assorted country hams on menu; Kimchi, Sirloin steak, roasted lamb; Odd mix to the menu; Setting wise – very uncomfortable back-less wood benches. 15 East: Japanese. 15 E 15th @ 5th Av- Union Sq; 25/22/$79; 647-0015; Extremely high-end Japanese; Pricy but considered one of the top new places of 2008. Fresh beyond belief. Sushi/ Sashimi is outstanding; Try the exquisite Omakase; Also hot selections available; Very date friendly establishment; Authentic- closely reminding those in the know of Tokyo style sushi. Mizu: Japanese. 29 E. 20th @ B-Way-Park; 23/16/$363; 505-6688; Incredible sushi; Young, hip; Creative menu featuring both classic rolls and unique combos; Younger crowd enjoying saki. Best thing I like about this place is they have about the largest list of sushi rolls/ special rolls (all affordable) I’ve seen; Also have cooked items, Teriyakki etc. Just a huge selection which I appreciate.
Mishima: Japanese. 164 Lex @ 30-31st; 23/13/$36; 532-9596; Sushi awesome here; Equally good cooked items; Peaceful, tranquil; Eat upstairs; Affordable costs close the deal. They have a huge menu though only about 10 special rolls; Try a dinner box: Miso soup & salad with 3 items of your choice and you choose from sushi, sashimi, tempura, rolls, teriyaki etc.
Todai: Japanese. 6 E 32nd @ 5th-Mad; 18/14/$29; 725-1333; All you can eat Sushi; Hot and cold buffet; Huge selection; 100+ items to choose from; Hot & cold prepared foods; Giant Japanese buffet – rare to use menu. Perfect for lunch.
Sushi Sen-nin: Japanese. 30 E 33rd @ Madison-Park; 25/19/$54; 889-2208; Fresh Fish, known for gorgeously prepared Special Rolls; Perfect for those preferring a la carte. Creative rolls that are delicious. Koi: Japanese. Bryant Park Hotel. 40 W 40th @ 5-6th Av; 23/24/$65; 921-3330; The draw here is the sexy scene where celebs and fashionistas mingle; Glamorous feel – date friendly; Food wise: try the rock shrimp, crispy rice or spicy tuna; The large open space makes dinner so much fun; Locations in Vegas and LA; Very impressive cocktails; Only issue – quite expensive. I’d go for light, early ‘nibble’ fare. Sakagura: Japanese. 211 E 43rd @ 2-3rd; 26/22/$54; 953-7253; Highly rated Sake Bar/Rest with 200+ kinds of Sake; Spacious and welcoming; Quality rivals Tokyo; Authentic Cuisine; Japanese small plates are the speciality, similar to Tapas; Just wildly popular and highly rated; Hard to find basement location in an office building; About 60 items on the menu including sushi/ sashimi selections. Unique in all ways. Sushi Yasuda: Japanese. 204 E 43rd @ 2-3rd; 28/22/$78; 972-1001; No 1 in Zagats 2008 for Sushi; Unique menu every day. Fish so fresh you’ll feel like you are dining under water; The best. Period. For $24 for lunch- sushi combo and you can choose the fish; Attentive service; Impeccable quality. Aburiya Kinnosuke: Japanese. 213 E 45th @ 2-3rd; 25/20/$50; 867-5454; Japanese Grill; Like being in Tokyo; Open Kitchen. Sushi-free dining. Meticulous attention to detail. Refreshing to have traditional grilled Japanese selections. Discount lunch specials; Eclectic Japanese. Well prepared plates; If you love tofu – best in the city. Seafood is top notch. Megu Midtown: Japanese. Trump World Tower, 1st Ave @ 47th; 24/26/$80; 964-7777; Gorgeous, spacious, high ceilinged room; Elegant with a sense of casualness; Kobe Beef is their signature; Best deal is a $65 3-course prix fixe served 5:30-7:30pm; Incredibly expensive 7 and 9 course prix fixes available; Extremely large menu for a foodie restaurant; Incredibly prepared fish, hot dishes, appetizers and sushi. Hatsuhana: Japanese. 