10 Best Sushi Restaurants in NYC

Shockingly expensive sushi, omakase-style (where the sushi chef decides what to serve you at a fixed price), is easy to come by in New York. To soften your financial pain, we’ve compiled a list of mostly more affordable, traditional sushi restaurants to consider the next time you’re in town.

Sushi connoisseurs agree that New York City offers the best sushi outside of Japan, and there are so many subarashidesu (Japanese for ‘superb’) spots to consider that choosing the “10 Best” was no small task. National chains are not included in our list, as we believe that feeling the NYC vibe at a locally owned restaurant should be a huge part of your sushi dining experience.

Momoya Chelsea $$

Stop a Chelsea resident on the street to ask where their go-to place is for fabulous, moderately priced sushi is, and more likely than not they will tell you Momoya Chelsea (though Sushi Seki gives them nice competition). Also popular at their locations on the UWS and in SoHo, Momoya offers some unique dishes that are beautifully presented. Let’s face it. Sushi is supposed to be fun to eat and look at, and then simply melt in your mouth. Momoya’s sushi and sashimi do just that, and more.

The eggplant in sweet miso and yellowtail cerviche appetizers are raved about, as is the spicy tuna on crispy rice. Looking for something different and oishi (delicious)? Check out the gomaae spinach with sesame sauce. Splendid gyoza and shumai dumplings really hit the spot, and the signature rolls are almost bargain priced.

If you’re looking for something cooked, the kitchen turns out excellent tempura, eeldon (broiled eel served over rice), plus soda and udon soups. Take-out and delivery are both available, as are lunch boxes to go. Momoya is family-friendly with an energetic (to say the least at peak times) vibe.

185 7th Ave. (SE corner of 21st St.)

Other locations: Upper West Side - 427 Amsterdam Ave. (80th-81st St.) / SoHo - 47 Prince St. (NW corner of Mulberry)

Blue Ribbon Sushi SoHo $$-$$$

The original Blue Ribbon Sushi may be the place to go when you have a craving for sushi, but also want to keep a few bucks in your wallet (if anyone still uses a wallet) for libations later in the evening. Of course, if you want to try some little-known fish and don’t mind paying the price, you can do that here, too.

Described as “a semi-underground den”, Blue Ribbon’s beginnings have now expanded into a New York-only sushi empire with five locations.

Thinking about an appetizer before diving in? We love the maguro zuke, sliced soy marinated tuna with garlic sesame crumble and onion ponzu sauce.

For great value check out the mixed sunomono fish assortment with ponzu sauce for just $18. There’s also a larger regular sushi assortment for $36, or the deluxe option for $44 for larger appetites. Blue Ribbon’s extensive menu includes rice bowls, salads, soups, sushi and sashimi.

We recommend making reservations at the SoHo and Financial District locations. Online ordering for take-out is also available.

Soho -119 Sullivan St. (Prince – Spring St.). Other locations: SoHo - 187 Orchard St. / Midtown - 30 Rockefeller Plaza / Lower Manhattan - Brookfield Place Mall / Financial District - 84 William St.

Rosella $$$-$$$$

Japanese-inspired dining with an Italian name. How can you go wrong? You certainly won’t at Rosella which interestingly mostly uses North American ingredients including Nova Scotia halibut, steelhead trout from upstate New York and North Carolina mackerel. The owners are committed to serving sustainably sourced fish and shellfish.

The lengthy and creative menu offers sushi and sashimi made from char, bigeye tuna, eel, bluefish, salmon, fluke, scallops, amberjack, black sea bass, and the list goes on and on. The amazing fluke cerviche is a dish we have not seen before but will be having again on our next visit.

Rosella also serves memorable sushi rice bowls, rolls, and the arctic char and avocado big roll is out of this world. There are so many options at Rosella that you may want to peruse the menu before going. The cozy, inviting atmosphere and mostly locals dining here makes for a fun evening.

East Village -137 Avenue A (St. Marks Pl. - E. 9th St.)

Sushi Seki $$

Featuring soft lighting, comfortable surroundings, and one of the most extensive sushi menus you’ll find anywhere, Sushi Seki in Chelsea (and other locations) should be on your radar if you love sushi but don’t love high prices. Known for fresh ingredients and an array of classic dishes, the sushi, sashimi, appetizers, noodles, gyoza, salads, soups and entrees are too numerous to mention, so let’s just focus on the sushi offerings.

