Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Lincoln Square | Upscale Japanese Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Lincoln Square | Upscale Japanese Food

• Shinbashi 72 — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Shinbashi 72 captures the vibrant pulse of a Tokyo hideaway, where warm wood finishes and soft, amber lighting create an intimate backdrop for the theater of the open kitchen. Each dish is a masterclass in seasonal harmony, blending the clean, bright notes of ocean-fresh seafood with the deep, earthy umami of artisanal ingredients. It is a place where time slows down, allowing the delicate textures and bold, refined flavors of Japan to take center stage in every meticulously crafted course.
• Kin ramen — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Midtown West, Kin Ramen is a celebrated spot for ramen enthusiasts, serving hearty portions of delicious ramen for both lunch and dinner. With an extensive Japanese menu that includes appetizers like takoyaki and sashimi salad, plus desserts such as matcha lava cake, there’s something for everyone. The cozy, family-friendly setting features a bar and offers a variety of sake, beer, wine, and cocktails.
• Sushi Koya — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled on the Upper West Side, Sushi Koya offers an intimate dining experience with its omakase-style menu featuring fresh, beautifully presented sushi. With glowing reviews and a high 4.8 rating, this cozy spot is perfect for sushi enthusiasts. Open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM, reservations are highly recommended. Enjoy the seamless service and free sake while you indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey.
• Totto Ramen — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Steam-filled and buzzing with energy, this intimate ramen destination draws diners in with the intoxicating aroma of its signature golden chicken broth simmering in massive, open-view pots. Each bowl is a masterclass in texture and depth, pairing springy noodles with flame-seared proteins to create a soul-warming experience that feels both traditional and vibrantly modern.
• Toribro Ramen — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Steaming bowls of golden broth take center stage at Toribro Ramen, where the air hangs heavy with the savory perfume of slow-simmered chicken and toasted sesame. Guests find sanctuary in the vibrant, bustling space, diving into silky noodles bathed in velvety, collagen-rich soups topped with melt-in-your-mouth proteins and perfectly jammy eggs. This inviting enclave transforms the humble noodle bowl into a soul-warming ritual, offering a masterclass in Japanese comfort and culinary heart.
• Kissaki Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Kissaki Sushi offers a refined sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s knife transforms seasonal treasures into vibrant, edible art. Each delicate piece of nigiri balances the subtle warmth of seasoned rice with the pristine, buttery texture of premium seafood, creating a sensory journey that honors the soul of traditional omakase. The intimate, minimalist space fosters a deep connection between diner and craftsman, turning every meal into a quiet celebration of Japanese culinary mastery.
• Imasa Nori Sushi Izakaya — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Located at 243 W 54th St, New York, Imasa Nori Sushi Izakaya offers a relaxed dining experience, specializing in sushi rolls, sashimi, and various Japanese dishes. With a welcoming ambiance and attentive service, it’s perfect for families and those seeking quality sushi in the area. Highly rated with an overall score of 4.7, it accepts various payment options and provides both dine-in and takeout services. Visit their website or call +1 646-329-5057 to make a reservation.
• Sushi Kaito — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in Lincoln Square on the Upper West Side, Sushi Kaito is an intimate sushi restaurant specializing in omakase dining. With a cozy and trendy atmosphere, it's perfect for solo diners. The menu offers a delightful selection of chef's sashimi, sushi, hand rolls, and miso soup, paired with beer, wine, and sake. Enjoy a memorable meal at this highly-rated spot, known for its exquisite flavors and attentive service. Reservations recommended.
• Shinn WEST — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Shinn WEST, located at 526 W 53rd St, New York, is a delightful sushi restaurant that offers a memorable omakase experience. With a rating of 4.6 and praised by many for its fresh and skillfully crafted sushi, it’s an excellent destination for sushi enthusiasts. Featuring an affordable $69 omakase menu with 13 pieces, including specials like sea perch and barracuda, Shinn WEST stands out for its value. The restaurant also offers takeout options and accepts credit cards, making dining convenient. Whether for a special date night or a quiet meal with friends, Shinn WEST promises to impress.
