Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Roosevelt Island | Upscale Japanese Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Roosevelt Island | Upscale Japanese Food

• Kuu — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Kuu unfolds as a serene sanctuary of modern Japanese elegance, where the soft hum of the dining room and the precision of the chef’s blade create an atmosphere of focused artistry. Each plate arrives as a vibrant study in balance, pairing the pristine clarity of the ocean’s finest catch with deep, soul-warming flavors that linger long after the final bite.
• Aki Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Aki Sushi serves as a tranquil escape where the clean lines of light wood and the gentle hum of conversation create an atmosphere of understated elegance. Behind the polished bar, the flash of a blade reveals jewel-toned slices of tuna and buttery yellowtail, meticulously draped over hand-pressed mounds of rice that melt on the tongue. This is a place where the precision of traditional craftsmanship meets a soulful appreciation for seasonal flavors, turning every meal into a quiet celebration of the sea.
• Sashimi Express II — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: This vibrant Japanese destination hums with the energy of a modern sushi bar, where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s knife transforms pristine, ocean-fresh catches into glistening works of edible art. Each plate celebrates the delicate purity of sashimi and the creative flair of hand-pressed rolls, offering a refined yet swift escape into the heart of authentic umami flavors.
• Ikyu Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Ikyu Sushi invites guests into a tranquil haven where the focused precision of the itamae transforms the finest seasonal catches into vibrant, edible art. The air carries the delicate scent of toasted nori and vinegared rice, setting the stage for a parade of melt-in-your-mouth nigiri and pristine sashimi that honors the purity of every ingredient. This intimate space brings together minimalist elegance and warm hospitality, offering a refined escape where every bite celebrates the timeless craftsmanship of Japanese tradition.
• Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Located at 1372 York Ave, New York, Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar is a relaxed and intimate BYOB spot known for its traditional sushi menu and enticing omakase option. With a stellar 4.7 rating from 582 reviewers, this sushi bar offers expertly prepared dishes that promise a memorable dining experience. Don’t forget to bring your own bottle, as they supply a sleek silver ice cooler to keep your drinks chilled. Perfect for a quiet evening out.
• UME 1st Ave — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Located at 1154 1st Ave., New York, UME 1st Ave is a must-visit for sushi and Asian cuisine enthusiasts. Boasting a high 4.7 rating from 66 reviews, this sushi restaurant delights with fresh, delicious offerings and top-notch service. With ample dining options including takeout and delivery, reservations, and a menu that features wine and desserts, UME 1st Ave ensures a satisfying culinary experience. Visit their website at [umesushiny.com](http://www.umesushiny.com/) or call +1 917-261-7658 for more details.
• Sushi Ishikawa — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Step into a serene sanctuary where the minimalist elegance of blonde wood sets the stage for a masterful display of precision and seasonal artistry. Each piece of nigiri arrives as a delicate jewel, balancing the subtle warmth of vinegared rice with the pristine, buttery textures of fish sourced at its absolute peak. The experience unfolds as an intimate, rhythmic performance, inviting guests to savor a choreographed sequence of flavors that honors the quiet soul of Japanese tradition.
• Island Rolls N Bowls — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Discover the vibrant flavors at Island Rolls N Bowls, located at 503 Main St, New York. This diverse eatery offers a mix of Mexican, Japanese, Korean, and American dishes, ideal for families and food enthusiasts alike. With a 4.5-star rating and rave reviews for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and friendly staff, it’s a must-visit for lunch, dinner, and delectable desserts. Enjoy curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery services for added convenience.
• Tabata Ramen & Yakitori Bar — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Steaming bowls of rich, umami-laden broth meet the smoky allure of the grill in this vibrant space where the art of Japanese comfort food takes center stage. Whether you’re savoring the delicate char of glazed yakitori skewers or losing yourself in the deep, soul-warming slurp of hand-crafted ramen, every bite captures a perfect balance of time-honored tradition and fiery energy.
• Sasabune — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: At Sasabune, the minimalist decor fades into the background as the focus shifts entirely to the chef’s counter, where a "trust me" philosophy guides a purist’s journey through the sea. Each hand-pressed piece of nigiri arrives as a masterclass in balance, pairing warm, loosely packed rice with pristine cuts of fish that melt across the palate in a symphony of clean, oceanic flavors. It is a sanctuary for sushi devotees where the art of the omakase is stripped of pretense, leaving only the quiet intensity of seasonal ingredients and time-honored technique.
