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The Best Sushi in New York City

The New York sushi circuit boasts stiff competition. Legendary sushi chefs establish their counters both small and large here, importing delectable fish, seaweed, crab, roe, and basically anything edible from under the sea. They create both deceptively simple sushi pieces and sushi so intricate you could photograph it and hang it on your wall forever. On this list, you’ll find life-changing sushi that will change the way you think about rice. As for the first seven restaurants, they’ll also run your bill into the triple digits. But trust us, sushi in New York is the ultimate opportunity to treat yourself. Take a bite of yellowtail and a sip from a Mount Fuji-themed cocktail, and luxuriate in New York City's world-class sushi.

The Best Sushi in Midtown West

Suzuki

best sushi nyc - Satsuki sushi

Omakase is a chef-selected meal of sushi, sashimi, and other dishes, and a typical feature of upscale sushi restaurants like Satsuki. An offshoot toward the back of the exquisite kaiseki restaurant Suzuki near 30 Rock, Satsuki is helmed by Chef Toshio Suzuki, who curates exquisite omakase inside shells, tiny ceramic boxes, and atop deep-red plates, all with perfectly balanced flavors and tender, fresh fish. Book your table now; there are only 10 seats! 114 W. 47th St., 212-278-0047, satsuki.nyc

Nobu 57

Nobu 57

Photo: Instagram

Nobu 57 delivers on every front, from the attentive service to the posh atmosphere to the sushi, of course. This is some of the freshest, most innovative Japanese cuisine you’ll find in the city. Go for the rock tempura shrimp, black miso cod, and the bento box for a choice assortment of Nobu’s best offerings. 40 W. 57th St., 212-757-3000, noburestaurants.com

Sushi of Gari

best sushi nyc - Sushi of Gari 46

A bit more affordable and versatile than the other omakase places on the list, Sushi of Gari offers fine sushi and teriyaki in the Times Square area. Order the omakase (you’ll have to pay per piece, though, which can rack up the price) and look forward to the excellent eel, fatty tuna, and Tuna of Gari. 347 W. 46th St., 212-957-0046, sushiofgari.com

The Best Sushi on the Upper East Side

Tanoshi

If you’re on the lookout for high-quality sushi on the Upper East Side, come to Tanoshi. It’s another omakase option where your wallet will feel it, but Tanoshi is a world-class stop on your sushi tour of New York. The simple, homespun aura of the place might surprise you, but the uni on sweet shrimp and seared king salmon will make you throw up your hands in submission. 1372 York Ave., 917-265-8254, tanoshisushinyc.com

Sushi Seki

With locations in more bustling neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea, we recommend the Upper East Side Sushi Seki because it’s the original (and less crowded). Find affordable sushi dinners like the Seki Special and quality omakase at this Manhattan institution. 1143 First Ave., 212-371-0238, sushiseki.com

The Best Sushi in Chelsea

Morimoto

Morimoto

Photo: Instagram

If you watch Iron Chef America, you already know the mastery of Chef Masaharu Morimoto. His namesake Chelsea establishment serves out-of-this-world fusion sushi and other Japanese-inspired cuisine in a large, sleek dining room. Try the oyster foie gras, tuna pizza, the more traditional hand rolls, or toro tartare on ice. His innovative desserts also get lots of buzz, particularly chocolate cake with popcorn ice cream. 88 10th Ave., 212-989-8883, morimotonyc.com

The Best Sushi in Greenwich Village

Nakazawa

If you’ve seen the extraordinary documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi (a must-see!), you’ll be thrilled to know Chef Daisuke Nakazawa apprenticed at Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo. Nakazawa offers gorgeous omakase, with live scallop with yuzu pepper, wagyu beef, and Hokkaido uni as hard-to-choose standouts. 23 Commerce St., 212-924-2212, sushinakazawa.com

The Best Sushi in the Flatiron District

ROLLN

NYC also branches out into innovative sushi, like the unique takes you'll find at newcomer ROLLN. They feature high-quality ingredients at moderate prices, with specialties like quinoa and a vegan tuna avocado roll. Yes, you read that right: vegan tuna, made from tomatoes! 38 E. 23rd St., 646-869-0826, rollnco.com

The Best Sushi in the East Village

Kura

An intimate East Village dining room, Kura’s counter is presided over by Chef Norihiro Ishizuka. His omakase, prepared in front of diners, offers transcendent marinated tuna, mackerel, Japanese uni, and eel on rice. An excellent downtown option for fine sushi lovers! Call for reservations: 130 St. Marks Pl., 212-228-1010

The Best Sushi near Union Square

SUGARFISH

The sister restaurant of the celebrated Sushi Nozawa, SUGARFISH lies just north of Union Square, offering more reasonably priced warm hand rolls. Try the blue crab roll or yellowtail sashimi, or the “Trust Me” meal with best-of-the-best selections, prix fixe. 33 E. 20th St., 347-705-8100, sugarfishsushi.com

The Best Sushi on the Upper West Side

Sushi Yasaka

Sushi Yasaka

Come to Sushi Yasaka for flavorful, affordable rolls on the Upper West Side. The Sushi Deluxe and Sashimi Deluxe are popular options where you can get full on a variety of pieces from the sushi bar. Other favorites are the sweet potato tempura maki and spicy salmon roll. 251 W. 72nd St., 212-496-8460, sushiyasaka.com

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About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

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