• Raku — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 48 MacDougal St, Raku offers a delightful Japanese dining experience with its authentic udon noodles, gyoza, and other specialties. Boasting a warm, casual atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for families. With a 4.6-star rating from over 1,400 reviews, Raku is renowned for its flavorful dishes and attentive service. Enjoy outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails for a complete dining experience.
• Sushi Yasaka — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Situated on the Upper West Side, Sushi Yasaka is a beloved gem offering an extensive selection of sushi and other Japanese dishes. Perfect for lunch or dinner, the menu features healthy options, small plates, desserts, and a thoughtfully curated tea selection. Known for its welcoming staff and fast, excellent service, this casual spot is a local favorite. Advance reservations are recommended.
• Ippudo — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this bustling ramen sanctuary, guests are greeted by the rhythmic energy of an open kitchen and the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered pork bone broth. Each bowl is a symphony of textures, from the springy, house-made noodles to the velvety tonkotsu that coats the palate in rich, savory layers of umami. It is a vibrant celebration of Japanese comfort food, where modern design meets time-honored craft in a space that feels both high-octane and deeply soul-warming.
• Raku It’s Japanese II — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this serene sanctuary, diners are greeted by the rhythmic clatter of the open kitchen and the enticing aroma of toasted sesame and simmering umami-rich broths. The space marries minimalist elegance with a vibrant energy, where artfully plated sashimi and steaming bowls of udon transport the palate to the heart of Japan. Every detail, from the gentle glow of the lighting to the precision of each knife stroke, cultivates an atmosphere of refined yet soulful hospitality.
• Yakitori Torishin — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: The air hums with the intoxicating scent of glowing binchotan charcoal as master chefs perform a choreographed dance of fire and precision at the open hearth. Every skewer is a masterclass in texture and flame, where succulent cuts of chicken are kissed by smoke and finished with a delicate balance of sea salt or rich, savory tare. Guests perched at the minimalist wooden counter are treated to an intimate omakase experience that transforms traditional yakitori into a soulful, elevated art form.
• Gari Columbus — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: A sophisticated Upper West Side sanctuary where minimalist elegance meets the vibrant energy of a masterfully orchestrated sushi bar. Each piece of signature nigiri arrives as a miniature masterpiece, adorned with inventive sauces and delicate garnishes that transform pristine seafood into a symphony of unexpected textures and bold, umami-rich flavors. This is a space of quiet discovery, where the boundaries of Japanese tradition are pushed through artistic innovation to create a truly transcendent dining experience.
• The Jin — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Located in Hell's Kitchen, The Jin is a trendy Korean restaurant known for its delectable fried chicken, rice bowls, and ramen. With a casual vibe, it offers a menu featuring vegetarian options and local ingredients, complemented by beer, wine, and cocktails. Popular dishes include kimchi fried rice and chicken katsu. The restaurant is family-friendly, accepts reservations, and provides catering services.
• Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill - Columbus Circle — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Located inside the Columbus Hotel, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill - Columbus Circle delights with authentic Japanese cuisine and an impressive selection of sake and cocktails. Rated 4.5 stars by over 1,200 visitors, this hidden gem combines fresh, high-quality ingredients with creative presentations. Open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reserve your table now and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
• Nobu — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Nobu serves as a glamorous crossroads of culture where minimalist Japanese design meets a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that crackles with sophistication. The experience centers on a revolutionary fusion of flavors, blending the delicate artistry of fresh sashimi with bold Peruvian influences like citrusy yuzu and spicy jalapeño. Each visit unfolds as a sensory celebration, from the buttery richness of signature black cod to the rhythmic, choreographed precision of the world-class sushi bar.
• Donburiya — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into Donburiya feels like discovering a hidden Tokyo gem, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of simmering dashi and the rhythmic sizzle of the open kitchen. Hearty ceramic bowls arrive piled high with golden-fried katsu or tender, soy-glazed proteins, all resting atop pillows of pearly steamed rice that soak up every drop of umami-rich sauce. It is a vibrant, soul-warming sanctuary where the clink of sake glasses and the glow of warm wood create an atmosphere of effortless Japanese comfort.
• Bondi Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Bondi Sushi captures the breezy, sun-drenched spirit of the Australian coast, blending minimalist light-wood aesthetics with the meticulous artistry of traditional Japanese craft. The air hums with a vibrant energy as chefs assemble jewel-toned cuts of fish and crisp, made-to-order hand rolls, offering a refreshing escape where every bite feels like a bright celebration of the sea.
