Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Chelsea | Upscale Japanese Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Chelsea | Upscale Japanese Food

• Konban — Japanese · rated 5/5: Konban invites guests into a sleek, dimly lit sanctuary where the rhythmic sizzle of the open kitchen sets the stage for a modern exploration of Korean comfort. Golden-crusted cutlets and artfully plated small dishes arrive at intimate tables, offering a sensory journey through bold spices and refined textures that elevate the familiar into something truly extraordinary.
• Kawa Sushi — Japanese · rated 5/5: Kawa Sushi offers a serene retreat where the rhythmic precision of the sushi counter serves as the heartbeat of a minimalist, light-filled dining room. Each plate is a masterclass in balance, featuring buttery slices of pristine fish and hand-pressed rice that celebrate the delicate, clean flavors of the sea. It is a space where traditional artistry and modern elegance converge, inviting guests to linger over an experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
• Kame — Japanese · rated 5/5: Soft, pillowy buns take center stage at this lively haunt, where steaming clouds of aroma carry the scent of melt-in-your-mouth braised pork and savory beef to eager diners. The experience is rounded out by the satisfying crunch of golden-fried karaage and delicate, pan-seared gyoza, while charred shishito peppers and sticky glazed ribs add layers of smoky, umami-rich depth to every shared table.
• EJ BBQ & Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Chelsea, EJ BBQ & Sushi is a newly opened gem offering a delightful blend of Japanese and Korean comfort food. With a menu featuring fresh sushi, sashimi, bulgogi, and kimchi, the restaurant caters to both casual diners and families alike. Praised for its friendly service and welcoming ambiance, EJ BBQ & Sushi offers a range of healthy options and small plates at an affordable price point.
• Jurin Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the heart of Midtown South's Garment District, Jurin Sushi is a hidden gem offering a delightful array of sushi options. Dishing up lunch and dinner, this takeout spot is known for its varied menu, featuring both vegetarian and vegan choices. Highlights include the crazy salmon roll, uni don, and eel. With a 4.8 rating and a cozy dine-in space, it's a spot well-loved by sushi enthusiasts.
• Maki a Mano — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the heart of Chelsea Market, Maki a Mano offers a serene escape with its minimalist decor of stone and wood, creating a cozy atmosphere for enjoying high-quality Japanese cuisine. Specializing in handmade maki rolls, the menu showcases mainly fresh and delicious seafood. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 435 W 15th St, New York. Come experience a culinary delight!
• Vinyl Steakhouse — Steakhouse · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 35 W 19th St, Vinyl Steakhouse combines an upscale dining experience with the ambiance of vinyl records playing in the background. This stylish spot serves steak, sushi, and seafood along with delightful cocktails and wine. Known for its exceptional service, the restaurant provides a unique and inviting atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Open for dinner throughout the week, Vinyl Steakhouse invites you to savor its gourmet offerings. Secure your spot with a reservation today!
• Kame — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Kame invites guests into a serene, wood-accented sanctuary where the rhythmic pulse of the open kitchen and the delicate scent of toasted nori set the stage for a refined culinary journey. Masterful hands transform the season’s finest catches into translucent slivers of sashimi and vibrant rolls, while steaming bowls of ramen offer a deep, soul-warming embrace of complex, umami-rich broths. Each plate arrives as a balanced study of texture and tradition, offering a tranquil escape that celebrates the timeless elegance of Japanese craftsmanship.
• Futago — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Futago captures the spirited essence of an Osaka yakiniku house, where the intoxicating aroma of premium wagyu searing over tabletop grills fills the sleek, energetic space. It is a place of communal celebration, where guests master the flame to transform marbled cuts into succulent, charred perfection, all while immersed in a vibrant atmosphere that honors the bold flavors and interactive joy of Japanese barbecue.
• Kogame Ramen — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Steaming bowls of rich, slow-simmered broth and springy hand-pulled noodles take center stage at this intimate sanctuary, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of toasted sesame and soy. Guests find solace in the rhythmic clatter of the kitchen and the deep, soul-warming flavors of perfectly marbled chashu and soft-boiled eggs, capturing the heart of traditional Japanese comfort in every slurp.
