Top 20 Budget-Friendly Omakase Restaurants in NYC

New York City offers an incredible array of sushi experiences, and enjoying omakase doesn't have to break the bank. Here is a curated list of the top 20 budget-friendly omakase restaurants in NYC, ranked based on price, quality, and customer reviews. Each listing includes details about their offerings, unique features, and contact information to help you choose the perfect spot for your next sushi adventure.

1. Sushi Katsuei

• Price: Starting at $55
• Locations: Park Slope, Brooklyn and West Village, Manhattan
• Offerings: Renowned for its outstanding sushi omakase at an affordable price. The omakase menu includes a selection of the freshest fish sourced from around the world.
• Unique Features: Offers one of the best values for sushi in NYC. The minimalist decor and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Website: sushikatsuei.com

2. Sushi Kai

• Price: $85 for the omakase menu
• Location: Upper West Side
• Offerings: Features an entry-level omakase with a variety of seasonal fish and creative dishes. Ideal for both sushi enthusiasts and newcomers.
• Unique Features: Opened in 2020, Sushi Kai has quickly gained a loyal following among locals for its quality and value.
• Website: sushikai.nyc

3. Sushi by Bou

• Price: $50 - $100 (varies by location and menu)
• Locations: Multiple locations including Flatiron, Nomad, and Times Square
• Offerings: Offers a 12-piece omakase experience that is both high-quality and fast-paced, typically completed in 30 minutes.
• Unique Features: Known for its speakeasy-style ambiance and hidden locations, providing a unique and intimate dining experience.
• Website: sushibybou.com

4. Sushi on Jones

• Price: $58 for a 12-piece omakase
• Locations: Bowery Market and West Village
• Offerings: Provides a quick 30-minute omakase featuring fresh and flavorful sushi with both traditional and modern touches.
• Unique Features: Open-air seating at Bowery Market location offers a casual and lively environment.
• Website: sushionjones.com

5. KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar

• Price: $27 - $60 (hand roll set menus)
• Location: NoMad
• Offerings: Specializes in freshly made hand rolls with warm rice and crispy nori, offering set menus ranging from three to six rolls.
• Unique Features: Focuses on simplicity and quality, providing an authentic and casual dining experience.
• Website: kazunori.com

6. Shinn East

• Price: $80 for the omakase menu
• Location: East Village
• Offerings: Features a 15-course omakase that includes a selection of sushi and small plates made with seasonal ingredients.
• Unique Features: Intimate setting with only eight seats at the sushi counter, ensuring personalized attention from the chef.
• Website: shinneasths.com

7. Sushi Dojo

• Price: $65 - $125 (various omakase options)
• Location: East Village
• Offerings: Offers several omakase choices, including a 12-piece sushi selection and a premium option with chef's choice sushi and sashimi.
• Unique Features: Blends traditional sushi techniques with modern elements, such as incorporating foie gras and gold leaf.
• Website: sushidojonyc.com

8. Uogashi

• Price: $95 (table seating), $135 - $185 (sushi counter)
• Location: Midtown West
• Offerings: Provides an authentic Edomae-style omakase experience, featuring fish flown in from Japan's Toyosu Market.
• Unique Features: Reopened after relocating, Uogashi continues to offer high-quality sushi at reasonable prices, especially at the table-serviced option under $100.
• Website: uogashi-nyc.com

9. Sushi Lab

• Price: $60 - $100 (various omakase options)
• Locations: Midtown and East Village
• Offerings: Offers innovative omakase menus that combine traditional sushi with creative twists, such as uni with caviar and gold flakes.
• Unique Features: The East Village location provides an intimate rooftop dining experience, adding to the ambiance.
• Website: sushilab.nyc

10. Mojo Omakase

• Price: $95 for the omakase menu
• Location: West Village
• Offerings: Serves a seasonal omakase menu with unique offerings, including less common fish and flavor combinations.
• Unique Features: The ambiance is enhanced by progressive house music, creating a modern and relaxed atmosphere.
• Website: mojoomakase.com

11. Uotora

• Price: $95 for the omakase menu
• Location: Crown Heights, Brooklyn
• Offerings: Offers high-quality omakase in an area less known for culinary destinations, featuring fresh and seasonal fish.
• Unique Features: Run by experienced NYC sushi chefs, Uotora provides excellent value due to lower operating costs in the neighborhood.
• Website: uotorabk.com

12. Temakase

• Price: $35 for six temaki hand rolls
• Location: East Village
• Offerings: Specializes in temaki hand rolls made to order, featuring high-quality fillings with warm rice and crisp nori.
• Unique Features: Provides a casual and affordable alternative to traditional nigiri omakase, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Website: temakase.com

13. Sushi Kaito

• Price: $75 - $95 (depending on menu selection)
• Location: Upper West Side
• Offerings: Features a traditional omakase experience with seasonal fish, offering both 12-piece and 15-piece options.
• Unique Features: The chefs engage with guests, enhancing the personalized dining experience.
• Website: sushikaito.com

14. Sushi Amane

• Price: Approximately $95 for lunch omakase
• Location: Midtown East
• Offerings: Provides an 18-course omakase featuring premium fish and ingredients, focusing on traditional techniques.
• Unique Features: Limited to eight seats, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience.
• Website: sushi-amane.com

15. MatsuNori

• Price: Approximately $75 for omakase
• Location: Long Island City
• Offerings: Offers a no-frills omakase with a choice of appetizers and a selection of fresh sushi, providing excellent value.
• Unique Features: BYOB policy adds to its appeal as a casual and affordable dining option.
• Website: matsunorinyc.com

16. Sushi Yasuda

• Price: $65 - $100 for lunch omakase
• Location: Midtown East
• Offerings: Emphasizes the purity of sushi with a selection of high-quality fish and minimalist preparations.
• Unique Features: The serene and minimalist setting allows the focus to remain on the food.
• Website: sushiyasuda.com

17. Sushi Ishikawa

• Price: $85 - $125 (various omakase options)
• Location: Upper East Side
• Offerings: Provides several omakase menus with creative sushi and unique flavor combinations.
• Unique Features: Chef Don Pham brings innovative touches to traditional sushi, enhancing the dining experience.
• Website: sushiishikawa.com

18. Sushi Lin

• Price: Approximately $85 for omakase
• Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn
• Offerings: Focuses on freshness and quality, sourcing seafood from Tsukiji Market and around the world.
• Unique Features: Chefs trained at top omakase spots, bringing expertise and passion to their craft.
• Website: sushilinny.com

19. Omakase by Korami

• Price: $75 for the omakase menu
• Location: East Village
• Offerings: Offers a selection of sushi and small plates with a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques.
• Unique Features: Intimate setting with personalized service, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Website: omakasebykorami.com

20. Sushi Nano

• Price: $80 for the omakase menu
• Location: Midtown West
• Offerings: Provides an omakase experience featuring fresh fish and traditional preparations in a cozy environment.
• Unique Features: Known for its friendly service and focus on customer satisfaction.
• sushinano.com

Final Notes

• Prices and menu offerings are subject to change. It's recommended to check the restaurant's website or contact them directly for the most current information.
• Many of these restaurants have limited seating and require reservations, especially for omakase experiences. Booking in advance is advisable.
• These restaurants offer exceptional value, combining quality and affordability to provide memorable omakase experiences.

Exploring these budget-friendly omakase options allows you to experience the artistry and flavors of high-quality sushi without the premium price tag typically associated with omakase dining in New York City.