15 East

15 E 15th St, New York, NY 10003 212-647-0015

Description: UNION SQUARE. Executive Sushi Chef Masato Shimizu greets guests with an eager smile and a friendly demeanor. Shimizu enjoys teaching diners about the fish he serves, going so far as to show them the exact cut or section of fish in a book. His gregariousness is surpassed only by his precise command of technique, demonstrated by the simple purity of his sushi - Shimizu doesn't use exotic ingredients or flashy garnishes to prop up his work.
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Blue Ribbon Sushi

119 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012 212-343-0404

Description: SOHO. A sibling to the popular Blue Ribbon Restaurant, Blue Ribbon Sushi offers tantalizingly fresh, somewhat pricey choices in its modest SoHo digs. Good choices include creative takes on dragon rolls, fresh sea urchin and cooked shallots and roe. A good selection of soups, salads and vegetarian dishes are also available. Order sake samplers or by the bottle from the well-stocked bar. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St
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BondSt

6 Bond St, between Broadway & Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012 212-777-2500

Description: NOHO. This celebrity hot-spot offers an attractive setting, chic diners and an excellent menu to delight even the most fussy of palates. The creative kitchen comes up with delectable offerings such as oba-leaf sorbet and sushi topped with gold leaf. Order one of Bond Street's many sakes, sit back, grab a cell phone and bask in the excitement and frantic activity that is New York. TRAIN: 6 to Bleecker St
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Hamachi

34 E 20th St, between Broadway & Park Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-420-8608

Description: FLATIRON DISTRICT. Hamachi is the one place that is known for its sushi. There's nothing eye catching about the décor but the fresh seafood has real zip. Each dinner is bursting with flavor and is well priced; the salmon is one of their specialties. If you have never tried sushi before this is the place for you and for the regulars who'll come back soon. Hamachi offers delivery and private rooms for parties. TRAIN: 6, N, R to 23rd St
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Hasaki

210 E 9th St, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-473-3327

Description: EAST VILLAGE. For great sushi, try this non-descript East Villager, located between Second and Third Avenues. Make sure you show up early, though, because the cozy dining area tends to get packed quickly most evenings with everybody from neighborhood bohemian-types to hungry suit-wearing professionals. Favorites include their salmon tempura, beef negimaki, kanisu and buttery yellowtail. After your main course, hang around a bit and enjoy some fresh coffee and one of their green tea ice cream dishes for a light but satisfying dessert. Twilight Dinner sampling plate $20, Tasting Course $100. Reservations are not accepted. TRAIN: L to 3rd Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Hiroko's Place

75 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012 212-625-1303

Description: SOHO. Despite what your instincts might tell you upon reading the name of this cafe, you will most definitely not be able to order Japanese food here. Instead, what you'll find is youshoku, or Japanese-style Western food. You'll find unique down-home creations that mix unexpected flavors with great success. The omurice (omelet stuffed with fried rice and drizzled with ketchup) in particular is a satisfying and intriguing choice, and while you're waiting on your food, you can even read the Japanese manga arranged on shelves in the restaurant.
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Jewel Bako

239 E 5th St, between 2nd & 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-979-1012

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Widely regarded as one of the Village's best options for sushi, Jack and Grace Lamb's snug little "gem" on Fifth Street roundly deserves any and all accolades it receives. From the chic bamboo arches to the coveted sushi bar, the space typifies many of those qualities out-of-towners often associate when the term "cool neighborhood eatery in NYC" comes up. Of course, the fare more than pulls its weight. Traditional, simple, and always fresh ­ what Jewel's kitchen does with tuna toro, golden-eye snapper and blue mackerel is nothing short of magical. They also have several artisan sakes available. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl
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Kanoyama

175 2nd Ave, at 11th St, New York, NY 10003 212-777-5266

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Streamlined and spare, this East Village sushi joint draws a loyal following thanks to its focus on lesser known varieties of fish ­ the relatively modest prices help, too. Mains are divided into two categories (those from the sushi bar and those from kitchen) and range from the four-shrimp Tempura Special to Omakase Sashimi (samplings of the day's nine best fish), respectively. In fact, perhaps the one thing at Kanoyama that gives the sushi a run for its money is the selection of sake ­ from Honjozo to Ginjo, they serve eight types and a few dozen brands. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, W, N, Q, R, L to Union Sq
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Marumi

546 La Guardia Pl, New York, NY 10012 212-979-7055

Description: WEST VILLAGE. This popular little eatery, located between Bleecker and West Third Streets, is usually packed with neighborhood folk and local business-types at both lunch and dinner. The West Village regulars swear by their sushi, claiming the yellowtail and California rolls make equally appetizing choices any time of the day. Make sure you get there early, or you'll stand and wait for a while. Reservations not accepted. TRAIN: 6 to Bleecker St; A, B, C, D, E, F, Q to W 4th St-Washington Sq
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Megu

62 Thomas St, between Church & W Broadway, New York, NY 10013 212-964-7777

Description: TRIBECA. Tucked between West Broadway and Church, Megu offers a full sensory experience, from the stunning dining room and its open design, high ceilings, clay walls and five-foot ice sculpture to fantastic dishes like Rikyu-style Kobe beef filet skewers or miso-marinated lamb chops. Of course, for sophisticated palates, the chef's tasting menus are the only options, even if they do carry price tags starting $120. TRAIN: A, C, 1, 2, 3, 9 to Chambers; 1, 9 to Franklin St
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Morimoto

