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Inagiku
The Top List of Sushi Restaurants - New York, NY
There really is so much good sushi in New York.
by Regine Zamor & Curtis Hagedorn
Sushi, NY
Regine Zamor
I can remember when New Yorkers thought sushi was a fad -- something "they eat in California" (in other words, beneath notice.) How times have changed. Of the 100 or so Japanese and fusion restaurants serving sushi in New York, each one has its fans and detractors -- so much so that sometimes popularity seems to be a matter of décor. However, like everything in New York, you can find sushi in every neighborhood and in every presentation and price range from take-out to pass out. There's even a thriving market in Kosher sushi catering -- perfect for that wedding or bar mitzvah. Don't cry foul if you don't see your favorite here, this is a personal selection from the crème de la crème to successful perennials-for-a-variety-of-reasons -- price, atmosphere, and approach to the sushi theme -- because there really is so much good sushi in New York. In fact, the only warning I've received is, if there's kim chi on the menu (a pickled cabbage dish) order at your peril -- you've come across Korean sushi which, according to aficionados, is not to be tolerated at any cost.
MEGU
62 Thomas St., New York, NY 10013
212-964-7777
Megu isn’t just another sushi joint. It’s about presence and deliciously innovative Japanese cuisine. The restaurant, which doubles as a lounge provides customers with an array of choices spanning from Caesar salad to the immaculate Kobe beef with sesame and grated ginger in soy butter. With the gourmet prices, and made to share portions, Megu’s culinary contributions are to be savored. Ambiance is the other side of enjoying Megu. Each lounge is decorated with simple style that boasts artistic design. A decorated plate, sexy environment, and knowledgeable staff makes Megu one of the staples in New York’s Japanese dining scene.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Estimated price per person $30-$100
MASA
10 Columbus Circle, 4fl, New York, NY 10019
212-823-9800
Be prepared to have a lavish dinner, and drop a lavish price when you’re at Masa. The sophomore counterpart to Masa Takayama’s L.A. restaurant, this NY gem is impressive. Reservations are only taken on the first week of the month for the entire month, so you only get one shot to get into the exquisite restaurant. An alternative is the takeout next door, which can be a lot easier on the pockets, but if you’re looking for a unique culinary experience than you ought to sit at Masa’s bar. A dim lit table may not be worth the wait but watching the show-like techniques at the bar definitely is.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open, 4th of July- Closed
Estimated price per person $50-400 (pre-fixe)
BOND ST.
6 Bond St., New York, NY 10012
212-777-2500
Walking down the cobble stone street in NOHO, there’s almost always a crowd in front of Bond Street. A small but inviting lounge with one of the tastiest, and priciest menus is all a part of the experience. The Lobster Tempura is one of the must have options that leave many coming back. If you’re in the mood for great wine to go with your meal, Bond Street is one of the best places to be. The sexy vibe at this lower level lounge, alongside the music and beautiful people make it a great place to mate, date, or celebrate. Being at Bond Street can evokes a special feeling, and the great taste of fresh food only solidifies this restaurant as being ultra chic.
Estimated price per person $40-$120
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Monster Sushi
158 W. 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011
212-620-9131
Although not one of the priciest or fanciest sushi restaurants in Manhattan, Monster Sushi is definitely one of the good ones. Most of the rolls come in large portions, and the Monster Roll itself is packed with too many different tastes, but the taste is delicious. Unlike most sushi places in NY the cooked food at Monster Sushi is just as good as the sushi itself. The shrimp tempura roll is addictive and the shrimp spring rolls alone will sure to become a constant craving. Monster sushi may not be the most impressive sushi eatery, but it’s definitely a fresh tasting, and satisfying place to be.
