Monday, January 24, 2011

Best of New York: Sushi

It wasn't so long ago that the idea of eating raw fish could send a chill up many a spine. But in the last two decades, sushi has become as familiar to many New Yorkers as a burger and fries. Where to find your favorite fish? Check out these spots for some of the best sushi in NYC:

Kanoyama

This East Village gem is a favorite of sushi shoppers looking for a good deal. The price is right, the scene is peaceful, and the fish is some of the freshest in town. Insiders say that the toro (tuna) is some of the best in town; it’s flown in from Tokyo, like many of the seafood offerings here. And, unusually for a sushi restaurant, fans praise the rotating selection of desserts, from candied ginger ice cream to a red bean and tofu pudding.

175 Second Ave at 11th St (212-777-5266)
kanoyama.com

Masa

The prices are steep, but the sushi is legendary. If you’ve got money to burn, head directly to Masa. Once you sit down at the bar or one of the tiny restaurant’s other 26 seats, you’re in the hands of the master: Chef Masa Takayama. For $300, the chef will serve you a set menu he’s prepared for the night. Expect lots of high-end ingredients thrown in with Japanese classics, like white truffle tempura, at this ultra-chic spot, one of the few restaurants in NYC to earn three Michelin stars.

10 Columbus Cir, Ste 4F, Manhattan; 212-823-9800
masanyc.com

Sushi Yasuda

Not as expensive as Masa, but with a level of quality that is rare among comparable New York spots, Yasuda is perhaps the most beloved sushi restaurant in town. Known for his minimalism and attention to each individual ingredient, Chef Naomichi Yasuda made simplicity a star here. Although the chef left for Japan at the end of last year, you can still see his protégés practicing their craft at the bar seating, a must for any fish fan.

204 E 43rd St, Manhattan; 212-972-1001
sushiyasuda.com

Ki Sushi

For sushi lovers in Brooklyn, Ki Sushi is a must. With the lights low and the music high, the restaurant has a young, hip atmosphere that is matched by the attitude of its dishes. The rolls include inventive creations like the namesake Ki Roll: tuna, salmon, and yellowtail topped with spicy crab, avocado, caviar, and even some gold leaf. But the style is matched by substance, even in the appetizers, where the warm mushroom salad is a standout.

122 Smith St, Brooklyn; 718-935-0575
ki-sushi.com

Ushiwakamaru

From the outside, this downtown sushi spot looks like any other generic joint you might pass. But step inside and you’ll discover some seafood that you probably weren’t expecting. Unusual items like sayori (needlefish), sazae (Japanese shellfish similar to abalone), and shiroebi (tiny raw shrimp) all make frequent appearances on the menu for the adventurous eater. And the restaurant is surprisingly budget-friendly: You can pick your own price for an omakase menu that’s tailored to your budget.

136 W Houston St, Manhattan; 212-228-4181

Image: Daniel St.Pierre / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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