• Happy Tuna Sushi & Crispy Rice — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Happy Tuna Sushi & Crispy Rice, located at 355 W 36th St in Hudson Yards, New York, is a vibrant sushi takeout and delivery hotspot. With a 4.6 rating, it offers a range of flavorful options like the crispy rice with spicy tuna and nigiri galore box. Known for quick service and quality sushi, the casual atmosphere makes it ideal for lunch or dinner. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, it's a perfect spot for delicious and convenient meals.
• Konban — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Konban welcomes guests into a sleek, dimly lit sanctuary where the rhythmic sizzle of the kitchen harmonizes with a refined, minimalist aesthetic. The experience centers on the elevated art of the katsu, where golden, panko-crusted cutlets are served with a precision that honors tradition while embracing a modern, soulful energy. Every detail invites a slow, sensory appreciation of Japanese culinary craftsmanship, from the steam rising off a bowl of pearly rice to the curated selection of sakes that round out the evening.
• Sushi Star — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Sushi Star is a relaxed dining spot in New York, serving delectable sushi, sashimi, and bento boxes. With a 4.5-star rating from over 400 reviews, customers appreciate its fresh ingredients and excellent service. Enjoy sake, wine, and desserts, plus the option for outdoor seating. Ideal for family brunches or takeout, this contemporary sushi restaurant also offers delivery and vegetarian options.
• Momoya Chelsea — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in Midtown Manhattan’s lively Chelsea neighborhood, Momoya Chelsea offers a cozy and laid-back dining experience. Renowned for its fresh sushi and classic Japanese fare, this casual eatery is perfect for both lunch and dinner. Popular dishes include the spicy tuna and miso soup, complemented by an array of sake, beer, and cocktails. With a fast service and relaxed ambiance, it’s an ideal spot for solo diners and quick eats. Enjoy delightful small plates and a diverse menu, all typically priced between $30-$50. Note, it's a first-come, first-served restaurant that doesn't take reservations.
• Asuka Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Located at 300 W 23rd St, New York, Asuka Sushi offers a relaxed atmosphere with a delightful selection of sushi and other Japanese dishes, accompanied by a full bar and intriguing cocktails. With a 4.5-star rating from over 1300 reviews, visitors appreciate the impeccable service and friendly staff. Ideal for families and groups, this wheelchair-accessible restaurant accepts reservations and offers takeout and delivery options.
• Ajisen Ramen — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: The air hums with energy and the savory perfume of slow-simmered tonkotsu broth, drawing guests into a lively space where tradition meets modern convenience. Silky, springy noodles dive into deep pools of milky pork bone soup, accented by the bold punch of charred garlic oil and tender slices of melt-in-your-mouth chashu. This is a sanctuary of steam and flavor, where every slurp delivers a warm, soul-satisfying embrace that captures the heart of Kumamoto-style ramen.
• Oramen — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Located in the heart of Chelsea, Oramen is a cozy Japanese restaurant known for its fresh sushi, flavorful ramen, and delightful steamed buns. With a welcoming atmosphere, this casual spot offers happy hour specials and vegetarian options, making it perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Guests often praise the fast service, friendly staff, and reasonably priced dishes, typically spending between $20-$30.
• 15 EAST @ Tocqueville — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: 15 EAST @ Tocqueville offers a refined culinary experience, seamlessly blending American-French cuisine with Japanese sushi and omakase menus. With a stellar rating of 4.4 from over 600 reviews, this elegant establishment provides a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a special evening. Located at 1 E 15th St, New York, the restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM. Reservations are recommended.
• Kogane — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, Kogane is an inviting ramen restaurant that offers hearty, filling bowls for lunch and dinner. The diverse menu features specialties like tonkotsu and spicy miso ramen, complemented by delicious sides such as takoyaki and pork jowl buns. Cozy and casual with outdoor seating, Kogane ensures a delightful dining experience with fast, attentive service and a range of beer, wine, and sake.
• Aya Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Aya Sushi invites guests into a serene sanctuary of minimalist design, where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade transforms the day’s freshest catch into vibrant, edible art. Each bite offers a masterclass in balance, from the buttery richness of marbled tuna to the delicate tang of seasoned rice, creating a dining experience that celebrates the quiet elegance and profound flavors of traditional Japanese craft.