Estimated price per person $10- $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
NOBU AND NOBU, NEXT DOOR
105 Hudson Street
(212) 334-4445
It seems like it's pretty much impossible for any restaurant survey not to bring up Nobu. In fact, we thought about not including it here but in light of recent events downtown, we're pleased to tell you that Nobu and its sister restaurant Next Door are open for business and providing culinary comfort of the highest order once again. In fact, the mere possibility of getting a reservation could be one of the best reasons for planning a trip to New York sooner rather than later. Nobu opened in 1994 and since then has consistently been on every top ten list in town. Nobu, Next Door is a little more casual and, wonder of wonders, has a "no reservation" policy for parties under five. With a slightly more limited menu focusing on sushi and soba (though prices are just the same) Next Door can actually satisfy a last-minute Nobu craving. The food? Dream about this: "Kumamoto" Oyster with Maui Onion Salsa, Halibut Cheeks with Wasabi Pepper Sauce, Baby Abalone with Light Garlic, Creamy Spicy Crab, Sea Urchin in Spinach, Salmon Tartar with Caviar to go on would be torture. Suffice it to say that you can run up quite a bill at Nobu and/or Next Door and that everything is worth it from the lowliest carrot roll right up to seasonal specialties with prices you have to ask.
Estimated Cost Per Person For Dinner: $65+
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - Closed, Valentines Day - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving - Open, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day, Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
SUSHISAY
38 East 51st Street
(212) 755-1780
Closed Sundays
How do you choose a sushi restaurant? There seem to be three deciding factors. First and most important is the freshness of the fish. When your entire reputation rests upon the flavor of an item resting on a basically flavorless rice ball seasoned with a little vinegar, freshness is make or break for most sushi parlors. Second is selection. There is certain seasonal competition for the rarest of seafood and these usually go to the highest bidder -- and the most expensive of restaurants. Third seems to be overall presentation -- though there are fantastic sushi restaurants with very little in the way of décor, others create a spectacular setting for their spectacular food (and the prices are often spectacular as well.) Why the primer? Because, after Nobu, there are three or four candidates vying for New York's top sushi honors, and one of them is Sushisay. Special appetizers include Salmon Caviar with grated Japanese white radish and steamed monkfish liver pate. Sashimi platters range from "regular" to "deluxe," there's a gorgeous Bento box of sushi, sashimi and special appetizers among any number of delightful a la carte and combination selections. Sushisay even serves its own exclusive brand of sake, called Junmai Sushisay -- a pure "microbrew" sake made in very small quantities by hand. Though you can stop by for an appetizer or two, the entire dining experience at Sushisay is worth the premium cost and wait for a table.
Estimated Cost Per Person For Dinner: $50-60
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - Closed, Valentines Day - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day, Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
SUSHI KOSHER
1626 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn
(718) 338-6363
There are some people who call sushi "Jewish Soul Food" and, if the phenomenon of Sushi Kosher is any indication, they're probably right. Sushi Kosher's wide-ranging menu is prepared "under the strict supervision of the Orthodox Union" (other Kosher sushi places throughout New York advertise Rabbinical supervision.) The menu has the usual selection of raw fish Sashimi and Maki, as well as a more unusual selection of "Broiled, Smoked and Cooked" Sushi -- anathema to purists but served at traditional venues as well -- let taste be your guide. Two rolls of smoked sable fish, scallions and seasoned rice wrapped in seaweed and available regular or spicy sounds fine to me, as does the California Maki (roll) with the addition of smoked rather than raw salmon. There's also a broad selection of vegetable sushi, and a traditional Teriyaki fish steak dinner. The prices are excellent -- A combination special for 12.50, the steak dinner for 14.50, even a tuna fish sandwich for 5 bucks even. Sushi Kosher is only one of many kosher Sushi places in Brooklyn and around the city -- many operate exclusively as caterers, bringing all of the drama of a sushi bar right into the middle of your event. While probably not for those for whom sushi itself is a religion, these are friendly places with a unique interpretation of "fusion," and an experience for adventurous diners.
Estimated Cost Per Person For Dinner: $15-20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - Open, Valentines Day - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving - Open, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day, Closed, New Year's Eve - Open, Closed Jewish Holidays, call for information.
