Post overview: highlighting the best sushi in the West Village
Sometimes I wish I had a time machine so I could go back in time and slap myself silly for not trying sushi sooner. Even after years of friends telling me I should give it a shot, I never went out of my way to try the Japanese cuisine.
I’ll never forgive myself for my stubbornness. But alas, there’s only one thing I can do about it now – stuff my face. That’s why I frequent West Village sushi restaurants with a mission in mind, I’m trying to make up for lost time!
As a local, I’ve sampled both high-end restaurants and small businesses finding the best sushi in the West Village. I’m here to share my legwork with you so hopefully you can put it use.
But hey, enough of the small talk. What do you say we get right to it?
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Best Sushi in West Village
#12. Miyabi Sushi
Miyabi sushi is a quintessential neighborhood joint in that it’s quiet, clean and friendly. I don’t suspect it’ll be winning any awards soon, but the West Village sushi restaurant knows how to satisfy a craving.
The restaurant is reasonably priced, with most rolls clock in between $5-$10. Safe to say you won’t have to worry about leaving this sushi restaurant in the West Village on an empty stomach (or with an empty wallet).
There are plenty of lunch specials from 11:30AM to 3:30PM daily that take the value even further. My favorite deal is the sushi sashimi lunch combo, where you can enjoy a California roll, 4 pieces of sushi and 9 pieces of sashimi for less than $20.
Miyobi Sushi also offers a wide variety of Asian-cuisine in case you’re with friends who don’t enjoy sushi. There’s teriyaki, Thai noodles, fried rice and more available, so bring your buds to join in on the fun.
Address: 118 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
#11. Sushi 456
If you’re looking for a boozy sushi restaurant in the West Village, look no further than Sushi 456. While technically the restaurant doesn’t sell alcohol – it is BYOB. This means you can bring your own drinks, and to make matters even more convenient, there’s a liquor store across the street (don’t ask me how I know that).
The service at Sushi 456 is amicable and restaurant itself is cozy and inviting. If possible, I recommend sitting at the counter. You can take a look behind the curtain as the sushi gets made, and learn to appreciate the skill it takes.
You can order omakase (chef’s choice) and if you sit at the counter the chefs will explain to you what you’re getting and why it’s made the way it is. It’s not uncommon for omakase to run $100+, but this West Village sushi restaurant offers it for as little as $70.
Address: 456 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
#10. Amber
It’s not often that cute and affordable go in the same sentence, but Amber is a restaurant that has been able to bridge the disconnect. The restaurant doubles as both a romantic date spot and one of the most affordable sushi restaurants in the West Village.
Dim lit and intimate, like a stylish bar, the West Village sushi restaurant has a magnetism that just draws you in, and once inside the pan-Asian cuisine will make it hard to leave. If you do manage to get out the door you’ll be so stuffed you’ll have to be rolled onto the subway.
Classic sushi hand-rolls range from $5-$10 so you can splurge all night long. And believe me – since the drinks at Amber are top-notch splurging comes a tad bit easier. The lychee martini is delightful and the perfect companion to some of the best sushi in the West Village.
Address: 135 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
#9. Marumi
If you’re looking for a laid back sushi restaurant in the West Village you can head on over to Marumi. The restaurant has a homey atmosphere and is rarely empty, but oddly enough I’ve never had to wait long for a table.
A neighborhood staple since 1981, Marumi knows their way around the kitchen. They’ve been responsible for some of the best sushi in the West Village, leaving little doubt as to why locals can’t seem to get enough of the place.
If you’re looking for a mellow date night I suggest visiting Marumi and ordering the sushi for two. The assorted plate features tuna, yellowtail, salmon, squid, scallop, eel and more and is perfect for trying new items.
Address: 546 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012
#8. Sushi Zo
Sushi Zo is an international restaurant that first opened in Los Angeles in 2006, and it only took three years before it was donned a Michelin-star. In 2015 they opened a sushi restaurant in the West Village and have been a local favorite ever since.
The high-quality fish used in the sushi takes the flavor to a whole new level, and the staff provides some of the best service in New York City. The restaurant looks and feels like an upscale Japanese restaurant, so it’s not shocking to learn it makes some of the best sushi in the West Village.
Sushi Zo also offers a high-end omakase experience that’ll run you $200 a person. Although I’ve yet to justify an expense like that myself, I have close friends who have claimed it’s well worth it and the best they’ve ever had.
Address: 88 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
#7. EN Japanese Brasserie
If you’re looking for a sushi restaurant in the West Village to celebrate a special occasion you should visit EN Japanese Brasserie. The restaurant exudes a posh, elegant vibe and the prices reflect it too.
The restaurant is nothing short of beautiful, designed with beautiful tiles, wood accents and a modern, elegant kitchen. You wouldn’t be out of place dressing up and going out to dinner at EN Japenese Brasserie.
There are both prix-fixe options and a-la-carte options to choose from. You can choose from sashimi, salads, premium meats and of course some of the best sushi in the West Village.
