The 12 best sushi restaurants in NYC

What is it? Chef Daisuke Nakazawa has brought us the most pristine cuts of seafood from the waters of Japan for over a decade. It's all served at a modern counter designed for New Yorkers.

Why we love it: We were first introduced to Daisuke Nakazawa when he was toiling over tamago as an apprentice to Jiro Ono, the world’s most distinguished sushi chef, in the lovely film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi." When we first visited Nakazawa’s eponymous spot in the West Village, we weren’t sure we’d ever really had salmon, snapper and fatty tuna before, not like this, not with flavors, textures and temperatures that have been perfected and then, unbelievably, improved upon. Over a decade later, Nakazawa still soars above the rest by letting the true nature of the fish speak first, coaxing it out with a painter's touch of soy sauce here and a sprinkle of lemon zest there. Omakase at the counter is $190, $160 in the chic dining room. 

Time Out tip: The leather-bound drink list reads like a literal bible. But luckily, a suit-jacketed staff is here to walk you through the selections of sake, wines and pots of Japanese tea. Or, you can make it easier on yourself by tacking on a pairing, $120 for sake, $150 for beverages or $180 for a premium pairing. 

Address: 23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Lunch 11:45am–2pm; Dinner 5–10pm

What is it? A quiet omakase counter in Williamsburg, perched just a block from the East River. The counter gained a Michelin Star within its first year and chef Cheng Lin recently received a nod from the James Beard Foundation.

Why we love it: Chef Lin's temple to Edomae-style sushi is a simple one, as blond wood counters flank each side of the dining room. One chair has premium seating, the other "gentei" seating (exclusive in Japanese) that features seasonal selections led by chef Lin himself. As serene as it is, stuffy it is not, as chef Lin is more than willing to chat about how his bluefin tuna is sourced within a 10-kilometer radius of Southern Japan and how he ages his ponzu sauce in between nigiri hand-offs. 

Time Out tip: Chef Lin’s inspiration for his sushi career came from the manga Shota No Sushi, which follows the main character's dream of becoming a sushi master. Catch a nod to it on your way in as a singular shelf mounted near the front displays the full manga series.

Address: 50 S 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Sat with two seatings per night at 6pm and 8:30pm

What is it? Expensive sushi in the city? Sushi Noz is certainly a part of the conversation. Currently tipping the scales at $550 per person (no tax or gratuity included), Sushi Noz has become a proverbial watering hole for the rich and those with endless expense accounts. But the fanfare is rooted in reason: chef Nozomu Abe's eye for the art of sushi and his domain are every bit deliberate as they are delicious. 

Why we love it: Sushi Noz acts as a sanctuary to sushi, quite literally as the interior mimics that of a Kyoto temple with sliding doors, bamboo slats and a kimono-clad staff. Chef Noz completes the journey to the Edo period of Japan, with lightly scored cuts of squid and the jaw of bluefin tuna, charred with red-hot binchotan, never a butane torch. And even with such a prestigious pedigree behind him, including a run of Michelin Stars that dates back to 2018, chef Noz is down for a little conversation before he absolutely wows you with the best fatty tuna you've ever had in your life.  

Time Out tip: If $550 per head makes you want to cut off our heads, first of all, don't. Secondly, you can get a taste of chef Noz's talents at his more affordable, casual counter and market, Noz Market. 

Address: 181 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 5:45pm-11pm

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What is it? A three Michelin-starred omakase restaurant manned by one of the world's best sushi chefs.

Why we love it: Pete Wells called Keiji Nakazawa "one of the most influential sushi masters in the world." His restaurant, Sushi Sho, landed at number seven on The New York Times 2025 listing, "The 100 Best Restaurants in New York City" for its progression of baby pickled watermelon and rare fish selections, such as mehikari. But with great fish comes a high cost: a seat here will run $450 per person.

Time Out tip: Photography inside is banned, so you will have to settle for snapping a picture of the small sign outside. 

Address: 3 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5-10pm

What is it? It may take you a second to find the nondescript door that leads you to Sendo. But once inside, you'll be treated to sushi straight from the hands of chef Tsuyoshi Takahashi, a recent addition who comes fresh off a three-year stint at Sushi Noz.

Why we love it: Once you discover it, Sendo feels a little like a secret. Brushing past the door up a flight of stairs, you'll find a slick black marble counter with leather chairs tucked close underneath. Slip into one and order from one of the Sendo Sets, ranging in price from $33-48, and plunge into springy Hokkaido scallops and the delightfully buttery Alaskan botanebi with roe.

Time Out tip: If you only have enough time to grab and go, you can always pick up a set or build your own order for pickup. 

Address: 876 6th Ave, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10001

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30 am–3 pm, 5–11pm; Fri and Sat 11:30 am–3 pm, 5–11pm

What is it? A sushi restaurant, well, more like a hallway, that's quite literally hidden up above a smoke shop. It may not deliver in the looks department, but Sushi 35 West definitely blows us away when it comes to its fish quality. 