Tuna, salmon, yellowfish, silverfish, shellfish, eel, roe, specialty rolls, a la carte sashimi, and, well you get the idea. Sushi Seki is the perfect spot for traditional sushi, and you’ll also get to return to your hotel without panicking about having to transfer money to your checking account.

The mind-boggling selection of sakes and wines to perfectly pair with your meal will enhance the experience.

Dine-in, take-out and delivery are all options here, and they also take reservations.

Upper East Side - 1143 First Ave. (E. 62nd - E. 63rd St.). Other locations: Times Square - 365 W. 46th St. (8th - 9th Ave.) / Chelsea - 208 W. 23rd St.

Kanoyama $$$$

By creatively ordering at Kanoyama, diners can make this a $$$ experience, but we have assigned an “expensive” rating due to the prices of some incredibly exquisite dishes that your urges may not allow you to overlook.

Just by looking at their website you will have a good idea how some of the freshest sushi in New York is presented, and it is impossible not to be in awe. As a Michelin-starred restaurant you can expect to be indulgent by dining here.

Kanoyama prides itself on serving the freshest seafood imported from Japan, as well as top-notch toro (tuna) and uni (sea urchin roe) from Maine and California. In fact, unlike most other premier sushi spots, they serve three different kinds of toro, with the best for each creation determined by their sushi chefs. These are bluefin, bigeye, and yellowfin.

Be sure to make reservations online and be aware that there are limited omakase dining seats at the sushi bar ($195). The a la carte menu is served at both the indoor and outdoor tables. Kanoyama’s online ordering system can be used for take-out or delivery.

Sushi and sashimi prices vary based on the fresh fish available each day and the number of pieces ordered. To keep things somewhat reasonable, consider the sushi + sashimi for $42 which includes 6 pieces of sushi, 4 of sashimi, and a California roll. If there are two of you, for $115 you might want to splurge a bit with the sushi + sashimi for two. This dish includes 14 pieces of sushi, 6 of sashimi, and a roll.

But don’t take our word for how delicious Kanoyama’s food is. With so many options including a few cooked items, your experience here will be memorable and satisfying.

East Village - 175 Second Ave. (E. 11th – E. 12th St.)

Sushi of Gari $$$$

Okay, we’ll admit that Sushi of Gari is more expensive compared to most of the other restaurants listed here, but it’s still more affordable than the high-end omakase dining spots that barely leave you with subway fare back to your hotel. Known for some of the freshest and most creative sushi in town, with locations on the UWS, UES, in Hell’s Kitchen and Tribeca, one is sure to be convenient to wherever you’re staying in Manhattan.

Sushi of Gari is unique in our listing by offering three price levels of omakase dining (based on sushi, sushi + sashimi, or all sushimi) for those who desire it, as well as a fabulous a la carte menu of appetizers, sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, and sushi bar entrees. The upscale atmosphere and refined service at each location may be worth considering for a special occasion or if you want to splurge one night during your visit to New York.

Reservations are highly recommended, and for hotel dwellers, online ordering for take-out is also available.

Upper West Side - 370 Columbus Ave. (W. 77th-78th St.). Other locations: Hell’s Kitchen - 347 W. 46th St. (8th – 9th Ave.) / Tribeca - 130 W. Bdwy. (at Duane St.) / Upper East Side - 402 E. 78th St. (1st- York Ave.).

Sushi 35 West $$

Only in New York will you find sushi, and amazing sushi at that, in a location requiring you to pass through a smoke shop, take the less than sparkling stairs or freight elevator to the second floor, and walk down a hallway with pipes and venting overhead until there it is, Sushi 35 West! But you will have to trust us on this one. Billed as a take-away only restaurant that does have a few rickety tables and chairs, this place ranks right up there for freshness and fish quality.

Whether you’re grabbing lunch to eat in Bryant Park, looking for food to take on the train from nearby Penn Station, or seeking an afternoon pick-me-up to tide you over in your hotel room, Sushi 35 West will more than satisfy your cravings.

