The 13 best sushi restaurants in NYC

What is it? Daisuke Nakazawa's sushi ethos is all about pristine seafood from Japan served with a counter made with the city in mind. 

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 simply letting the true. nature of the fish before you speak first. Omakase at the counter is $190, $160 in the chic dining room. 

Time Out tip: The 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 a block away from the East River. Manned by Cheng Lin, the counter gained a Michelin Star within its first year and recently received a nod from the James Beard Foundation in 2026.

Why we love it: Chef's Lin temple to Edomae-style sushi is a simple one as blond wood counters flank each side of the dining room, one for the x seating and the other for the gentei seating, meaning exclusive, for seasonal fish. But stuffy it is not, as chef Lin is more that willing to chat about how his bluefin tuna is sourced within a 10-kilometer radius of Southern Japan and his aged ponzu sauce inbetween nigri hands off. 

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. You can 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 up for discussion. 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 expense accounts. But the fanfare is rooted in reason as chef Nozomu Abe's eye toward the art of sushi and his domain is every bit deliberate as it is 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-wearing 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 only. And even with such a prestigious pedigree behind him, including Michelin Stars dating back to 2018, his 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. Second of all, 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

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 for its digs, 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? 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 Kevin Ngo (previously of Sushi Nakazawa and the shuttered Sushi Ginza Onodera).

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 right underneath. Slip into one and order from one of the Sendo Sets, ranging in price from $33-48, to 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 à la carte order for pickup. 

Address: 876 6th Avenue, 1st Floor

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 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 Chelsea, either are a sure bet. You can find the usual favorites here, fatty tuna and Wagyu, next to the not so usual, salmon with tomato. Just try it first. 

Time Out tip: This is one is 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

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, butane torches to char your own eel and salmon nigiri 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

Whether you settle on a $4 bowl of make-it-yourself miso soup and some California rolls, or opt for the top-of-the-line $125 chef’s choice sushi platter, you’ll find the service equally friendly and enthusiastic at this below-street-level Soho fave. The cooked dishes (like the miso-cured aged black cod) are worthy alternatives to the sushi, which, short of dining aboard a fishing vessel, is as fresh as it gets. Order a serving of the flawless green-tea crème brûlée to end your night on a high.

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 $32. Beer, wine, sake and cocktails are also available in the sleek space. 

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 the restaurant advises that that will typically run about $150-250 before drinks, add-ons or tip. 

The late chef Toshio Oguma’s particularly flavor/texture balance conscious “loosey-sushi” is served at three seatings every night. Each of the charming spot’s chefs serves just four people at a time, preparing omakase priced around $135. Tanoshi is also one of a relative few NYC restaurants where you can BYOB.