Why we love it: Kevin Chen and Jacky Ye worked at NYC's top sushi restaurants before opening their own hidden spot through what appears to be a service entrance in midtown. Its dining room includes a couple of patio tables and four stark white walls. But the sourcing and preparation of salmon roe ($7), fatty tuna ($10) and striped jack ($7) are among the best in town. Sushi 35 West's most expensive item is the $120, 35-piece omakase, which you should be prepared to take to go. 

Time Out tip: If the tables are full, which is a common occurrence, we say come back at another time or just plan an online order for swift pick-up. We just suggest you eat it just as fast as you get it, for quality's sake. 

Address: 224 West 35th St, New York, NY 10001

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–9:30pm; Sat 3:30–9:30pm

What is it? A minimalist hall to sushi, Sushi Seki has been a longtime (and late-night) favorite since its inception. 

Why we love it: Major-league toques like Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud have been known to hold court over Seki’s sake and novel flavor combinations late into the night since 2002. Two locations reside in NYC, one in the Upper East Side and the other in Chelsea, either is a sure bet. You can find the usual favorites here, fatty tuna and Wagyu, next to the not-so-usual, AKA the salmon with tomato. Trust us and just try it first. 

Time Out tip: This is one's for you, night owls, as the original Upper East Side location closes at 12:30am.

Address: 1143 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065; 208 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011

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What is it? This hideaway in Elmhurst invites you to "Enjoy Your Fucking Dinner," or at least that's what the neon sign says on the wall. But surely, you will, there is a party to be had here.

Why we love it: A rowdy good time is the best way to describe what goes on at Sushi On Me's basement operation in Queens. The 15-plus course dinner lands in the fever dream category with clubby sparklers, passed around butane torches to char your own eel and salmon nigiri swirled with a little THC smoke. If your drinking glass gets anywhere close to being empty, the host will swiftly come around with a bottle of sake to keep you properly boozed. It all goes down for $99 per person, unlimited sake included. 

Time Out tip: Both locations (Queens and Williamsburg) are cash-only operations, so bring some to cover the price as well as the tip. 

Address: 71-26 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Opening hours: Daily 5-11pm

What is it? Blue Ribbon Sushi has amassed a sort of chain status, with izakayas now operating in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Boston. But New Yorkers can take pride in the fact that the first orders of sushi were rolled right here in the city. 

Why we love it: Whether you ply the table with thinly sliced hamachi with punchy pinches of fermented yuzu or opt for the top-of-the-line $125 chef’s choice sushi platter, you’ll find the service equally friendly and enthusiastic at the original, below-street-level Soho locale. Yes, it is a bit of a tight fit down here, as knocking people on the way in and out is kind of part of the deal. But it does give ample opportunity to peer at spreads of crispy rice sushi and bowls of eel and salmon roe at each table to help inform your order. 

Time Out tip: The flawless green-tea crème brûlée is an easy way to end your night on a high note.

Address: Multiple locations

What is it? A clean-lined and modest hand roll shop that's rolled its way to the West Village and Williamsburg. 

Why we love it: Although its founders came from fine-dining destinations, Nami Nori offers a more affordable menu than you’d expect if you tasted it before spying the prices. Its signature set includes five temaki hand rolls like scallop, sea bass and coconut shrimp for $36. Beer, wine, sake and cocktails are also available in the sleek space. 

Time Out tip: Catering to all, there's also a vegan set with fillings of eggplant and miso, sweet potato tempura and tofu chimichurri. 

Address: 33 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014; 236 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

What is it? A Michelin-recognized and reliable sushi haunt in midtown. Yes, there are corners with booths and tables, but everyone knows that the best seat in the house goes to the counter to watch the masters at work.

Why we love it: The counter at this lovely, bamboo-lined space is a little longer than some, but still a personal experience with a line of expert chefs slicing and plating your nigiri on the other side. Sushi Yasuda’s omakase, which might include amberjack, yellowtail and unagi, is market price, and will typically run you about $150-250 before drinks, add-ons or tip. 

Time Out tip: You can also get a 12-piece omakase to go for $120 or opt for sashimi ranging from $29 to $45. Much like how you experience it at the counter, it is recommended to eat it as fast, so plan your return wisely.

Address: 204 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017

Opening hours: Mon–Fri noon–3pm, 6-11pm; Sat 5-11pm

What is it? A Lenox Hill restaurant that carries on the ethos of the late chef Toshio Oguma’s particularly flavor- and texture-conscious style, known as “loosey-sushi.”

Why we love it: To understand why we love Tanoshi Sushi, you first have to appreciate loosey-sushi. But what is it, you may be asking? A technique passed down from chef Oguma, the sushi rice here isn't packed as tightly. The choice is an intentional one, making it so that once you pop it in your mouth, the flavors will immediately melt together. Make sure the melt doesn't start at the counter by eating it ASAP. There are only four seatings for lunch and three seatings for dinner, so reservations are basically required.

Time Out tip: Tanoshi is also one of the relatively few NYC restaurants where you can BYOB. 

Address: 1372 York Ave, New York, NY 10021

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11:30am–1:45pm, 6-10pm; Sun 6-10pm

Feast on amazing, innovative sushi and sashimi, matched with top-shelf sake at the best sushi restaurants in the U.S.