There are dozens of great sushi places in NYC, but Nobu reigns king. I had lunch with Mario Batali at Nobu's sushi bar recently. I used to eat there every Friday for lunch. The rock shrimp is a signature dish, and to die for if you don't want sushi. The Tempura is also world class.
"Nobu Next Door" is easier to get into BTW
-- Modified on 8/1/2008 9:23:57 AM
Food that is, specifically Sushi. (Tricked you didn't I)
As I am a huge Sushi fan and always searching for new best place to get it, I was wondering if some of you have a favorite Sushi restaurant in the big city.
Mine currently is a small place in Astoria, Queens, called Bai. I love their "Spicy Salmon Salad". Sadly don't get there that often anymore since I moved.
Any recommendations are appreciated.
Two locations, west 46 and UES. Try their tasting menu. One of the best.
A client told me about it and I am taking my kids & their friends this weekend (they love anything sushi & seafood):
http://www.todainyc.com/AboutUs.aspx
Not looking for a fancy place, because I am bringing a bunch of teens, but I want to make sure the food is good.
Any other suggestions?
-- Modified on 7/31/2008 8:15:03 PM
Todai's value is great, because it's "All you can eat-Buffet" and the Sushi is okay, standard stuff, not many special rolls. They also have a bunch of other Asian dishes, salads and desserts.
Good lunch place. And for your purpose I would say perfect. Wouldn't go there on a date dinner though.
There are dozens of great sushi places in NYC, but Nobu reigns king. I had lunch with Mario Batali at Nobu's sushi bar recently. I used to eat there every Friday for lunch. The rock shrimp is a signature dish, and to die for if you don't want sushi. The Tempura is also world class.
"Nobu Next Door" is easier to get into BTW
-- Modified on 8/1/2008 9:23:57 AM
i would recommend either of the Megu restaurants which for me are as good as Nobu.
Nobu's best days are well past it...its way to pricey and there's nothing special about the sushi or the ambiance..try anything else...
sakugura is a good choice...
I would recommend Yama near 17th and Irving Place. Tomoe on Thompson is also really good...
Yasuda (at the bar), Hatsuhana, and Sasbune. And, when money is no object, Masa.
Yama on Carmine st, in the West Village is my fave.
Nobu is always great if you can get a table. Haru on W43rd is another good choice.
you're looking for a "scene" as opposed to the best food (plus a bonus name where you can just burn money):
Kuruma Zushi 47th near 5th...the best I've ever had & when I've gone most clientele have been Japanese businessmen.
Sushi Yasuda 43rd near 2nd...more affordable (but still not cheap) than Kuruma and the fish is impeccable.
For an overall Japanese experience where you can spend an entire evening and $1,000 for two, there's Masa in the Time-Warner Center. Not a pure sushi place but if money is no object it's unforgettable.
Kanoyama on 2nd Avenue at 11th St. Incredibly good, and unfortunately not a secret anymore, so get there early.
Kanoyama puts the daily specials up on their website.
http://www.kanoyama.com
Only one trip there, was excellent. Was $120 pp food only.
Sasabune has been getting stellar online reviews:
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/44648477/new_york_ny/sasabune.html
Sasabune is omakase only. Nothing strange, everything excellent. Two signs on the wall. One says "Trust Me", the other "NO California Rolls, NO Spicy Tuna Rolls"
Approx $75 pp food only.
it it only me?
The female servers get me all hot & bothered...
and then I'm craving Asian, the kind we're all here for!
Probably one of the reasons I like it that much.
So let me append on the above question. Which Sushi place in NYC has the hottest female servers?
Now if only there was a place that could put it all together for you...
Great food
Nice packaging for the leftovers
and a gal to carry it all home for you.
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Chauncey Street, Brooklyn
How sweet it is !
Mmmmmm.... I will have to visit this one during my visit in September!! 
Sounds satiating to me....