If you need a recommendation I strongly suggest you try the black cod. Clocking in at $44 it’s not cheap dish, but I’d argue it’s the best item on the menu.
Address: 435 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
#6. Sushi Katsuei
Sushi Katsuei opened up shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn in 2014 and quickly expanded to a sushi restaurant in the West Village in 2017. The rapid success isn’t surprising, just one bite shows how addicting and flavorsome their sushi really is.
The West Village sushi restaurant flies in specialty fish from Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, Japan and the authenticity translates into the flavor. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan – but visiting Sushi Katsuei is the next best thing.
There are a handful of omakase options to choose from, with my favorite being the sushi and sashimi omakase for $90. You’ll get five kinds of sashimi, eight kinds of sushi, and one hand roll and leave stuffed like a thanksgiving turkey.
Address: 357 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014
#5. Sushi on Jones
Started as a stall in the Bowery Meat Market, Sushi on Jones has expanded to a brick-and mortar sushi restaurant in the West Village. Serving a wide variety of authentic sushi it’s easy to look at the menu and want to try it all.
The West Village sushi restaurant also offers two affordable omakase menus, a 12 course for $68 and a 20 course for $120. The value is hard to beat and frankly, so is the sushi.
Sushi on Jones makes some of the best sushi in the West Village and draws in locals from all five boroughs. I strongly encourage reservations to make sure you’ll get a table.
Address: 210 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
#4. Umami Sushi
A casual sushi restaurant in the West Village, Umami Sushi always seems to satisfy. Albeit a little small, the restaurant packs a flavor-loaded punch where it really matters.
The sushi is fresh, the restaurant is clean and the service is friendly, what more can you ask for? The no-frills approach leads to some of the best sushi in the West Village and no matter how many times I visit, I always walk away saying “I need to come here more often.”
If you find yourself in the area for lunch you should make a bee-line towards Umami Sushi for one of the lunch specials. From 12-4PM you can enjoy a soup or salad with a combo of some of the best sushi in the West Village for less than $15.
Address: 50 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
#3. Sushi Nakazawa
If I wasn’t already married I’d consider dropping to one knee and asking Sushi Nakazawa to be my lifelong partner. But the West Village sushi restaurant plays hard to get, with long lines, expensive pricing and tantalizing meals.
The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2019 so foodies come from far and wide to give it a try. Surprisingly enough reservations are usually available just a few days in advance.
The West Village sushi restaurant has an omakase menu available for $180 if you’re sitting at one of their counters. The same omakase menu costs $150 in the dining room. The extra $30 to sit at a counter is worth it in my opinion because you get to see how the best sushi in the West Village gets made.
For those of you who like documentaries I suggest watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) on Hulu. The documentary covers Jiro Ono, who was the mentor of Daisuke Nakazawa, the namesake and owner of Sushi Nakazawa. The documentary also features Nakazawa.
Address: 23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014
#2. Omakase Room by Mitsu
For of those of you who are willing to splurge, Omakase Room by Mitsu makes some of the best sushi in the West Village. For $200 you can enjoy Chef Mitsu’s omakase made with fresh fish that’s sourced from Japan.
The restaurant only has 8 seats, all of which are along the counter where Chef Mitsu prepares the best sushi in the West Village in front of you. It’s an intimate experience, and really helps you appreciate the craft behind your meal.
The entire experience lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes as the chef takes his time preparing your food. Chef Mitsu makes for pleasant conversation but is sure to emphasis the sushi is the star of the show.
Since this is one of the best sushi restaurants in the West Village payment is expected at the time of booking. If you cancel with less than 24 hour notice you won’t get your money back, so be mindful of your schedule when booking.
Address: 14 Christopher St Ground Floor, New York, NY 10014
#1. Nami Nori
Nami Nori specializes in temaki sushi using fresh ingredients and expert craftsmen. If you ask me, the minimalist restaurant makes the best sushi in the West Village and I’d gladly eat it everyday if I could.
Temaki sushi is different than what most of us are accustomed to, the sushi is rolled into a cone shape and meant to be eaten with your hands. For primitive folks like me, this makes wolfing downthe best sushi in the West Village so much more convenient.
There’s plenty of small snacks and Japanese appetizers to choose from, as well as a surprisingly inexpensive cocktail menu. Nami Nori makes one of the most unique cocktails I’ve ever had called a “matcharita” which is essentially a matcha-margarita. And before you ask, it’s delicious.
The West Village sushi restaurant lets you order individual rolls or in a combo. The options are wide so whether you’re after veggie, crispy or just traditional fish sushi Nami Nori always satisfies.
Address: 33 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
West Village Sushi Spots (Post Summary)
- Nami Nori
- Omakase Room by Mitsu
- Sushi Nakazawa
- Umami Sushi
- Sushi on Jones
- Sushi Katsuei
- EN Japanese Brasserie
- Sushi Zo
- Marumi
- Amber
- Sushi 456
- Miyabi Sushi
Map of the Best Sushi in the West Village
And there it is my friends! The best sushi in the West Village, according to yours truly.
Cheers!
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