25 Best Sushi NYC Spots: From Michelin Stars to Hidden Gems

Have you ever wondered why people wait months for reservations and willingly pay hundreds of dollars for tiny pieces of raw fish on rice? The answer lies in the magical world of the best sushi NYC has created – a scene that rivals Tokyo and has transformed how Americans think about Japanese cuisine!

New York City’s sushi landscape is incredibly diverse. From world-famous sushi masters who trained for decades in Japan to innovative chefs creating unique fusion styles, the best sushi NYC offers ranges from traditional to wildly creative. Whether you’re craving a life-changing omakase experience or a quick, delicious lunch, this guide will help you find your perfect sushi spot.

Let’s dive into the underwater wonderland of NYC’s most amazing sushi restaurants!

Luxury Omakase Experiences

When discussing the best sushi NYC has at the high end, these exceptional omakase restaurants stand out:

1. Masa

Located in the Time Warner Center, Masa offers America’s most expensive and exclusive sushi experience. Chef Masa Takayama personally selects fish flown in daily from Japan, serving it with minimal intervention to highlight natural flavors.

• Price: $750+ per person (before drinks and tax)
• Reservation tip: Book exactly 30 days in advance when slots open
• What makes it special: The hinoki wood counter, imported from Japan, releases a gentle cypress scent that enhances the dining experience

2. Sushi Nakazawa

Made famous by the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” Chef Daisuke Nakazawa creates an unforgettable 20-course omakase. His famous egg tamago, which he perfected over years, makes the perfect ending to a remarkable meal.

• Price: $180+ per person at the counter
• Location: West Village
• What makes it special: The contrast between the formal Japanese service and the surprisingly playful personality of Chef Nakazawa

3. Hirohisa

Hidden on a quiet SoHo street, this intimate restaurant serves Kappo cuisine – a style between formal kaiseki and sushi. Chef Hirohisa Hayashi creates dishes that change with the seasons using fish from Japan and local ingredients.

• Price: $175+ per person
• What makes it special: The warm, intimate atmosphere feels like dining in someone’s home rather than a restaurant

Mid-Range Sushi Excellence

The best sushi NYC offers isn’t all ultra-expensive. These mid-range options deliver exceptional quality at more accessible prices:

4. Sushi Katsuei

With locations in both Park Slope and the West Village, Katsuei offers one of the best value omakase experiences in the city. The fish quality rivals many higher-priced places.

• Price: $60-$95 for omakase
• What makes it special: The incredible quality-to-price ratio and neighborhood feel

5. Sushi Ishikawa

Chef Don Pham creates beautiful omakase on the Upper East Side, with the option to add luxury ingredients like caviar and truffle.

• Price: $125-$155 per person
• What makes it special: The “lean” and “fatty” options for each fish, allowing you to compare different cuts

6. Sushi Kaito

This Upper West Side gem offers an authentic omakase experience at a price that won’t break the bank.

• Price: $75-$135 per person
• What makes it special: The chef’s dedication to traditional Edomae techniques in a casual setting

Budget-Friendly Sushi Spots

Searching for the best sushi NYC offers on a budget? These affordable spots prove you don’t need to spend a fortune:

7. Sugarfish

This LA-import offers set “Trust Me” menus featuring high-quality fish at reasonable prices. No reservations means lines can be long, but many find it worth the wait.

• Price: $27-$52 for set menus
• Locations: Flatiron and SoHo
• What makes it special: The warm rice and their signature sauce enhance each perfect bite

8. Domodomo

Famous for their hand rolls, this Greenwich Village spot offers both a la carte options and reasonably priced set menus.

• Price: $45-$85 for set menus, hand rolls around $7 each
• What makes it special: The hand rolls are made one at a time and handed directly to you, ensuring the seaweed stays perfectly crisp

9. Momoya

With locations in Chelsea and SoHo, Momoya offers fresh, well-prepared sushi in a casual setting at fair prices.

• Price: Rolls $10-$20, sushi sets $25-$35
• What makes it special: The balanced menu offers both traditional sushi and creative rolls to satisfy any craving

Hidden Gems

Some of the best sushi NYC has to offer flies under the radar. These hidden gems deserve your attention:

10. Sushi Lab

This rooftop spot in Midtown offers creative, Instagram-worthy sushi creations at surprisingly reasonable prices.

• Price: $60-$100 for omakase
• What makes it special: The unique presentations and experimental toppings like gold flakes and truffle

11. Tanoshi Sushi

This tiny Upper East Side spot has only 10 seats and serves traditional Edomae sushi with creative touches.

• Price: $95-$150 for omakase
• What makes it special: BYOB policy helps keep the overall cost down

12. Sushi Kai

This modest East Village spot offers high-quality fish at neighborhood prices in a no-frills setting.

• Price: $30-$65 for set menus
• What makes it special: The friendly sushi chefs who remember returning customers

Best for Specific Sushi Types

Looking for the best sushi NYC offers in particular styles? Check out these specialists:

13. Noda

For those seeking a theatrical experience, Noda combines exceptional sushi with artistic presentation and a stunning interior.