INAGIKU
111 East 49th Street (Between Lexington and Park Aves.)
212-355-0440
What becomes a legend most? When you're at the Waldorf Astoria, it's your very own elegant sushi restaurant adorning your façade like a jewel -- recently renovated with a redesign by the renowned Adam Tihany. Inagiku Chef Haruo Ohbu serves up what he calls "new style Japanese cuisine" -- which means Tuna Sashimi Three Ways (tartar with avocado, seared over daikon, minced with asparagus) and what is called a sashimi extravaganza -- the freshest and most rare, served in a manner to make you wish you'd brought a camera. Sushi and sashimi of all kinds are also available a la carte. Other non-sushi signature dishes of the house include Eel Hakata -- napoleons of barbecued eel layered with shitake and spinach, and Waygu beef served either as sushi, shabu shabue or as a steak. The drink of choice at Inagiku is a classic Bloody Mary with wasabi, but there's also an extensive wine and sake list. Another wonderful Inagiku feature is the private tatami rooms -- each classically styled dining room - for two, for four, for six or more, has a low table with a well underneath so that diners of any age may sit at upright at their meal while enjoying traditional Japanese service.
Estimated Cost Per Person For Dinner: $55-65
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - Open, Valentines Day - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day, Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
YAMA
122 E. 17th Street (at Irving Place)
(212) 475-0969
38-40 Carmine Street (between Bedford & Bleecker)
(212) 989-9330
92 West Houston (between LaGuardia & Thompson)
(212) 674-0935
Does sushi size matter? Apparently it does in America, which has made Yama's large portions such a huge success in its original tiny brownstone location on Irving Place that it has spawned two other restaurants in the Village and near-Soho. ("monster sushi" has also spelled success for Monster Sushi in Chelsea, the Village and Midtown.) Controversy rages as to whether sushi which falls apart when you pick it up with a chopstick is the real, refined Japanese dining experience, but here in the home of the Whopper a little mess is expected to accompany big value. (Personally, we find a huge piece of sushi a little off-putting -- imagine if oysters were as big as dinner plates, would eating them raw still be the same transcendent experience?) In its defense, the menu is praiseworthy for both freshness and variety, there are ala carte items and combination meals for every taste and the prices are right considering the gargantuan servings. Yama is a great place to have a typical New York experience: hanging out on a lively street waiting an hour for a table in a popular restaurant -- perhaps only for the young, but something to do at least once in your life.
Estimated Cost Per Person For Dinner: $30-35
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - Open, Valentines Day - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving - ADM, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day, Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
FUJI-SAN
161 7th Avenue, Brooklyn
(718) 768 3976
130 Montague Street, Brooklyn
(718) 858-8077
7419 Third Avenue, Brooklyn
(718) 238-3444
Hours: 12 pm - 3 pm/5 pm - 10 pm Lunch/Dinner M-Sat, Sun (Dinner menu only)
If you have friends with children, you know how difficult it is to find a place that everyone can agree on to eat. Either you completely give in to the under 12 set and end up with burgers, pizza or their equivalent, or your irrepressible darlings end up being snubbed by waiters and looked daggers at by patrons at some more fashionable (boring!) spot with a menu you can live with (there's nothing on here to eat!) But for some strange reason most Japanese restaurants seem to have something for everyone, and the staff usually treats your children even better than they treat you. A prime example of this is my very own neighborhood Japanese, Fuji-san. Conveniently located in the center of Park Slope, Fuji-san has an extensive menu, is comfortable and cleanly designed if not flashy, and has a staff that, though sometimes English impaired, has its heart in the right place. The meal begins with a hot towel, a nice touch. There are about twenty specials for lunch -- sushi, sashimi, maki, teriyaki and noodles that come with a house soup and salad that is actually good. For dinner the menu is never-ending. You can order an elaborate sushi platter or bento box (my favorite -- Scallops Yaki, Chicken Kara-Age and Shumai to share with a child -- Chicken Kara-age is the Japanese version of McNuggets) or a generous dinner special for around fifteen dollars with appetizer, entrée, soup and salad. Kids are fascinated by colorful vegetable Maki (who knew they unrolled as well) or the kitchen will make them up a huge bowl of noodles in which the healthy vegetable ingredients are almost hidden or sliced into pleasing shapes. Beer and wine are available, kids seem to always get their sodas or juices refilled without asking and, if someone throws a tantrum (adult or child) everyone does their best to make it better. At the end, everyone gets a sliced orange, which somehow is exactly what you wanted. Fuji-san is just one example of well-priced, not mind-blowing but quite good sushi restaurants all over the city that will welcome both you and your kids with open arms and excellent value.
