If you’re looking to indulge in an unforgettable sushi experience, look no further than the best omakase restaurants in NYC.
Omakase, which means “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese, is a traditional Japanese dining experience where the chef curates a multi-course menu of the freshest and most premium fish of the day.
In New York City, there are many highly-acclaimed omakase restaurants that offer a wide range of styles, techniques, and flavors.
From classic and traditional to contemporary and innovative, the best omakase restaurants in NYC promise to take your taste buds on a tantalizing journey of flavor and texture.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 14 best omakase restaurants in NYC.
1. Jōji
- Website
- Address : 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017
Nestled within a serene refuge in the heart of Midtown’s iconic One Vanderbilt, the intimate dining room is infused with authentic Japanese character, designed with a deep reverence of nature to create a refined and serene dining experience that both inspires and delights.
The traditional multi-course Omakase experience, led by Chef George Ruan, is uniquely designed for each guest using only the finest seasonally available ingredients, paired with premium sake and fine wine.
With dining operations overseen by Michelin-Starred Chef Daniel Boulud, Jōji delivers a sophisticated, elegant culinary journey for every one.
2. Taru
- Address: 30 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
- Phone: (917) 456-1171
Kotaru offers an omakase dining experience where guests trust Chef Tony to prepare a seasonal and artistic meal using only the best available ingredients.
The meal includes a variety of appetizers highlighting different techniques and ingredients, a flight of Edomae style Nigiri made with fish imported from Japan and aged in-house, homemade miso soup with a handroll, and dessert and tea service.
The restaurant also offers sake pairings curated by their sommelier and general manager, Benjamin Shiau.
You will like the Kotaru style of the Omakase experience with the inviting interior and excellent service.
The appetizers, including crispy pig ears and fresh Mizuna Shira, were delightful.
I will recommend the Crab Chawanmushi which was shockingly delicious, and the Wagyu Tomahawk steak was the highlight of the meal, with intense flavors that wowed the senses.
3. icca
- Website
- Address: 20 Warren St, New York, NY 10007
- Phone : (646) 649-3415
View this post on Instagram
At ICCA, the omakase counter offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy Edomae Sushi and exquisite cuisine, with a focus on fresh fish and Tokachi herb beef from the restaurant’s own farm, carefully selected by the chef based on seasonal ingredients.
You will enjoy the masterful presentation and explanations of each course by Chef Noboru Komiyama and the engaging translator.
My favorites included the nigiri sushi, abalone liver sauce sharisotto, eel, and tokachi herb beef.
Don’t forget to try the sweet potato creme brulee and the sorbet.
4. ITO
- Website
- Address : 75 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007
Ito is a Japanese restaurant located in lower Manhattan and offers an omakase-style dining experience.
The restaurant is led by Michelin Star chef Masa Ito and Kevin Kim in partnership with VCR Group.
Served at a 16-seat omakase counter, their cuisine is designed to provide a thoughtful culinary experience.
The restaurant has a modern Japanese approach to its design and is an ideal destination for any special occasion.
The restaurant was very clean and the staff was constantly cleaning throughout dinner service.
5. Nakaji
- Website
- Address: 48 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
- Phone : (646) 478-8282
View this post on Instagram
The restaurant is located in Canal Arcade and offers a unique dual-concept dining and drinking experience.
At Nakaji, you can enjoy an 18-course omakase experience for $225, featuring authentic Edomae-style nigiri and appetizers handcrafted by Executive Chef Kunihide Nakajima.
Chef Nakajima is a highly respected figure in the NYC sushi world, with top-notch connections to suppliers in Japan for the freshest and highest quality fish.
The ambiance of the restaurant evokes the feeling of Tokyo, with a blend of modern and traditional elements, including beautiful wooden interiors and a semi-hidden entrance.
6. noda
- Website
- Address: 37 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011
- Phone : (212) 481-2432
Noda is an eight-seat sushi bar that offers high-end omakase dinners along with a lounge area.
I would recommend their cocktails.
Their fish is of top quality, with three variations of tuna.
While it is quite pricey, you will expect a bill around $500 for a meal and a few drinks.
Chef Tsunoda is engaging and prepares each dish with an intimate art performance.
7. Noz 17
- Website
- Address: 458 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
View this post on Instagram
Noz 17 is considered one of the best sushi restaurants in NYC offering an intimate and private Edomae omakase experience.
The interior design is dedicated and the atmosphere is awesome.
Photos are not allowed, but the professional chef and staff provide an amazing experience.
