Best Upscale Sushi in Union Square | Top 7 Upscale Spots

20 restaurants in Best Upscale Sushi in Union Square | Top 7 Upscale Spots

• Sushi Dairo — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Sushi Dairo invites guests into a serene, minimalist sanctuary where the rhythmic dance of the chef’s blade transforms the morning’s freshest catch into exquisite edible art. Each hand-pressed piece of nigiri is a masterclass in balance, marrying warm, vinegared rice with buttery seafood that melts upon the palate to reveal deep, umami-rich flavors. This intimate experience honors the quiet precision of Japanese tradition, turning every bite into a fleeting, flavorful moment of pure culinary grace.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Poke Bowl — Japanese · rated 3/5: Bright colors and ocean-fresh aromas define this vibrant eatery, where the spirit of the Pacific is captured in every meticulously layered bowl. Diners can dive into everything from the citrusy brightness of Honolulu salmon to the satisfying crunch of golden chicken katsu, all served over beds of fresh greens and grains. Whether you are seeking a light, nourishing snack or a hearty feast piled high with savory toppings, each creation offers a refreshing explosion of texture and flavor that feels like a sun-drenched escape.
• Yaya Tea — Japanese · rated 3/5: Step into a vibrant sanctuary of color and flavor where the playful energy of modern tea culture comes alive through whimsical, hand-crafted infusions. Imaginative creations like the citrusy Sunrise and the bold, emerald-hued Hulk swirl with bright fruit notes and chewy pearls, offering a refreshing escape that feels both nostalgic and inventive. Whether sipping on the delicate sweetness of a First Love or the crisp, floral notes of a Lychee Tree, every visit promises a sensory celebration of liquid artistry in a lively, contemporary setting.
• 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.
• Yama — Japanese: Yama invites diners into a refined sanctuary where the art of Japanese precision meets a vibrant, modern energy. The kitchen transforms pristine seafood into elegant masterpieces, from the delicate, buttery layers of hotate mille-feuille to the satisfying crunch of spicy tuna perched atop golden crispy rice. Every plate, from the zesty hamachi carpaccio to the savory depth of Chilean seabass kasuzuke, balances traditional soul with contemporary flair to create a sophisticated celebration of texture and taste.
• 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.
• Japonica — Japanese: Japonica serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the delicate artistry of the sushi bar meets the comforting warmth of traditional Japanese soul food. The kitchen hums with the sizzle of glazed teriyaki and the golden crunch of tempura, while the sushi chefs craft visually stunning creations like the spicy Firecracker and radiant Sunset rolls. Whether tucking into a steaming bowl of silken udon or sharing a plate of tender, handmade dumplings, guests are treated to a sensory journey that balances timeless technique with bold, modern flair.
• 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.
• Kazunori — Japanese: Step into a sleek, high-energy space where the rhythmic snap of crisp, toasted nori takes center stage at a communal stone counter. Skilled chefs meticulously assemble hand rolls right before your eyes, pairing warm, seasoned rice with chilled, premium cuts like buttery albacore and succulent lobster to ensure every bite maintains its perfect, fleeting crunch. This focused sanctuary celebrates the purity of Japanese craftsmanship, offering a fast-paced yet intentional ritual centered around the artistry of the perfect roll.
• 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.