• mazete — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Mazete unfolds as a vibrant, modern enclave where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered sauces and toasted nori. Guests are treated to a sensory spectacle as chefs artfully layer bold textures and deep umami notes into every bowl, inviting a spirited toss that marries time-honored tradition with contemporary flair. It is a space where minimalist design meets maximalist flavor, creating an energetic atmosphere perfect for savoring the soulful depths of Japanese comfort food.
• Bessou — 8a343d02-4079-4df8-aed5-590af526fa56 · rated 4.3/5: Located at Market 57, Bessou offers a modern take on Japanese comfort food in a cozy, informal setting. Highly rated with 4.3 stars from 361 reviews, diners can enjoy generous portions of flavorful dishes like karaage and tempura soba. Outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup are available, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. With a menu that includes wine, beer, and desserts, Bessou ensures a delightful dining experience.
• Canaan Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Located at 154 W 29th St, Canaan Sushi offers a casual and delightful Japanese dining experience in New York. The menu features a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, and teriyaki dishes, all complemented by a fine range of sake, beer, and wine. This family-friendly spot is perfect for dine-in and takeout, providing accessible seating and a clean, welcoming atmosphere. Rated 4.3 stars, it's a convenient choice close to major hotels.
• Sushi 21 — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in Midtown Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, Sushi 21 offers a delightful blend of Japanese cuisine in a casual setting. From bento boxes to sushi selections like the California and sumo rolls, the eatery has something for everyone, including healthy and vegetarian options. Ideal for a quick bite, Sushi 21 is popular for both lunch and dinner, boasting fast service and an excellent location near off-Broadway theaters.
• Kawa Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in Greenwich Village, Kawa Sushi offers an unpretentious dining experience featuring delicious sushi, sashimi, and rolls, all at reasonable prices. Popular combos and lunch specials make it a favorite for solo diners. With a cozy, laid-back setting, friendly staff, and quick service, this local gem is perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a wide selection of beer and sake while savoring top-notch food without breaking the bank.
• PENN SUSHI — Japanese · rated 4.2/5: Located at 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, Penn Sushi offers a compact, counter-serve experience where you can enjoy a selection of takeaway sushi rolls in a minimalist setting. Rated 4.2 stars by 62 reviewers, it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner. Customers commend the courteous staff and recommend trying the shrimp tempura sushi. With convenient credit card payments and delivery options, Penn Sushi ensures a seamless dining experience.
• Sushi Seki — Japanese · rated 4.2/5: Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, Sushi Seki is a long-standing gem offering exquisite sushi and sashimi. Highlights of the diverse menu include the spicy tuna roll, fluke hirame, and A5 wagyu skewers, complemented with a selection of sake, beer, and wine. Popular among New York’s elite, this cozy spot is ideal for lunch and dinner. With fast service and a welcoming vibe, advance reservations are recommended.
• Catch NYC — Seafood · rated 4.1/5: Perched in the heart of the Meatpacking District, this multi-level seafood destination pulses with a high-octane energy where industrial-chic design meets a glamorous, see-and-be-seen social scene. Shared plates of globally-inspired coastal fare—from glistening towers of chilled shellfish to innovative sushi rolls—invite a communal feast that feels both indulgent and electric. As the night unfolds across the sprawling rooftop, the clinking of artisanal cocktails and the hum of a vibrant crowd create the ultimate New York City celebration.
• The Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare — Japanese · rated 4.1/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 431 W 37th St, The Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare presents an exquisite 14-course tasting menu that artfully blends French and Japanese culinary traditions. With its focus on fresh seafood and an award-winning wine program, this upscale destination promises a memorable gastronomic adventure. Reservations are essential for experiencing the elegant flavors and impeccable service that define this unique dining experience.
• Takumi Taco — Mexican · rated 4.1/5: Located in the vibrant Chelsea Market, Takumi Taco offers a delightful fusion of Japanese and Mexican cuisine. Enjoy trendy and casual vibes with music as you savor dishes like Japanese beef curry, tuna tacos, and short rib tacos. Complement your meal with an array of drinks, from sake to cocktails. With quick service and a welcoming atmosphere, this spot is perfect for lunch or dinner. Most meals range from $10-$20.