The 15 Best Japanese Restaurants in Manhattan Right Now
Where is the best sushi in Manhattan?
Are you looking for the best sushi in Manhattan? Then it’s like me because I love sushi – and unfortunately, I was disappointed a few times in New York, because it was not as good as I expected. To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, here are my personal recommendations for good Japanese restaurants in Manhattan.
You can see which sushi restaurant is near you on the map.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My Favorite Sushi in Manhattan
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01
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya
Japanese Restaurant in Lower East SideOur Highlight
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya is a Japanese-style tavern and a traditional sushi bar with a fine dining experience. This spot is all about bonding together at a fun place to drink with delicious food selections. From small plate options to family-style platters, Blue Ribbon has got you covered. The location of this Lower East Side restaurant is also beautiful and convenient if you want to jump right into the East Village.
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02
Azuki
Japanese Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
If you fancy sushi, then come to Azuki, a first-class sushi restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. Not far from Times Square, you can get really good sushi here at a reasonable price by New York standards. The restaurant is not huge, but it is comfortably furnished and the staff were very friendly and attentive during our visit.
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03
BONDST
Japanese Restaurant in NoHoBONDST is a very exceptional Japanese restaurant that is one of the best in all of New York City. Here, fine dining meets high-class and creative sushi creations – all in a very relaxed atmosphere.
Located on three floors, BONDST is housed in a typical Soho-style building (Soho borders NoHo). A stylish lounge with its own sushi bar is located on the lower level. The Main Room is located on the first and second floor.
If you want to eat really good and authentic sushi in New York, there is hardly any way around BONDST. It’s definitely not cheap, but worth every penny.
By the way, the name is the only uncreative thing about BONDST in my opinion. Where does it come from? The Japanese restaurant has the address “6 Bond Street”.
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04
Davelle
Japanese Restaurant in Lower East SideBrunch at Davelle, located between Suffolk Street and Clinton Street, is like finding a hidden treasure in the vibrant cityscape. Open for brunch from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am on weekends, it’s where the city meets the serene charm of a Japanese coffeehouse.
As for the star of the show – the food – let’s just say you’re in for a treat. Their Shokupan French Toast served with seasonal fruits and whipped cream, is absolutely mouthwatering. It’s like a little symphony of sweetness that dances on your tongue! Or if you’re in the mood for something a bit more savory, you cannot go wrong with a plate of Davelle’s signature curry. Trust me on this one; you’ll be raving about Davelle’s brunch long after the last bite.
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05
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Japanese Restaurant in Theatre DistrictTake the bull by the horns and indulge in Japanese barbecue meat with that special charcoal char on the exterior. Gyu-Kaku means exactly that – the horn of the bull, and it is the place in the Theater District where a miso-marinated skirt steak is going to steal your heart. The kalbi short ribs are also a fine option. Pair with sake, shochu, or cold beers, and order some sushi to nibble on while you await your barbecued meats.
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06
Harajuku Sushi & Crêpe
Japanese Restaurant in Financial District
On the one hand you will find delicious sushi and on the other hand fresh crêpes. The crêpes are filled with avocados, shrimps, pork, eggs and much more. The ingredients are always fresh and you can taste that. Besides savoury crêpes there are also sweet ones. These are filled with chocolate, ice cream, fresh berries and/or homemade Matcha chocolate truffles.
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07
Hudson Eats
Japanese Restaurant in Battery Park City
In the Hudson Eats you can enjoy a great view of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. The restaurants are more in the upscale segment, so not really low budget, but even here there are a few alternatives to save a little money. You can find for example the Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, Umami Burger and Dos Toros Taqueria. The architecture inside is also very impressive. Not only culinary is a visit to Hudson Eats worthwhile.
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08
ICHIRAN Ramen Times Square
Japanese Restaurant in Theatre DistrictWhile there are other locations of ICHIRAN, the one in Times Square is the perfect stop for a quick and satisfying tonkotsu ramen experience. Forget what you know about ramen and enjoy it on an unparalleled level, crafted with natural pork-bone soup, house-made noodles, and original aged spicy red sauce for a deeper and richer flavor. What makes this one of the best Theater District restaurants for those who habitually run late to Broadway shows is that each bowl is served within 15 seconds of it being prepared. Each seat is deliberately placed within arm’s reach to assure that the noodles are the optimum texture for your dining pleasure, making it ideal for a quick bite.
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09
Ippudo Westside
Japanese Restaurant in Theatre DistrictAnother way to discover the delights of ramen is at Ippudo Westside. Serving up scalding bowls of the tonkotsu ramen variety, this secret house specialty provides a silky, savory broth. At this more spacious Times Square venue than its sister location on the East Side, you won’t want to miss ordering some pork buns or a shochu cocktail while you await the main event. The flavorful possibilities are endless here with your ramen, though be sure you stir that chili paste in once it arrives for the ultimate taste sensation.
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10
Kenka NYC
Japanese Restaurant in East Village
Authentic Japanese cuisine in the East Village for those who love Sushi & Co. Itadakimasu!
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11
Kyuramen Times Square
Japanese Restaurant in Theatre District
The founder of Kyuramen carefully studied Japanese ramen to make the most unique ramen dishes. With an interior that makes you feel like you wandered into a traditional ramen restaurant in the middle of Japan, you’ll feel even cozier once the food arrives. Try a combination that gives you a little of everything to get the ultimate experience at Kyuramen.
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12
Momofuku Ssäm Bar
Japanese Restaurant in Two Bridges
Korean or Japanese? The owner doesn’t really want to commit himself there. The menu is constantly evolving and fresh ingredients from local farms are always served. If you take a look at the menu, it quickly becomes clear… there’s one thing above all else: meat.
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13
Momoya
Japanese Restaurant in Chelsea
Momoya is a Japanese restaurant and for me one of the best sushi places in New York. I love sushi and here you have a great selection of sashimi, sushi and various rolls of very good quality.
My tip: the lunch special offers great value for money.
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14
Nobu
Japanese Restaurant in Financial District
The restaurant is considered one of the pioneers of Japanese cuisine in New York. Here you get first-class sushi and extremely courteous service in an exclusive atmosphere. The aim of the interior design is to represent the beauty of the Japanese landscape. Birch trees in the middle of the room, a beautiful wooden floor and unique decorative elements on the walls.
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15
Nobu Fifty Seven
Japanese Restaurant in Midtown ManhattanFrom famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, you’ll be getting the same signature Japanese cuisine that combines the modern style with the classics. The wood-burning oven and hibachi table create epic experiences amid the splendor of designs that all evoke a particular vibe of Asian harmony from nature. Try the sashimi salad and the black cod with miso for a few of many treasured favorites crafted by the chef.
The Best Sushi in Manhattan on the map
A map with all sushi and japanese restaurants in Manhattan can be found here – just click on “FULL MAP” if you want to see more. You can click on each restaurant on the map to find out everything you need to know.
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