• Zawa Japanese — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Located at 354 E 66th St, New York, Zawa Japanese is a hidden gem in NYC's UES, offering an exquisite omakase experience. Praised for its fresh fish, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere, Zawa is perfect for a memorable meal. The restaurant boasts a 4.4 rating from 149 reviews, and offers dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery options. Don't miss their delightful selection of sake and weekday lunch specials!
• Momokawa — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Momokawa invites guests into a tranquil, wood-toned haven where the delicate aroma of dashi and toasted sesame sets the stage for a masterclass in Japanese comfort. The kitchen celebrates the harmony of the seasons, offering everything from silken, house-made tofu to vibrant sashimi and soul-warming hot pots that glow with authentic umami. Paired with a meticulously curated sake list, every dish reflects a commitment to craftsmanship that turns a simple meal into a graceful, sensory journey.
• Sushi Gama Restaurant & Lounge — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Bathed in the sophisticated glow of a modern lounge, Sushi Gama invites guests into a space where the rhythmic pulse of a social sanctuary meets the meticulous precision of traditional Japanese artistry. Vibrant platters of jewel-toned sashimi and intricately layered specialty rolls emerge from the sushi bar, offering a sensory journey that balances delicate, ocean-fresh flavors with a chic, high-energy atmosphere perfect for an evening of discovery.
• Tabata — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in Midtown West's Garment District, Tabata specializes in authentic Japanese ramen and comfort food. This cozy, child-friendly eatery offers a delightful mix of vegetarian options, beer, sake, and wine. Highlights include the Tonkotsu and Tabata ramen, praised for their rich flavors. The atmosphere is informal with fast, attentive service. Typical meals cost between $10-$20, making it an ideal spot for a quick, delicious bite in the city. Visit us at 540 9th Ave, New York or check out [Tabata NYC](https://www.tabatanyc.net/). 🌟
• Sushi Gama — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of New York, Sushi Gama offers an inviting atmosphere and diverse menu featuring sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes. Renowned for its relaxed setting and attentive service, the restaurant is a hit among families and food lovers alike. With the added perks of outdoor seating, a dedicated children's menu, and a Happy Hour, Sushi Gama promises a delightful dining experience.
• Fuji East Restaurant — Japanese · rated 4.2/5: Fuji East transports diners to a serene sanctuary where the artful precision of the sushi bar meets the comforting warmth of traditional kitchen classics. Each plate arrives as a vibrant masterpiece, balancing the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth textures of pristine seafood with the deep, soul-warming umami of slow-simmered broths and perfectly seasoned rice.
• Matsu — Japanese · rated 4.2/5: Matsu invites guests into a serene sanctuary where the minimalist beauty of natural wood and soft, ambient lighting sets the stage for a masterclass in Japanese culinary artistry. Every plate is a seasonal canvas, from the translucent shimmer of expertly sliced sashimi to the comforting, complex depths of slow-simmered broths that warm the soul. It is a place where precision meets passion, creating an immersive journey through the delicate flavors and timeless traditions of Japan.
• Ko Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.2/5: Ko Sushi serves as a serene sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade and the delicate aroma of seasoned rice invite guests into a world of quiet craftsmanship. Each plate arrives as a vibrant canvas of buttery sashimi and hand-pressed nigiri, offering a meditative dining experience that celebrates the pure, clean flavors of the sea within a space of understated elegance.
• Hanabi — Japanese · rated 4.2/5: Hanabi is a cozy Japanese restaurant located at 1450 2nd Ave, New York, offering a delightful variety of dishes including sushi, tempura, and ramen. Known for its reasonable pricing, Hanabi provides both dine-in and takeout options, making it a convenient spot for a quick meal or a leisurely lunch. They are family-friendly and cater to vegetarians. The restaurant enjoys a solid 4.2-star rating with patrons praising the generous portions and friendly service.