Estimated Cost Per Person For Dinner: $20-25
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - Open, Valentines Day - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving - ADM, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day, Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
KURUMA ZUSHI
7 East 47th Street, 2nd Floor
(212) 317-2802
Kuruma Zushi is an experience for which you must prepare -- think of it as a trip to Tokyo (it could cost about as much.) At Kuruma Zushi you're immersed in the culinary traditions of a different culture -- not exactly stuffy, but a great deal closer to the Museum of Modern Art than the corner deli. Hailed among the cognoscenti as New York's ultimate Sushi, (and featured by Martha Stewart on her television program, where she learned, step by step, how to make sashimi and hand rolls with, naturally, just the right touch of humility) Kuruma Zushi is not for casual diners. Even its location is a challenge to find, on the second floor of an old 47th Street office building with a small sign on the ground floor to let you know you're there. Inside, the décor is elegant but not showy, the patrons a mixture of well-heeled Japanese, New Yorkers and tourists. The best place to see the action is at the sushi bar, where it's sometimes possible to be seated right off the street. The food at Kuruma Zushi is about absolute simplicity and freshness -- no maki tricked up with cream cheese and bacon or other sops to the American palate. The menu is not full of spectacular star turns or fusion dishes as at Nobu -- there are the usual selection of tuna, yellow-tail, sea-urchin, squid, scallops as well as seasonal rarities -- but everything on the menu is absolutely perfect. Service is discrete, the atmosphere is hushed and prices are in the "if you have to ask you can't afford it" range, even for New York. Reservation should be made well in advance. If you want a real taste of Japan and are willing to pay for it, you can do no better than Kuruma Zushi. Expect to be quietly amazed.
Estimated Cost Per Person For Dinner: $80-100
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - Closed, Valentines Day - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving - ADM, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day, Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
BLUE RIBBON SUSHI
119 Sullivan Street
(212) 343-0404
There's the wildly popular Blue Ribbon and its sister restaurant in Brooklyn, the acclaimed Blue Ribbon Bakery, and then Blue Ribbon Sushi -- all owned by the Brothers Bromberg and all dedicated to the philosophy that excellent food should be available for those who want it after midnight. Located in trendy Soho, with a clientele to match, seats can most often be secured at the Sushi bar, otherwise come early, make reservations well in advance or expect a long wait. Blue Ribbon Sushi has made that difficult New York transition from fashionable to irreplaceable, and that's usually because of the quality of the food. Here, the freshest sushi and sashimi is available in reasonably priced combinations or most expensively a la carte -- items like fresh toro, abalone and other seasonal specialties can quickly add up to quite a bill. Other specialties of the house (they change nightly) include "box sushi" (square layers stacked up and pressed into boxes and sea urchin in the shell, as well as the usual complicated Dragon rolls (try the huge Niji Seven Color Rainbow Roll) and other fun sushi bar staples. There is an ever changing but small selection of cooked entrees and appetizers as well. Sake comes in small sizes for tasting -- everyone should definitely order a different one. Prices are about what you'd expect for this level of trendiness and quality, but not killer. If your love of sushi matches your love of nightlife, Blue Ribbon Sushi is going to become your late night hangout.
Estimated Cost Per Person For Dinner: $40-45
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - Open, Valentines Day - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving - Open, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day, Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
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