From Manhattan to Brooklyn and beyond, you’re never far from a top NYC Japanese restaurant. You’ll find fish flown in fresh from Tokyo in Columbus Circle and award-winning tempura and hand-pulled soba noodles served hot and cold in Midtown East.
The city’s premier sushi spots are equally diverse. They range from intimate chef’s tasting counters to lively omakase spots with unlimited sake. Still, many have very limited seating for to account for the intricate preparation and presentation of highest quality ingredients.
To secure a space at one of these much sought-after NYC Japanese restaurants, book on OpenTable today.
Uncover the 10 best NYC Japanese restaurants for all occasions.
For world-famous Japanese fare from the spot where it all began — make a reservation at Nobu (Midtown West and Financial District)
Nobu is world-renowned for Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare, but it originated here in NYC with acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa. MICHELIN-Starred Nobu Fifty Seven and Nobu Downtown are known for dishes like miso black cod and yellowtail jalapeño, balancing a hit of heat with fresh fish. The signature Nobu martini includes a twist of yuzu for a quick refresh. Sleek, modern decor enhances the chic atmosphere, making these spots ideal for a luxurious NYC Japanese restaurant experience.
For fine dining at one of the best sushi restaurants in NYC – head to BONDST (NoHo and Chelsea)
BONDST stands out among NYC Japanese restaurants for its creative sushi presentations and atmospheric dining spaces, anchored by the original NoHo outpost and a sleek new location in Hudson Yards. The toro tartare with wasabi soy and miso black cod highlights a menu blending traditional Japanese dishes with innovation. The NoHo townhouse is home to a secluded tatami room and a wider Japanese menu, while Hudson Yards reflects a polished, modern vibe ideal for upscale celebrations more focused on a sushi experience.
For the most awarded tempura in NYC, reserve a table at Tempura Matsui (Midtown East)
Tempura Matsui is NYC’s only MICHELIN-Starred restaurant dedicated exclusively to tempura, earning its eighth consecutive star in 2023. The intimate counter best showcases the artistry of tempura, but some booths are also available. The Matsui omakase is the essential order, featuring delicacies like whole lobster tempura and customizable rice dishes like tendon topped with ikura. The refined ambiance, complemented by the customary sake list, makes it a prime fine-dining NYC Japanese restaurant.
For a casual approach to a sophisticated NYC Japanese restaurant menu — book Bar Masa (Columbus Circle)
Bar Masa is an offshoot of celebrated Masa by notable chef Masa Takayama. Located in the Time Warner Center, this sleek venue serves à la carte dishes distinct from its MICHELIN three-star sibling, featuring expertly prepared highlights like bluefin toro tartare with caviar and uni risotto. Premium ingredients are imported directly from Tokyo for a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience at one of the best Japanese restaurants in NYC. The intimate interior keeps the ambiance on the casual side.
For omakase sushi with unlimited sake in a lively space — claim a seat at Sushi on Me (Williamsburg and Jackson Heights)
Sushi on Me presents a quirky and immersive Japanese dining experience at both its Williamsburg and Jackson Heights locations. This omakase-only restaurant is celebrated for its casual and fun vibe, pairing inventive sushi courses with free-flowing, unlimited sake. The lively atmosphere, often accompanied by music, creates a memorable take on traditional sushi dining and helps Sushi on Me top the list of cool Japanese restaurants in NYC. Meals are limited to one hour, amping up the energy from the start.
For one of the best sushi restaurants in NYC with a specialty in aging and marination — snag a space at Sushi Ichimura (TriBeCa)
At Sushi Ichimura, acclaimed chef Eiji Ichimura prepares highly refined Edomae-style omakase. Known for precise techniques and deep respect for tradition, the understated setting keeps the focus on each meticulously prepared course, which can include specialties like marinated kohada and expertly aged fish. A top NYC Japanese restaurant for sushi purists, the quietly luxurious space with limited seating provides a refined experience that matches the distinguished cuisine.
For top-tier kaiseki at one of the most exclusive NYC Japanese restaurants — lock in a space at Odo (Flatiron District)
Odo combines the artistry of Japanese kaiseki with global influences at an exclusive 14-seat chef’s counter, all found behind a hidden entrance in the Flatiron District. With a multi-course tasting menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques, the delicate presentation includes courses like hokkaido scallop with uni and smoked wagyu tartare. Limited seating and a personalized experience cement this two-MICHELIN-Starred venue as one of the best Japanese restaurants in NYC.
For true Edo-mae Japanese from a legendary NYC original — reserve Restaurant Nippon (Midtown East)
One of the first Japanese restaurants in the United States, Restaurant Nippon opened in NYC in 1963. The first restaurant in the city to serve sushi, menu highlights include washoku-style sukiyaki, hand-pulled seiro soba, and signature beef negimayaki, invented here and now served worldwide. This landmark among refined NYC Japanese restaurants is also a top choice for sake enthusiasts thanks to a diverse pairing list.
For laid-back omakase on the Upper West Side — book Sushi Yasaka (Upper West Side)
Sushi Yasaka is an insider’s haven among NYC Japanese restaurants. Known for its dedication to traditional sushi and highest-quality sashimi, the affordable omakase often includes popular selections like toro, uni, and lightly seared salmon. Pair your meal with recommended selections from the sake menu for the fullest experience. The interior is minimalist and unpretentious, making it a favorite choice for those seeking a casual evening focused on the sushi experience.
For the best bowl of soba noodles in NYC — grab a table at Soba Totto (Midtown East)
Soba Totto specializes in hand-pulled soba noodles served hot and cold and paired with a robust selection of yakitori and small plates. Favorites include the harder-to-find kamo nanban duck soba and chicken tsukune skewers. The cozy izakaya-inspired decor complements the comfort fare, creating a laid-back setting ideal for groups craving traditional bowls and bites from an NYC Japanese restaurant. For smaller parties, a space at the back counter affords kitchen views of the yakitori grill.
The best Japanese restaurants in NYC span in style from the familiar comforts of traditional Japanese taverns to the city’s most exclusive chef’s counters, seating just a handful of lucky visitors daily. From comforting bowls of soba and skewers of yakitori to sushi almost too elegant to eat, there’s no shortage of premium Japanese cuisine in New York. Just keep in mind that many are seeking these coveted seats.