• Sugarfish — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Step into a sleek, understated sanctuary where the art of sushi is distilled to its most essential and exquisite form, focusing entirely on the purity of the catch. The experience centers on the signature contrast of warm, loosely packed rice and buttery, chilled fish that melts effortlessly on the palate with every bite. It is a masterclass in rhythmic simplicity, offering a curated journey that celebrates the delicate harmony of texture and temperature.
• Soba Noodle Azuma — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Soba Noodle Azuma, located at 251 W 55th St, New York, offers a cozy dining experience that features authentic Japanese soba noodle dishes, rice bowls, and a variety of sake. Open daily from noon, it's family-friendly, accepts various payment options, and offers delivery and takeout. Rated 4.4 with over 700 reviews, it's praised for its delicious food, generous portions, and attentive service.
• Suram - Sushi & Ramen (Upper West Side) — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Suram - Sushi & Ramen brings the heart of Japan to New York's Upper West Side. With a cozy ambiance, it offers traditional Japanese fare like sushi and ramen, complemented by an array of sake and wine. Rated 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews, this spot is perfect for lunch, dinner, or takeout. Conveniently located at 21 West End Ave, Suram is a delightful destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.
• Redeye Grill — American · rated 4.3/5: This Midtown icon captures the quintessential energy of a grand New York brasserie, where soaring ceilings and warm, amber lighting create a sophisticated backdrop for a lively night out. The air buzzes with conversation and the smooth notes of live jazz as the kitchen turns out everything from artfully plated sushi to robust, flame-grilled steaks. It is a vibrant intersection of classic elegance and contemporary flair, offering a quintessential Manhattan experience that feels both timeless and exhilaratingly current.
• Yakitori Totto — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Tucked away in an intimate, second-floor hideaway, this bustling yakitori den captures the soul of a Tokyo alleyway through the intoxicating aroma of binchotan charcoal and the rhythmic sizzle of the open grill. Masterful chefs turn skewers of succulent chicken and seasonal vegetables over glowing embers, delivering charred, umami-rich bites to diners immersed in the warm, wood-lined glow of a true urban sanctuary.
• Sushi Damo — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Step into a sleek, dimly lit sanctuary where minimalist aesthetics provide a sophisticated backdrop for the vibrant artistry of contemporary Japanese cuisine. Master chefs transform the ocean’s finest offerings into edible masterpieces, balancing the clean simplicity of traditional sashimi with bold, inventive rolls that ignite the senses and celebrate the harmony of modern flavor.
• Totto Ramen Hell's Kitchen — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Totto Ramen Hell's Kitchen is a delightful spot in New York offering a variety of ramen dishes, including spicy and vegetarian options, all served in a relaxed, informal space. With a 4.3-star rating from over 600 reviews, it’s clear that diners appreciate the flavorful broths and fresh ingredients. Ideal for families and groups, the restaurant also offers curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery. Credit cards and NFC payments are accepted.
• Bagels & Co. — American · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side's Lenox Hill, Bagels & Co. offers a delightful kosher dining experience. Serving fresh bagels, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pizza, and salads, this cozy spot also features sushi and falafel. Known for its friendly staff and prompt service, it's a favorite among locals for breakfast and more. With a welcoming vibe and a diverse menu, you're sure to leave satisfied.
• Momofuku Noodle Bar Uptown — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Nestled within the Shops at Columbus Circle, this trendy ramen hotspot offers a delightful array of comfort food and quick bites. Featuring an ever-rotating menu of noodles, steamed breads, and soft serve, it's a haven for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Patrons rave about the cozy, wood-accented ambiance, attentive service, and standout dishes like the pork belly buns and ginger scallion noodles. A must-visit!
• Rue 57 — French · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of New York City, Rue 57 offers a delightful blend of French brasserie fare and sushi in a charming setting. From breakfast to dinner, including brunch and drinks, this versatile spot caters to all tastes. With a 4.3-star rating and over 2,800 reviews praising its delicious dishes and fantastic service, Rue 57 is perfect for a leisurely meal or a casual takeout. Enjoy outdoor seating, a kid-friendly menu, and a convenient Midtown location.