NYC Sushi That Won't Break the Bank

A more elegant, under $40 sushi set may not be found in NYC! The ikura is always fresh and the nori on the rolls smells like heaven. Sushi Katsuei knows how to please :) 📅 If you're going on a weekend, make sure to book reservations in advance as they do fill up. 💡 Lighting is bright so if that's not the mood you prefer for a date, just let it be known. 👗 Business casual will be fine! 🪑 Counter seating and lots of 4-tops available

Mikado is my go-to in Chelsea for affordable 3-roll sets. There's nothing like a solid 3 rolls, still for under $20 in Manhattan with solid fish. I've also really been so proud of these guys moving from their tiny run-down location on 6th Ave to this new spot on W14th St! If you dine in, their new space is SO big and lovely - it's truly a nice spot. 📅 Reservations not needed 💡 Lighting is normal 👗 Casual or whatever you want! 🪑Seating is widely available and there are tables that can seat large parties! A great place to host a friend gathering.

The great thing about this place is that although lines do get long, you can be in and out in a snap! Handrolls are made fresh and in quick succession right in front of you. Recommend the 6 roll set which is around $35! 📅 No reservations, you gotta just show up! 💡 Lighting is medium dim, so it could be a mood for y'all daters 👗 Casual or business casual will be fine! 🪑 Counter seating. You sit next to each other not across. If that's your vibe, go for it!

Tomo21 is one of my ride-or-die spots. This cozy, non-assuming little place is amazing. The sushi deluxe is hands-down the best value at Tomo21! For around $45 and the most generous sushi portions in NYC, a must if your favorite pieces include ikura, sweet shrimp (amaebi), scallop, or fatty tuna. The sashimi deluxe gives even more variety with pieces like surf clam and squid! It is a lot of food though so you might consider sharing that one. Space is a bit tight, but walk-ins are welcomed. 📅 Not needed, just walk in. 💡 Lighting is medium bright. It's not very flattering or sexy in there tbh, but let's be honest that's not what we're there for. 👗 Super casual 🪑Mostly 2 seaters which could be combined to seat 4, and ~4-5 counter spots

TOWA is a recent 2022 favorite and I have been three times already! The 8 piece + roll sushi plate is elegant, luxurious feeling, high quality and incredible value for around $40. Their salmon ikura are the biggest I've ever seen! You can also visit for Omakase seatings which occur twice per night and cost around $130 which is pretty decent for NYC. TOWA is also great if you need a sushi place that has options besides sushi. They have an excellent variety of gorgeous dishes ranging from tempura to soba to nabe. 📅 You should book a reservation. 💡 Lighting is gorgeously dim, but you'll be able to see. Very very nice. 👗 Business casual or dressed up is great too! 🪑 Seating is available for parties of up to 8. You can probably squeeze in 10 if you really want at those long tables. Omakase is a counter seating.

Sushi Yasaka is an UWS fave for me, mainly due to the incredily low prices (under $30) they have for their chirashi and sushi set lunches. I recommend the chirashi over the sushi set if you like variety of fish. 📅 You should book a reservation on the weekends especially for dinner. Lunches, you might be able to get away with a walkin depending on the day. 💡 Lighting is quite dim, but not in a cute way. It would be fine for a date though if you prefer it to be darker. 👗 Casual 🪑 Mostly up to a 4-top although I'm sure they could move tables around for a bigger party.

A very fairly priced and high-quality omakase, around $80 for 15 pieces, especially in the Chelsea area! Just do note their dessert isn't anything to write home about so you should probably check out Ample Hills down the street or consider the new Van Leeuwen opening up on W16th nearby! 📅 You should book a reservation. 💡 Lighting is normal. 👗 Business casual or dressed up is great too. 🪑Seating is counter-only and you get the lovely experience of watching the chefs prepare it all in front of you.