Best Upscale Sushi in NoLita | Top 12 Upscale Spots

28 restaurants in Best Upscale Sushi in NoLita | Top 12 Upscale Spots

• Batsu — Japanese · rated 5/5: Batsu hums with a spirited, modern energy, blending the meticulous artistry of a sushi bar with the soulful, golden-brown decadence of expertly fried chicken. Cool, clean notes of premium sake cut through the savory warmth of the kitchen’s bold offerings, creating a sensory playground where delicate sashimi and crunchy, spice-dusted poultry share the spotlight. This lively haunt invites guests to lose track of time amidst a backdrop of clinking glasses and vibrant plates, offering a dining experience that is as refined as it is unapologetically fun.
• Batsu — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Batsu transports guests to a world of refined simplicity, where the clean lines of a minimalist interior set the stage for the vibrant artistry of Japanese culinary tradition. From the delicate precision of hand-carved sashimi to the smoky allure of charcoal-fired skewers, every dish celebrates the harmony of seasonal ingredients and time-honored techniques in an atmosphere of quiet, sophisticated elegance.
• Zest Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Zest Sushi radiates a modern, high-energy glow where the sharp precision of the blade meets a playful explosion of bright, citrus-forward flavors. Each plate arrives as a vibrant canvas of shimmering sashimi and inventive rolls, balancing the clean simplicity of the ocean with bold, zesty accents that dance across the palate in a sleek, minimalist setting.
• Kimura — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Kimura unfolds as a serene, wood-clad sanctuary where the delicate aroma of toasted nori and the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade set the stage for an evening of quiet artistry. The kitchen honors the seasonal soul of Japanese cuisine, balancing the ethereal lightness of pristine sashimi with the deep, grounding umami of slow-simmered broths. This intimate retreat invites diners to slow down and savor the harmony of tradition and modern refinement in every meticulously plated bite.
• Mikaku — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Mikaku unfolds as a serene sanctuary of Japanese craft, where the minimalist glow of warm wood and the focused precision of the open kitchen create an atmosphere of quiet elegance. Diners are treated to a sensory dance of textures, from the buttery silk of hand-pressed nigiri to the deep, complex layers of umami found in every steaming, aromatic bowl. It is a destination that honors the seasons, transforming the finest ingredients into edible art that lingers on the palate long after the final course.
• Marumi — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Marumi captures the quiet elegance of Japanese tradition, where minimalist decor provides a calm backdrop for the vibrant artistry unfolding at the sushi bar. From the delicate char of grilled skewers to the pristine freshness of hand-pressed nigiri, every dish is a sensory celebration of texture and balance that transports guests to the heart of a bustling Tokyo neighborhood.
• Yokoya — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Yokoya invites guests into a serene, wood-accented haven where the quiet precision of the sushi counter meets the comforting warmth of traditional kitchen craft. Each dish serves as a masterclass in balance, pairing the delicate, sea-swept freshness of premium fish with the deep, soul-stirring umami of slow-simmered stocks to create a dining experience that feels both timeless and intimately personal.
• Bayard Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Bayard Sushi invites diners into a serene, wood-accented sanctuary 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 delicate tang of perfectly seasoned rice to the buttery richness of marbled tuna that dissolves effortlessly on the palate. The intimate atmosphere hums with a quiet sophistication, making every meal feel like a private celebration of Japan’s most storied culinary traditions.
• Ogawa — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into Ogawa reveals a minimalist haven of Japanese artistry, where the soft glow of lanterns illuminates the focused grace of chefs at work behind a pristine cypress counter. The experience unfolds as a rhythmic progression of flavors, from the buttery melt of ocean-fresh sashimi to the subtle, toasted notes of premium nori, all harmonizing to celebrate the soul of traditional craftsmanship.
• Kanoyama — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: This intimate East Village sanctuary invites diners into a world of quiet precision, where the rhythmic dance of the sushi knife and the warm glow of the sake bar create an atmosphere of refined tranquility. The experience centers on the day’s most exquisite seasonal catch, transforming pristine cuts of fish into delicate nigiri and vibrant sashimi that celebrate the pure, unadorned flavors of the sea.
• Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: This intimate sanctuary invites guests to settle in at a sleek wooden counter where the art of the omakase unfolds through a choreographed dance of culinary precision and seasonal grace. Each meticulously crafted course celebrates the purity of Japanese flavors, finding its perfect harmony alongside a curated selection of premium sakes that dance across the palate with crisp, floral elegance.
• Sushi Lab — Japanese · rated 4.2/5: Sushi Lab invites guests into a sleek, experimental sanctuary where the precision of a laboratory meets the soul of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Behind the minimalist counter, chefs orchestrate a theater of flavor, using delicate torches and artisanal glazes to transform the freshest seasonal catches into vibrant, melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces that redefine the sushi experience.
• Kikoo — Japanese · rated 4.1/5: Kikoo invites guests into a polished, contemporary space where the soft glow of ambient lighting meets the focused energy of a master-led sushi bar. The air is alive with the scent of seasoned rice and fresh ginger as chefs craft delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi and innovative rolls that balance traditional precision with modern creativity. Every bite offers a harmonious journey through Japan’s rich culinary landscape, blending
• Japan Premium Beef — Japanese · rated 4/5: Step into a sleek haven of carnivorous artistry where the intricate, snowy marbling of A5 Miyazaki Wagyu serves as the centerpiece of a refined culinary journey. Each meticulously sourced cut, from the buttery richness of the New York striploin to the robust, savory depth of the hanging tender, is prepared to highlight the sublime textures and umami-rich flavors that define world-class beef. It is an intimate celebration of quality and craft, where every bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that lingers long after the meal is over.
• Kissaki — Japanese · rated 4/5: Kissaki invites diners into a world of refined Japanese artistry, where the rhythmic precision of the sushi counter meets a contemporary, high-energy atmosphere. Guests embark on a multi-course omakase journey that balances tradition with playful luxury, featuring indulgent creations like velvet-smooth Toro Sundaes and decadent Uni Pasta that linger on the palate. Whether seated for an intimate table-side experience or a full chef-led progression, every bite celebrates the harmony of premium ingredients and meticulous technique.
• Decibel — Japanese · rated 4/5: This subterranean escape pulses with an edgy, high-decibel energy, where the glow of neon meets the intoxicating aroma of sizzling izakaya classics. Guests gather over small plates that dance between the snap of grilled Kurobuta sausage and the delicate, savory steam of handmade gyoza and wasabi-spiked shumai. It is a vibrant haunt where the art of the Japanese snack is celebrated through bold flavors and a spirited atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city streets above.
• Ichibantei — Japanese · rated 4/5: Stepping into Ichibantei feels like discovering a hidden Tokyo gem, where the warm glow of the dining room invites guests to linger over a parade of vibrant, shareable plates. Crispy, ginger-scented karaage and blistered yuzu shishito peppers offer a masterclass in texture and heat, while delicate folds of dashimaki omelet and silken agedashi tofu provide a comforting, savory balance. It is a spirited destination where the clinking of glasses meets the addictive crunch of garlic-flecked edamame, creating a convivial atmosphere that celebrates the art of the Japanese snack.
• Sushi Oku — Japanese: Sushi Oku offers a serene escape where the artistry of the knife meets the intimacy of the omakase tradition, inviting guests to surrender to a curated journey of seasonal flavors. Whether perched at the polished counter or nestled in a private enclave, diners experience a choreographed sequence of hand-pressed nigiri and delicate small plates, each perfectly accented by sophisticated beverage pairings. The atmosphere hums with a quiet, focused elegance, transforming every meal into a transcendent exploration of Japanese craftsmanship.
• Kikoo — Japanese: Kikoo offers a vibrant sanctuary for Japanese cuisine lovers, where an endless bounty of glistening sashimi and golden, airy tempura takes center stage. The air carries the savory perfume of sizzling teriyaki and steaming udon, inviting guests to linger over a diverse tapestry of flavors that culminates in a selection of artfully crafted, indulgent desserts.
• Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar — Japanese: This intimate sake sanctuary invites guests into a world of whimsical culinary artistry, where the precision of Japanese technique dances with bold, global inspirations. The air hums with the energy of an open kitchen crafting everything from smoky black chicken skewers and tender "addicted" spare ribs to delicate miniature hand rolls and seasonal, house-made gluten-free pastas. Each visit promises a daring exploration of flavor, anchored by the namesake seasonal rabbit and a curated sake list that elevates every bite into a memorable, multi-sensory journey.
• Tori Bien — Japanese: The air at Tori Bien is thick with the savory scent of ginger and soy, drawing guests toward a menu defined by the irresistible, golden crunch of masterfully fried karaage and glazed wings. Meticulously arranged bento boxes and steaming bowls of tonkatsu curry offer a soulful harmony of textures and flavors, creating a comforting retreat for those seeking an authentic and satisfying taste of Japanese home-style cooking.
• Sushi by M — Japanese: This intimate, high-energy sushi counter reimagines the traditional omakase experience with a bold and cheeky spirit that invites diners to expect the unexpected. Behind the bar, chefs craft whimsical, boundary-pushing bites like the decadent Big Mac and Golden Ducky, blending meticulous Japanese technique with a playful, modern flair. Each course is a vibrant celebration of flavor, served in a spirited atmosphere where the precision of the kitchen meets a sense of pure, culinary fun.
• Kimura — Japanese: Kimura captures the spirited energy of a traditional izakaya, where the air is thick with the savory scent of golden-fried chicken karaage and the gentle steam from baskets of delicate shrimp shumai. Large, shareable platters of pan-seared pork gyoza and smoky, grilled beef tongue invite guests to linger over conversation in a warm, welcoming space that celebrates the heart of Japanese comfort food.
• Bayard Sushi — Japanese: Bayard Sushi invites diners into a bright, tranquil space where the art of the salad is elevated through vibrant textures and the freshest coastal flavors. Each dish celebrates a delicate balance of creamy avocado, sun-ripened mango, and spice-kissed seafood, offering a refreshing experience centered on bowls that are as visually stunning as they are nourishing.
• Izakaya Juraku — Japanese: Izakaya Juraku pulses with the electric energy of a Tokyo night, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of charcoal-grilled yakitori and the playful clatter of wasabi fries being shaken at the table. Guests gather under glowing lights to toast with theatrical matcha sake bombs, pairing their drinks with crackling karaage and delicate handrolls that celebrate the bold, umami-rich flavors of Japanese pub culture. From the first sip of a crisp craft beer to the last comforting spoonful of steaming ramen, every moment captures the spirited essence of a modern neighborhood hangout.
• Kanoyama — Japanese: Kanoyama invites diners into a serene sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the sushi counter meets the warm, inviting energy of a traditional izakaya. The experience centers on an exquisite omakase journey, where buttery tuna tartare and silken ankimo lead the way for masterfully sliced sashimi and golden, light-as-air tempura. From the delicate char of kanpachi kama to the comforting crunch of pan-seared gyoza, every plate reflects a deep reverence for seasonal ingredients and the timeless artistry of Japanese craft.
• Bondi Sushi — Japanese: Bondi Sushi captures a breezy, modern energy where the art of Japanese coastal dining is reimagined through a lens of contemporary flair and vibrant flavor. The kitchen transforms premium ingredients into inventive treasures, from the delicate crunch of tuna mushroom chips to the rich, buttery indulgence of miso black cod and wagyu gyoza. The space hums with a sophisticated yet relaxed charm, inviting guests to linger over golden rock shrimp tempura and savory shokupan toast in an atmosphere that feels both polished and effortlessly cool.
• Momoya — Japanese: Momoya invites diners into a world of refined artistry where the rhythmic precision of the sushi counter meets the savory, charred aromas of the grill. From the delicate, chef-led journey of a sushi omakase to the robust richness of grass-fed ribeye, every plate is a masterclass in balance and seasonal freshness. The evening unfolds with vibrant cocktails like the botanical Gin Ray and culminates in a whimsical dessert omakase, creating a sophisticated sanctuary for a truly immersive dining experience.