Omakase: Embrace the Element of Surprise and Let the Chef Decide

Sushi of Gari
402 East 78th Street
New York, NY 10075
(212) 517-5340

Ambiance
Sushi of Gari is an Upper East Side staple for any sushi aficionado. Inside, the restaurant’s elegant brick walls, modern seating arrangements and proximity to some of the city’s most talented sushi chefs ensure a sophisticated (not to mention delicious) dining experience. Enjoy the restaurant’s Omakase tasting menu of seasonal items curated by Masatoshi “Gari” Sugio.

Menu favorite
Gari’s Choice “Omakase” (Price Upon Request)

Vegetarian option
Tofu Salad with fresh organic vegetables, seaweed, avocado, tomato and homemade daikon radish dressing ($9)

Stellar side
Kinoko made with butter-sauteed enoki, garlic, shiitake and regular mushrooms ($8)

Good to know
Sushi of Gari is the first of four affiliated restaurants. Others include Gari Columbus, Sushi of Gari 46, and Sushi of Gari Tribeca.

Sushi Seki
1143 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10065
(212) 371-0238

Ambiance
With an elegant, cozy interior and refined furnishings, this small Upper East Side eatery has a loyal following of sushi connoisseurs. The restaurant walls are lined with geometric raw wood designs and feature backlit sculptures that provide the perfect glow for a relaxed dining experience.

Menu favorite
Omakase Sushi and Sashimi ($80)

Vegetarian option
Snow Pea Salad with dried onions and garlic soy dressing ($7.50)

Stellar side
Soft Shell Crab Roll ($15)

Good to know
Sushi Seki’s menu spans from classics to new, innovative flavors. Expect the deliciously unexpected with your Omakase order.

Masa
10 Columbus Circle
Time Warner Center
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9800

Ambiance
Masa’s interior is as tastefully curated as Chef Masa’s artful Omakase offerings; both feature his core beliefs in shibui (simplicity devoid of unnecessary elements and the honest preservation of materials). Soft lighting, a single African Bubbinga plank bar top, and a mix of light and dark modern furnishings give the space a luxurious feel and the perfect mood for date night.

Menu favorite
20-25 Omakase courses featuring Eel Cucumber, Toro Tartare, Fugu Sashimi, Fugu Karaage, Langoustine, Mushroom Risotto, Wayu with white truffle and more. ($450)

Vegetarian option
White truffle sushi rice rolled in white truffle shavings

Stellar side
Kuruma Ebi (cooked tiger prawn)

Good to know
Chef Masa has earned a Forbes 5-Star Award, The New York Times’ 4-Star Review and a Michelin 3-Star Review for his culinary expertise.

Sushi Yasuda
204 East 43rd Street
New York, NY 10017
(212) 972-1001

Ambiance
Naomichi Yasuda, Shige Akimoto and Scott Rosenberg came together over their love of classical sushi and impeccable presentation. The chefs understand that each person has different tastes, and tailor each diner’s individual experience accordingly. The chefs even consider the size and shape of a person’s mouth to ensure that each guest has the best tasting experience! The restaurant’s calming space offers minimalist bamboo features and textured walls to create balance and dimension.

Menu favorite
Omakase (Price Upon Request)

Vegetarian option
Sushi Matsu with radish sprout roll or cucumber roll ($44)

Stellar side
Chilean Sea Bass Dai-Ginjo Kasuzuke marinated in sake reduction ($13.50)

Good to know
All of Sushi Yasuda’s sushi-grade fish is evaluated for its “spirit” or “energy” (in addition to size and freshness) to ensure the best possible tasting experience.