The menu is unique and incomparable to most styles of Omakase, highlighting the craftsmanship of Japanese culinary arts.
8. Sushi Nakazawa
- Website
- Address: 23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014
- Phone : (212) 924-2212
View this post on Instagram
Nakazawa is a high-end sushi restaurant that offers a traditional omakase dining experience.
The restaurant has a spare, modern aesthetic and is renowned for its fresh fish, skillful preparation, and exceptional service.
The omakase menu consists of chef’s choice courses and the sushi is widely considered to be some of the best in the city.
Despite its high prices, Nakazawa is a popular destination for sushi lovers.
9. Sushi Ginza Onodera
- Website
- Address: 461 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
- Phone: (212) 390-0925
View this post on Instagram
Sushi Ginza Onodera is another high-end sushi restaurant that offers omakase-only sushi in a warm yet minimalistic setting.
The restaurant practices the traditional Edomae sushi style which involves using the aging process to preserve the fish, develop umami flavors, and create a more tender texture.
You can expect to be treated to some of the best sushi in NYC.
Prices are quite high, with the seasonal course starting at $150 and the lunch for two at $350 (tip included).
You will perceive the sushi as being of high value and fresh, even though it may be expensive.
10. sushi AMANE
- Website
- Address: Lower Level, 245 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017
- Phone : (212) 986-5300
Sushi Amane is an upscale Japanese restaurant that offers an omakase menu consisting of four small dishes, nine nigiri sushi, a hand roll, and miso soup.
The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients and the menu changes daily.
Please ensure that you arrive on time as the restaurant has a strict policy regarding late arrivals and cancellations.
The restaurant has received a 1-star rating from the Michelin Guide for five consecutive years (2018-2022).
Sushi Amane offers premium appetizers and nigiri at a very affordable price.
11. Shion 69 Leonard Street
- Website
- Address: 69 Leonard St, New York, NY 10013
- Phone: (212) 404-4600
View this post on Instagram
Shion is a refined Japanese restaurant that features a 12-seat counter for omakase sushi and kaiseki dinners.
Chef Shion Uino is renowned for his deep understanding and skillful execution of the traditional Edomae-style sushi.
Each dish and nigiri is meticulously crafted to highlight the superior quality, simplicity, and flavor of the fish.
The dining experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to savor unique, rare pieces or dishes sourced from Chef Shion’s hometown of Kumamoto.
Despite being inconspicuously located on Leonard Street, the cozy restaurant has a great vibe and very friendly staff.
12. Kanoyama
- Website
- Address: 175 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
- Phone : (212) 777-5266
View this post on Instagram
Kanoyama is a Japanese restaurant with a simple decor that serves a wide variety of fish and vegetarian options.
They have achieved a Michelin star for four years in a row, and currently offer outdoor seating with heat lamps, indoor seating, take-out and delivery options.
Kanoyama is a hidden gem with fresh and delicious sushi at a reasonable price.
The quality of the fish is a notch above-average sushi spots, and although it may not be as impressive as some of the best Omakase spots, it is also not as expensive.
The 8-piece sushi platter is a popular choice and comes with a single special roll, miso soup, and a small side salad.
13. Sushi of Gari 46
- Website
- Address: 347 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
- Phone: (212) 957-0046
View this post on Instagram
Sushi of Gari 46 is a high-end sushi restaurant located in the prime Theater District of NYC.
Their signature omakase menu is particularly popular, with top-notch ingredients and outstanding preparation and presentation.
The service is fine and the decor is nothing too impressive, but the food speaks for itself.
The menu offers a variety of dishes, and customers recommend trying the Omakase for the full experience.
From the fatty tuna to the salmon and eel, every dish is done to perfection. The seaweed salad and miso soup are also highly praised.
Although the prices may be high, you will still like quality and taste of the food.
14. Sushi Azabu
- Website
- Address: 428 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
- Phone: (212) 274-0428
View this post on Instagram
Sushi Azabu is a fantastic restaurant that offers one of the best sushi experiences in NYC.
Sushi Azabu’s history is rooted in the Azabu district of Tokyo, which is reflected in the restaurant’s decor and ambiance.
Their Omakase is simply amazing, and the quality of their food is top-notch.
The restaurant has a classic type of Omakase, with no super original or creative dishes, but the sushi is excellent.
The staff is very friendly, which adds to the overall enjoyable dining experience.
Final thoughts
These 14 NYC omakase restaurants offer amazing Japanese cuisine with expertly crafted dishes using the finest ingredients, promising to delight your taste buds.
So go ahead and indulge in a truly unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