88 10th Ave, Chelsea Market, New York, NY 10011 212-989-8883

Description: CHELSEA. This Philly transplant, co-owned by Chef Masaharu Morimoto and restaurateur Stephen Starr, is a super stylish scene (a wall made of water bottles actually separates the dining room from the sushi bar) that attracts a fair number of high-profile guests. The menu includes a number of fantastic mains, but for a truly unique Morimoto experience, you must order the Omakase. TRAIN: A, C, E to 14th St. ; L to Eighth Ave
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Nobu

105 Hudson St, at Franklin St, New York, NY 10013 212-219-0500

Description: TRIBECA. Punctuated by frequent visits from celebrities and the New York elite, Nobu serves food that definitely lives up to its reputation. Try the "new-style sashimi," lightly cooked with garlic and ginger-flavored olive oil. Squid pasta is also a good choice. Not sure which items to try? Try several! The Omakase ­ a multi-course selection of the chef's choosing ­ covers a wide range of flavors, textures and styles. Don't forget to check out the great sake selections and strong wine list ­ a complement to any meal. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Franklin St
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Nobu Next Door

105 Hudson St, between Franklin & N Moore St, New York, NY 10013 212-334-4445

Description: TRIBECA. Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare soars to unbelievable heights at this off-shoot of the original (and legendary) Nobu. Make no mistake: The scene at Next Door is completely independent of that at its elder sibling, but it's no less evocative. Designed by David Rockwell, the sleek space recalls the seaside ­ one of the walls is even made of nori. The fare, meanwhile, mirrors that of Nobu. Chef Matsuhisa's multi-course omakase menus are even available ($80-120 per person). TRAIN: 1, 9 to Franklin St
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Omen

113 Thompson St, between Prince and Spring Sts, New York, NY 10012 212-925-8923

Description: SOHO. One of SoHo's better Japanese restaurants, Omen offers tradition with flair. Diners appreciate the place's warm, almost cozy feel, made complete by an assortment of interesting Japanese works of art. The food is simply wonderful and includes three prix fixe options (beef, sashimi and tempura), each of which feature such favorites as eel omelets, steamed kingfish and red fern rolled in fried tofu. Pre fixe dinner: $60. TRAIN: N, R at Prince St; C, E at Spring St
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Sapporo East

245 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003 212-260-1330

Description: EAST VILLAGE. For tasty but inexpensive sushi, head to Sappora East. Located on the corner of 1st Avenue and 10th Street, this friendly haunt is a closely guarded East Village secret that manages to attract everybody from Wall Street brokers to area college students. First-timers will want to sample one of the well-portioned plates, perhaps the sashimi or tempura. The noodle soup and miso udon are also popular options. Try to snag a window seat if you can, as they are the best in the house. Reservations are not accepted. TRAIN: L to 1st Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Sobaya

229 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003 212-533-6966

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Neighborhood folks know to head to this busy little shop if they are in the mood for great homemade Japanese food but on a tight budget. Cozy Sobaya, tucked away between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, offers diners a nice, quiet dining room and friendly waitstaff ­ the perfect mix for a relaxing evening out. Specialties include their soba noodles and miso udon, but other choices are equally tasty. For dessert, you'll definitely want to try some of their delicious homemade ice cream. A word to the wise: the honey-wasabi is best. TRAIN: L to 3rd Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Sushi Samba

245 Park Ave S, between 19th and 20th Sts, New York, NY 10003 212-475-9377

Description: GRAMERCY. Trendy and happening, Sushi Samba collects a vivacious crowd of yuppies who really get into this Japanese cooking with a South American twist. The sushi bar draws rave reviews, as does one of their specialty dishes, the sawagani ­ tiny river crabs that are flash-fried and served whole on your plate. Enjoy the crunch of the legs! Samba music and plenty of kicky drinks make for a fun environment. The decor reflects the fun with an upscale look done in primary colors. Trendy dress is a must. TRAIN:L, N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St-Union Sq
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Takahachi

85 Ave A, between 5th & 6th St, New York, NY 10009 212-505-6524

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Located on the fringe of Alphabet City, this eatery may not look like much but, then again, that's par for the course if you're looking for a diamond in the rough. Raw fish is king here, and the neighborhood folks know it. Try the sushi, sashimi or both, but keep in mind that the beef sukiyaki, ginger-fried chicken, and soba and udon noodles are also good bets. Make sure you arrive early, or you can expect a bit of a wait. Tasting menu is $30. Reservations are not accepted. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Tomoe Sushi

172 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012 212-777-9346

Description: SOHO. From street level, this popular Greenwich Village sushi stop seems a bit understated, but don't be fooled. The kitchen more than makes up for the spare ambiance with such excellent concoctions as shrimp dumplings, salmon sautéed in butter and an outstanding assortment of sushi. Locals rave about the great food at a good price. Business casual dress. Reservations not accepted, and no smoking permitted. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Houston St
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Yama

122 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003 212-475-0969

Description: UNION SQUARE. Even though hard to find, this restaurant is really a must ­ as the long line at dinner usually suggests. Try the fresh and tantalizing salmon teriyaki or the vegetable tempura with a good beer or glass of wine. Portions are generous, so bring a big appetite. Yama also serves a popular "Sushi for Two" platter that could actually feed more than two people. Business casual dress. Reservations accepted. No smoking. TRAIN: L, N, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St-Union Sq
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