17 E 48th St @ 5thAv – Mad; 25/16/$54; 355-3345; One of the original sushi houses in NYC – 3 decades old; 9 section Bento Box of ‘Dreams’. Freshest sushi, sashimi and rolls. The menu is to die for: Boiled King Crab appetizer; Spicy Tempura; Lobster Tempura; About 30+ delicious appetizers in all; For dinner – the “Pick 10” for $37 where you pick 10 pieces of Sushi and 1 roll. Teriyaki dinners available; Largest overall menu of mouthwatering selections in the city. Seo: Japanese. 249 E 49th @ 2nd-3rd; 23/18/$47; 355-7722; Serene, ideal for a date; Zen experience; Great Saki; Sushi or sashimi assortment plus the fabulous Udon soup is the way to go; Delicious cooked dishes. Yama: Japanese. 308 E 49th @ 1-2nd Av; 23/13/$40; 355-3370; Sushi/ Sashimi ate “whale size” and scrumptiously fresh as if caught a few blocks away; Great value if not a stunning looker of a place. Often has lines and tight quarters. SushiAnn: Japanese. 38 E 51st @ Madison-Park; 24/17/$63; 755-1780; Welcoming a mostly business crowd & great for lunch or after work on weekdays; High quality sushi and cooked dishes; Excellent service. Mostly traditional selections. Sashimi selections stand out – ultra fresh; Omakase and combination platters are worth the money. Tenzan: Japanese. 988 2nd Av @ 52-3rd; 23/15/$32; 980-5900; What a deal! Large, ‘gorilla’ sized slabs of sushi and rolls for great prices. Extremely fresh. Mixed service but food is tops. Geisha: Japanese. 33 E 61st @ Mad-Park; 23/21/$65; 813-1113; Underground location, modern décor, clean feel; Sophisticated cliental and setting; Excellent cocktail list; French-inspired menu; Shrimp Lollipop, Lobster Dumplings, Short Ribs, Kobe Beef, Lobster, Snapper all on menu; Gorgeous sushi/ sashimi and many Maki Special rolls to choose from. Sushi Seki: Japanese. 1143 1st @ 62nd; 26/13/$65; 371-0238; Exceptional; High quality, ultra fresh sushi. Omakase much more $$ - about $100 a person; Local favorite. Nobody dislikes this place; Open til 3am; Off the chart quality. However – no website, very tight quarters, and portion size driven by your wallet at times; I suggest trying the sushi or sashimi deluxe. Sushi of Gari: Japanese. 402 E 78th @ 1st-York; 27/15/$75; 517-5340; Melt in your mouth fresh sushi; Absolutely straight from the sea; Unique combos; Order ‘off-menu’; Omakase- $~75. Sushi is served as works of art; Can order a la carte as well. Meticulously presented sushi, exquisitely plated, and of the highest freshness and quality. Teriyaki, tempura and noodle dishes available as well. Yuka: Japanese. 1557 2nd Av @ 80-81st; 21/12/$26; 772-9675; $19 all-u-can-eat Sushi; Giant Rolls; Energetic staff; Value. Not a great looking space but for discount & very fresh sushi – can’t go wrong.
Wasabi Lobby: Japanese; 1584 2nd Av @ 82nd; 21/15/$32; 988-8882; Low budget, yet surprisingly fresh and creative sushi rolls; Cheesy name yet you get what you come for- excellent sushi with money left for an evening out afterwards.
Donguri: Japanese. 309 E 83rd @ 1-2nd; 27/15/$65; 737-5656; Small location (24 seats) but amazing food; No sushi, repeat, no sushi except for 1 sashimi platter; Japanese prepared meals. Service top notch; Specialize in soba and udon noodles. Melt in your mouth quality. Open Tues-Sunday for dinner; Reservations highly suggested. Treat yourself to something different. Tenzan: Japanese. 1714 2nd Av @ 89th; 23/15/$32; 369-3600; What a deal! Large, ‘gorilla’ sized slabs of sushi and rolls for great prices. Extremely fresh. Mixed service but food is tops. | |
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