• Hunan Delight Matsuya — Chinese · rated 4.1/5: Hunan Delight Matsuya on York Ave offers a casual dining experience with familiar Chinese dishes, sushi, and vegetarian options. Rated 4.1 stars from 145 reviews, it is a family-friendly spot with attentive service. This cozy restaurant accepts credit, debit, and NFC payments, and offers takeout and delivery. Don't miss their delicious egg rolls and sesame chicken! Open daily from 11 AM to 9:30 PM.
• Kobe Sushi — Japanese · rated 4/5: Kobe Sushi transports diners to a tranquil haven where the art of the blade meets the freshness of the tide, centered around a sleek wooden bar where master chefs transform pristine seafood into edible art. The air hums with a quiet focus as guests savor the buttery texture of premium nigiri and the complex harmony of signature rolls, each bite offering a delicate balance of seasoned rice and bold, umami-rich accents.
• Tanoshi Sushi NYC — Japanese · rated 4/5: This unassuming Upper East Side sanctuary strips away the pretense of fine dining, inviting guests into a minimalist space where the singular focus remains on the rhythmic artistry of traditional Edomae-style sushi. Each hand-pressed piece features warm, loosely packed rice and pristine seasonal catches, delivering a delicate balance of temperature and texture that honors the purity of the ingredients in every melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Japan Express Food Truck — Japanese · rated 4/5: Located at 1319 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, Japan Express Food Truck brings flavorful Japanese cuisine to Manhattan. Known for its fresh and tasty offerings, this food truck serves lunch and dinner, with popular dishes like the Steak & Chicken Combination and shrimp and broccoli with a delectable sauce. Highly regarded by locals, it's an excellent spot for a satisfying meal on the go.
• Ikyu Sushi — Japanese: Stepping into Ikyu Sushi feels like entering a calm sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade transforms the day’s freshest catch into elegant, bite-sized masterpieces. The experience centers on a harmonious balance of textures and temperatures, where warm, seasoned rice meets cool, silken fish in a space that celebrates the quiet beauty of Japanese tradition.
• NR — Japanese: Step into a moody, candlelit sanctuary that transports guests to 19th-century Japan, where dark wood accents and vintage curiosities create an atmosphere of timeless mystery. Artfully crafted cocktails arrive in whimsical glassware alongside steaming bowls of rich, soul-warming ramen that balance delicate traditional techniques with bold, modern flair.
• Hanabi — Japanese: Hanabi ignites the senses with a vibrant celebration of Japanese culinary artistry, where the quiet precision of the sushi bar meets the soulful, smoky energy of the kitchen. Guests are swept into a world of refined elegance as artfully plated dishes arrive in a flurry of color and texture, creating a dining experience that feels like a festive occasion in every bite.
• Ko Sushi — Japanese: Polished wood accents and soft, ambient lighting set the stage at Ko Sushi, an intimate sanctuary where the art of the omakase experience takes center stage. Masterfully sliced seafood meets perfectly seasoned rice in a delicate balance of texture and temperature, offering a serene escape that celebrates the pure, clean flavors of the sea.
• Tabata Ramen & Yakitori Bar — Japanese: This vibrant urban escape draws diners in with the irresistible scent of binchotan charcoal and the comforting warmth of slow-simmered ramen broths. From the delicate char on hand-turned yakitori skewers to the soul-soothing depth of every noodle bowl, the experience captures the spirited essence of a Tokyo izakaya, inviting guests to linger over craft cocktails and authentic Japanese flavors.
• Matsu II — Japanese: Matsu II offers a serene escape where the minimalist elegance of Japanese design meets the vibrant, precision-driven artistry of the sushi counter. Diners are treated to a parade of jewel-toned sashimi and innovative specialty rolls, each bite reflecting a commitment to seasonal freshness and time-honored techniques. The atmosphere hums with a quiet sophistication, making it an ideal sanctuary for those seeking a mindful and masterfully crafted dining experience.
• Sushi Ishikawa — Japanese: Step into a serene sanctuary where the rhythmic pulse of the city fades behind a minimalist facade of warm cedar and soft, golden light. At the intimate hinoki counter, master chefs transform the day’s finest catch into edible art, pressing seasoned rice and pristine seafood with a precision that honors centuries of Japanese tradition. Every bite offers a delicate balance of texture and temperature, inviting diners on a quiet, contemplative journey through the nuanced and fleeting flavors of the sea.