Freshness: that’s the most important factor in distinguishing run-of-the-mill rolls from the best sushi that the New York dining scene has to offer. Beginning with the freshest catch from the Atlantic and Pacific, sushi chefs form miniature works of culinary art out of expertly-sliced fish, vegetables and piquant garnishes. At these five New York sushi restaurants, maki masters fashion intensely flavored Japanese dishes with an emphasis on style, tradition and superior ingredients.
15 East
15 E. 15th St.
New York, NY 10003
212-647-0015
15eastrestaurant.com
Unveiled in the Union Square space formerly occupied by Tocqueville, 15 East takes its sushi very seriously. With an emphasis on freshness – fish are shipped from Japan several times a week – and traditional preparations by sushi master Masato Shimizu, 15 East is a refined but unpretentious newcomer to the New York sushi scene. Try the meltingly tender tako yawarakani (slow-poached octopus with sea salt) or splurge on the chef’s sushi tasting menu. A la carte sushi prices range from $4 to $12 and dinner entrees $26-$49, with an omakase selection at $55.
Blue Ribbon Sushi
119 Sullivan St.
New York, NY 10012
212-343-0404
blueribbonrestaurants.com
Considered one of the best sushi spots in New York, Blue Ribbon Sushi is part of the Blue Ribbon family of eateries. The extensive menu spans the familiar spectrum of Japanese dining, from Atlantic and Pacific sushi and sashimi to traditional appetizers, rolls, steamed and broiled dishes and maki (signature rolls). Superior ingredients and seafood are flown in directly from the Sea of Japan. Sample the blue crab-stuffed California roll or the spicy tuna and tempura flakes roll, or indulge in the chef’s omakase for a minimum of $65 per person. Al la carte sushi costs $3-$6.75 and platters $15-$135.
Jewel Bako
239 E. 5th St.
New York, NY 10003
212-979-1012
New York dining snobs agree: Jewel Bako is truly a gem among the city’s countless sushi restaurants. In its pretty, domed East Village space, raw fish fans can sample delectable appetizers, rolls and entrees, all focused on displaying the different cuts and preparations of sushi. Try the trio of tartares starter featuring blue fin tuna, salmon and yellowtail; a platter including selections of these plus sawara, fluke, eel or live scallop. Adventurous eaters shouldn’t pass up the crispy scorpion fish with soy radish and gingko reduction. Appetizers cost $4-$18, rolls $5-$16 and entrees $26-$50.
Masa
10 Columbus Cir., 4th fl.
New York, NY 10019
212-823-9800
masanyc.com
Masa is highly rated not only for its expert sushi but for its pageantry and presentation – and diners are willing to pay top dollar for the spectacle. For each table, Chef Masa designs a custom prix-fixe multi-course meal using the freshest seasonal catch. Five different appetizers, a sushi entrée highlighting up to 20 types of exotic fish and seafood and a dessert course compose the meal, with each ingredient and piece of fish given a chance to reveal its flavors. The cost? $400 to $600 per person.
Nobu
105 Hudson St.
New York, NY 10013
212-219-0500
myriadrestaurantgroup.com
Arguably New York’s best sushi restaurant, and definitely its most famous, Nobu brings celebrities and foodies together for artfully composed dishes centered on updated Japanese presentations. Try the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno cold dish or the broiled black cod with miso entrée. Soup and salads are in the $7-$14 range, cold and hot entrees run $7-$42 and sushi and sashimi are $3.50-$8 per piece.
