During the 1960s, the United States was in a period of radical revisionism and recontextualization. If the ‘50s had been a deliberate attempt for American families to return to a sense of rigorous normalcy in the aftermath of World War II, then the ‘60s were a counter-cultural response to that very idea. Over the course of the decade, many aspects of American culture were being reconsidered and redefined. Additionally, several international imports were taking hold in surprisingly vital ways: the “British invasion” was bringing bands like The Beatles to the forefront of the American music scene, and the French New Wave movement of filmmaking made directors like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut household names in the states. But one of the most valuable imports that came to the US during this time and has remained a pillar of American cuisine ever since is sushi.
While sushi originated in China centuries ago, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the dish was brought to the United States, thanks to a handful of progressive new restaurants that opened in Los Angeles, such as Kawafuku Restaurant in Litle Tokyo. While the dish may have initially caught on with the general public in LA, it wasn’t long before it became an integral part of the dining options in New York City. To find the best sushi restaurants in NYC and ensure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional, read on.
A Glimpse into NYC’s Sushi Scene
Thanks in large part to Ellis Island’s immigration history, New York City is commonly referred to as a “melting pot” of cultures and heritages. As such, the metropolis is full of varying aesthetics, tastes, and sensibilities. To this end, sushi caught on fast in New York City and has remained a vital part of the city’s smorgasbord of varying tastes ever since.
The city is home to a plethora of sushi restaurants that cater to every palate. They offer a mix of traditional Japanese flavors and modern culinary twists. NYC has embraced both authentic Japanese techniques and innovative fusion styles.
Key Features of a Great Sushi Restaurant
Many elements make up a great sushi dining experience. Chief among them is the sushi itself. The options of different types of flavors and rolls are essential elements, but they will mean precious little if the quality of the sushi is lackluster. To this end, factors that can make a sushi restaurant stand out are fresh ingredients and skilled chefs.
As mentioned, sushi is a dish that is centuries old and steeped in tradition. This doesn’t mean that every sushi restaurant needs to reverently present itself as classically cultural or that every sushi chef needs to have studied the full history of the dish, but it does mean that the chefs and restaurants themselves should be meaningfully engaging with the dish’s roots in some way.
A restaurant’s ambiance can greatly enhance a dining experience by integrating with the tone and aesthetics of the dishes. So, if you’re dining at a fusion sushi restaurant that is experimenting with radical new flavors, a radical interior design can make the experience feel all the more cohesive and satisfying.
Top Sushi Neighborhoods and Restaurants
Numerous areas across NYC are well known for their vibrant sushi scenes, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Over the years and into the present, the city has continued to attract world-class sushi chefs and food enthusiasts alike thanks to its remarkable diversity and the opportunities it offers ambitious culinary artists. This has resulted in a wide array of diverse sushi styles, from Edomae sushi to creative fusion dishes.
My Top Favorite Sushi Restaurants in NYC
After 13 years of scouring this city for the best food, including sushi, I’ve narrowed it down to my top seven sushi spots—each with its own charm, quirks, and unforgettable flavors.
1. Sushi Nakazawa
If Jiro Dreams of Sushi made you want to book a flight to Tokyo, don’t. Just go to Sushi Nakazawa. Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, Jiro’s former apprentice, delivers a transcendent omakase experience that somehow balances meticulous precision with pure joy. The Hokkaido uni is impossibly creamy, the chu-toro melts like butter, and the pacing is flawless. Yes, it’s pricey, but for a Michelin-starred meal, it’s a worthy splurge.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
2. Noz 17
Tucked away in an unassuming stretch of Chelsea, Noz 17 is like stepping into an Edo-period sushi den. The 10-seat counter serves a hyper-traditional Edomae-style omakase where the rice is warm, the fish is aged, and every bite tells a story. The kohada (gizzard shad) is a revelation—bright, briny, and balanced. And the miso soup? It’s like a warm hug from a very disciplined Japanese grandmother.
3. Shion 69 Leonard Street
Shion Uino doesn’t mess around. This place is serious sushi for serious sushi people. The emphasis here is on perfectly aged fish, and the flavors are deep, complex, and borderline philosophical. If you’ve never had mackerel aged for a week, you’re in for an umami explosion. The atmosphere is hushed, the service is impeccable, and the entire experience feels like a secret you shouldn’t be telling anyone about.
Watch this video to learn more:
4. Sushi Yasuda
This is where I fell in love with sushi. Yasuda’s rice is legendary—each grain perfectly seasoned, holding just enough integrity before dissolving into pure bliss. The eel here is next-level, brushed with a house-made tare that feels like the culmination of centuries of eel-glazing wisdom. The vibe is zen-like but not stuffy, making it a great spot for both purists and sushi newcomers alike. Read this review to learn more.
5. Omakase Room by Mitsu
Mitsu brings a minimalist approach to sushi, and it works. The space is tiny (only eight seats), and the focus is 100% on the fish. The Hokkaido scallop is so fresh you can taste the ocean, and the toro is decadence in its purest form. Bonus points for their sake pairing, which enhances every course without overpowering the delicate flavors.
6. Kurumazushi
A true OG in the NYC sushi scene, Kurumazushi has been serving top-tier sushi since the ‘70s. It doesn’t have the flash of newer spots, but what it lacks in Instagrammability, it makes up for in sheer craftsmanship. Their anago (saltwater eel) is buttery, smoky, and utterly perfect. If you want a taste of old-school sushi mastery, this is the place. Check them out on Instagram.
7. Sugarfish
Okay, hear me out. Purists love to hate Sugarfish because it’s a chain, but their “Trust Me” set is one of the best deals in the city. The warm rice, the high-quality fish, and the no-fuss approach make it a great option for casual sushi cravings. Is it traditional Edomae? No. Is it still insanely delicious? Absolutely.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
There you have it—seven sushi spots, each with its own magic. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate omakase or just a solid hand roll, NYC has you covered.
Final Thoughts
New York City’s sushi scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi connoisseur or a curious first-timer, NYC offers something for everyone. Dive into this flavorful journey and experience the art of sushi like never before.
Anthony is a passionate food enthusiast living in the bustling food scene of New York City. With an insatiable curiosity for culinary exploration, he loves exploring the city’s diverse eateries, seeking out unique flavors and sharing his gastronomic adventures with fellow food lovers.
