Best Sushi in New York

Where can you find the best sushi in New York? New York has a real sushi culture and there might be even more sushi places than Starbucks coffee shops – and that means something! You can find a sushi place at almost every single corner. Manhattan in particular is a sushi mecca. Many supermarkets even have their own sushi bar, serving freshly prepared rice bites all day.

Best Sushi in New York

I’m not sure if Japanese people like the New York sushi just as much, but if you – like me – love sushi with a twist, you’ve come to the right city. New Yorkers are famous for experimenting with various ingredients, the special rolls are popular. This oddity doesn’t have any influence on the food’s quality: the more expensive places all work with the very best fish they can find.

Due to the use of fresh fish, sushi in New York doesn’t come cheap. This top 6 has some great value for money options though. Still a bit pricey? Prices on the lunchtime menu are often cheaper than the ones on the dinner menu!

1. Blue Ribbon Sushi

   Blue Ribbon is the perfect place to bring a date. This upscale SoHo restaurant is very charming. Actually, it has lots of everything: lots of charm, it costs lots of money and lots of people go there. This is not only due to the fact that Blue Ribbon wins many awards each year but also the fact that it’s such a small place. That’s why I recommend you make a reservation. Now I can’t do anything about the fact that it’s very expensive, but you won’t find this quality anywhere else. Not only is the food exotic, exclusive and of the very best quality, but the sake menu is also equally impressive.

   Make sure not to walk past Blue Ribbon: go down the stairs to get there. You know you’re at the right place when you see a whole bunch of hungry-looking people waiting in line. It may require some sacrifices, but to see (and eat at!) this place they’re definitely worth it!

   

2. Kaiten Zushi Nomad

   At Kaiten Zushi Nomad, you can have a good meal with the whole family. You order the sushi on an iPad, and it is delivered to your table by a ‘train’. Soft drinks and water are brought by a robot. It is different from other restaurants; something is constantly happening, so there is always something to see. My kids really liked it for this reason!

   By New York standards, this restaurant serves reasonably priced sushi that is also very tasty. Besides, this New York sushi restaurant is conveniently located, so you can easily walk in for lunch or dinner. You could, for example, combine it with a visit to the Empire State Building. Making reservations at this restaurant is neither possible nor necessary, as there are plenty of tables. It is also an excellent spot to eat if you are travelling alone.

   

3. Omakase by korami

   Omakase by korami is considered one of the best sushi restaurants in the United States. In fact, it was voted number 5 in the country in 2024. Book your table in advance as this small-scale restaurant only has 10 spots. Three chefs carefully prepare the sushi for you, which is great fun to watch. They also decide which sushi you get. It can have, for example, foie gras, A5 Wagyu, caviar, and, of course, different fish. It is therefore not suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

   Eating here is quite an experience; you receive 15 courses in 60 minutes, with 1 sushi served per course. You also have the option to order more items at the end if you wish to do so. However, once the hour is over, you are expected to leave the restaurant. Given the restaurant’s location in Hell’s Kitchen and the prompt duration of the serving, it’s convenient to combine with a Broadway musical. While eating sushi at Omakase by korami is not cheap, the quality and experience will make it well worth it.

   

4. Izakaya MEW

   Izakaya MEW is a hidden gem in Koreatown. The restaurant has an underground feel and serves all kinds of Japanese and Korean dishes, including sushi. It’s a great choice if one person is craving sushi while another wants something different. You enter the restaurant by taking the stairs down to the basement. As you walk to your table, the staff will greet you with a special shout. You’ll likely be dining alongside many locals, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.

   

5. Nobu New York

   Nobu New York is an upscale sushi restaurant. This ‘super sushi place’ comes highly recommended; as the bill will indicate! I personally think it’s a little less atmospheric than Blue Ribbon, though the price and quality are around the same.

   Actor Robert De Niro is one of the restaurant’s co-founders and chef Nobu Matsuhisa is a pioneer of Japanese cuisine. He was trained in Tokyo and lived in South America as well as on other continents. This specific influence is what makes his dishes so noteworthy. Dishes indeed, since he serves a whole lot more than sushi. Why not try lobster with wasabi pepper sauce? And his famous cod in miso!

6. Sushi-to-go in New York

   Want to grab sushi on the go? It might surprise you, but Whole Foods and Wegmans also belong in this list of best sushi.

   Whole Foods is one of those supermarkets where they prepare fresh sushi all day long. You can choose the fresh ready-made sushi, or you can give a special order and wait a few minutes till it’s ready (or do some other groceries in the meantime!). Eat some of the best sushi in New York on Columbus Circle or, even better, in nearby Central Park!

   Wegmans is another great place to grab some fresh sushi to go. This luxury supermarket offers sushi made with the finest ingredients. Take your sushi to Washington Square Park and enjoy!