• Price: $315+ per person
• Location: Flatiron
• What makes it special: The jewel-box design and the interactive elements of service

14. Nakaji

Hidden behind a cocktail bar in Chinatown, Nakaji offers traditional Edomae sushi with an emphasis on aging fish to develop deeper flavors.

• Price: $225+ per person
• What makes it special: The multi-room experience including a separate bar area for pre or post-dinner drinks

15. Rosella

This East Village spot stands out by using primarily local, American seafood instead of imported fish.

• Price: $50-$95 for set menus
• What makes it special: Their commitment to sustainability and proving that excellent sushi can be made with domestic fish

Best Sushi NYC Neighborhood Guide

Each NYC neighborhood has its own sushi stars:

Manhattan:

• Midtown: Sushi Yasuda, Nare Sushi
• Upper East Side: Sasabune, Tanoshi
• Upper West Side: Sushi Kaito, Kouzan
• Downtown: Shuko, Kosaka
• Soho/Village: Shuka, Blue Ribbon Sushi

Brooklyn:

• Park Slope: Katsuei
• Williamsburg: Okonomi/Yuji Ramen
• Downtown Brooklyn: Hibino

Queens:

• Long Island City: Sushi on Me
• Astoria: Gaijin
• Flushing: Sushi Ishikawa

Best Sushi NYC for Special Occasions

Celebrating something special? The best sushi NYC offers for memorable moments:

16. Shion 69 Leonard Street

Chef Shion Uino trained at Tokyo’s legendary Sushi Saito before bringing his skills to New York. His methodology and attention to detail create a transcendent experience.

• Price: $420+ per person
• Location: Tribeca
• What makes it special: Chef Shion’s legendary rice, which is often described as “clouds”

17. Icca

Chef Kazushige Suzuki earned a Michelin star within the first year of opening, thanks to his meticulous approach to traditional Edomae sushi.

• Price: $400+ per person
• Location: Tribeca
• What makes it special: The progression of flavors that builds throughout the meal

18. Yoshino

This intimate counter in NoHo serves a unique omakase that combines traditional Edomae techniques with seasonal New York ingredients.

• Price: $350+ per person
• What makes it special: The chef’s selection of rare fish varieties rarely seen outside Japan

Best Sushi NYC for First-Timers

Never had high-end sushi before? Start with these approachable options:

19. Sushi by Bou

With 30 and 60-minute omakase options in several locations, this is perfect for beginners who want to experience omakase without a long commitment.

• Price: $50-$100 per person
• What makes it special: The timer concept makes the experience approachable and fun

20. KazuNori

From the Sugarfish team, this “hand roll bar” focuses exclusively on temaki (hand rolls) made to order and eaten immediately.

• Price: $15-$35 for set menus
• What makes it special: The casual counter service and focus on just one type of sushi

Best Sushi NYC Fusion Spots

Traditional isn’t the only way to enjoy the best sushi NYC has to offer:

21. Kissaki

With several locations across the city, Kissaki combines traditional omakase with contemporary touches and American ingredients.

• Price: $75-$180 for omakase
• What makes it special: The blend of Japanese tradition with New York creativity

22. Nami Nori

Known for their creative temaki served in an open, “taco-style” format, this West Village spot makes sushi fun and accessible.

• Price: $5-$14 per hand roll
• What makes it special: The bright, airy space and approachable style

Best Sushi NYC Takeout Options

Want great sushi at home? The best sushi NYC offers for takeout:

23. Matsunori

This SoHo spot offers beautifully packaged to-go boxes that maintain quality during transit.

• Price: $35-$75 for sets
• What makes it special: The careful packaging that keeps rice and fish at ideal temperatures

24. J-Spec

This East Village restaurant specializes in premium Japanese wagyu but also offers excellent sushi gift boxes.

• Price: $40-$120 for sushi sets
• What makes it special: The option to combine sushi with wagyu for a luxurious at-home experience

25. Sushi-teria

With multiple locations, this quick-service spot offers fresh, made-to-order sushi at reasonable prices.

• Price: $12-$25 for sets
• What makes it special: The speed and consistency

Best Sushi NYC: Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I expect to spend on good sushi in NYC?

For high-end omakase, $150-$500 per person. For good quality mid-range options, $50-$150 per person. For casual sushi, $20-$50 per person.

Do I need to make reservations for the best sushi restaurants?

Yes, for top omakase places, reservations open 30-60 days in advance and often fill within minutes. Mid-range places typically require reservations 1-2 weeks ahead.

What’s the difference between omakase and ordering a la carte?

Omakase means “I leave it to you” – the chef decides what you eat based on the best fish available that day. A la carte means you choose specific items from a menu.

What should I do if I’m allergic to certain fish?

Inform the restaurant when making your reservation. Most can accommodate allergies with advance notice, especially at higher-end places.

Is it rude to use soy sauce on high-end sushi?

At the best omakase restaurants, each piece comes seasoned exactly as the chef intends it to be eaten. Using additional soy sauce is generally not recommended unless offered.

What’s the proper way to eat sushi?

Traditional etiquette suggests eating each piece in one bite, using hands for nigiri (fish on rice) and chopsticks for sashimi (just fish). However, most NYC sushi chefs understand that visitors may have different customs.