In addition to “A La Cart” (no typo, there is no “E” on the menu board) sushi and sashimi, Sushi 35 ingeniously packages what they call the Lunch Set, and Dinner Set. Lunch includes a kale gobo salad. The Dinner Set is sushi or sashimi with a roll, sushi, sushi + sashimi, or just sashimi. They even have their “omakase” option with 35 pieces of nigiri for $100. How’s that for a deal?

Sushi 35 West is yet more proof that eating in New York City doesn’t have to be expensive.

TAKEOUT PRIMARILY. Midtown -232 W. 35th St. 2nd floor of Smoke Shop (seriously), (7th - 8th Ave.)

Maki Kosaka $$-$$$

Created by culinary chef and entrepreneur Minyun Han who also owns the Michelin starred omakase restaurant KOSAKA, Maki Kosaka is an attractive restaurant where you can choose from an extensive selection of a la carte grab handrolls and temaki rolls, as well as sashimi Chef’s Specials.

Should you prefer having the roll choices made for you, there’s the Signature Set Menu with several handrolls or temaki rolls determined in advance for just $38 and $35 respectively.

Maki Kosaka’s exudes a calming, reflective atmosphere that has been created by ceramic artist Shino Takeda. From her Brooklyn studio she has produced artistic works designed to portray her personal reaction to the changing seasons from an emotional and physical perspective. Each work of art in the restaurant has been handmade and is one of a kind.

Cooked dishes from the kitchen include Agedashi Tofu, deep fried in hot broth, to an organic kale salad, fried Chilean sea bass, and Ebi Shinjo, a fried shrimp ball with crunchy rice and spicy mayo.

With 20 grab handrolls and 15 temaki rolls to choose from, you may decide to visit Maki Kosaka more than once.

Flatiron - 55 W. 19th St. (5th-6th Ave.)

Takahachi $$

So, you’re in Tribeca and craving sushi. No problem, as this upscale neighborhood is jammed with fancy restaurants offering incredible omakase sushi dinners. However, you’re not seeking fancy, but rather a casual place with moderate prices. Takahachi is just the spot for you.

Menu items range from a la carte sushi and sashimi featuring yellowtail, salmon, shrimp and tuna, but there are daily specials which may include Icelandic trout or buri from Japan. Fluke, snapper and roe are also prepared as entrée plates. We also liked the reasonably priced Special Style Maki such as the Sushi Deluxe that includes a tuna roll and seven pieces of nigiri. At $31 it’s quite a deal. The $32 Sushi-Sashimi Combo comes with five pieces of sushi, three of sashimi, and a tuna roll.

If you, or someone in your party isn’t a big sushi fan, Takahachi offers an extensive selection of cooked dishes such as grilled black cod marinated in white miso, and free-range chicken in teriyaki sauce.

Tribeca - 145 Duane St. (between W. Bdwy. & Church St.)

Beyond Sushi $$

We highlighted Beyond Sushi in our July 8 posting about vegan dining in New York, and it deserves to be included here as well. It’s the perfect spot if someone is your party is a vegetarian or vegan, as well as for curious carnivores looking to explore New York’s culinary scene. The creative menu is visually appealing, offers flavor combos you never dreamt of, and may even partially convert you into less of a meat eater if you’re not one already.

Beyond Sushi not only serves incredible food but is committed to raising awareness about our fragile planet. The 37th St. store with 90 seats is triple the size of their other location and includes a full bar. Both are casual, laid back, and affordable. We especially like the Five Spice Chick’n with napa cabbage, cilantro, garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice and chili panko, and we also heartily recommend the Mighty Mushroom Roll.

Midtown – 134 W. 37th St. (6t –7th Ave.) & 62 W. 56th St. (5th-6th Ave.)

Sushi restaurants have thrived in New York City for decades, with the cuisine evolving over the years from mom-and-pop take-outs to small family run sit-down restaurants. Today’s aficionados know their sushi in far greater depth than their predecessors, so much so that the language of sushi is no longer mysterious.

As you explore New York and choose where to dine, in addition to “sushi” and “sashimi”, you can expect to learn about these terms: maki, nigiri, temaki, chirashi, nori, sake (of course), roe, wasabi!!, daikon, and many other Japanese words for this ultra-popular dining option.

So, sit back, relax, and devour some of the best sushi in the greatest city in the world.