BYOB · December 22, 2022
BYO Omakase Spots in NYC under $100
Finding sushi in NYC is easy; the city is home to so many Japanese restaurants that range from casual three roll lunch specials to super high end, break-the-bank spots like Nobu and Masa. And while we love a good omakase, we often find ourselves in search of an experience that’s a bit more affordable, without … Continue reading “BYO Omakase Spots in NYC under $100”
Finding sushi in NYC is easy; the city is home to so many Japanese restaurants that range from casual three roll lunch specials to super high end, break-the-bank spots like Nobu and Masa. And while we love a good omakase, we often find ourselves in search of an experience that’s a bit more affordable, without sacrificing quality. To help make that search a little less daunting, we’ve compiled a list of the very best sub-$100 omakase spots in NYC. And bonus.. they’re all BYOB! You can thank us later.
Matsu Nori
PC: @alwayshungrybella Located on the Lower East Side, Matsu Nori is a go-to for a no frills, approachable omakase experience. Here, diners get the choice of three appetizers to start: an oyster topped with ikura, uni, and a sweet yuzu foam, bluefin tuna sashimi, spicy salmon with chips or Chawanmushi – steamed egg custard. The nigiri here are simply prepared, fresh and delicious. We also love that chefs here are eager to chat with you about each dish and explain the different types of fish.
Price: $78
What You Get: 12 pieces of nigiri, an appetizer, and a handroll
Shiki
PC: The Sushi Legend Shiki in Soho has quickly become a new favorite for omakase and is also a steal at just $65. Chefs Lin and Jackie named their restaurant Shiki, translated to “four seasons,” to showcase their utilization of seasonal and fresh ingredients year round. Each piece of nigiri here is truly a work of art and their scallop nigiri, specifically, is one we think about often. If you feel like going the extra mile, we definitely recommend trying some of their add on pieces like the toast with wagyu, uni and foie gras.
Price: $65
What You Get: 2 appetizers and 11 pieces of nigiri
Moko
PC: Moko Moko is truly a steal at just $65. This new East Village hotspot gets all their sushi flown in from Japan daily, so trust us when we tell you it’s really, really good. All of the pieces here are slightly dressed up, giving the entire experience more of an elevated feel. Some of our favorites include: sea scallop with truffle, fatty salmon with yuzu kosho and toro, scallop, uni with black caviar and chives.
Price: $65
What You Get: 1 appetizer, miso soup, 13 pieces of nigiri, strawberry ice cream
Tanoshi
PC: House of Haos Tanoshi is a NYC establishment when it comes to sushi, so even though it’s (slightly) above $100, it still needs to hold a spot on this sacred list. The walls are decorated with maps that point out where all of the ingredients are sourced from, which makes the melt-in-your-mouth fish quality that much more special. Chef Tashino suggests forgoing chopsticks and eating each bite with your fingers for increased efficiency, which we’re all about. It’s also one of the only spots we know of that serves a maki roll during the omakase meal, so rest assured you’ll be leaving full and happy after this thirteen course omakase.
Price: $108
What You Get: 1 appetizer, 10 pieces of nigiri, a maki roll, and a hand roll
Takumi
PC: Google Photos Takumi’s fifteen course tasting menu changes regularly based on their daily fish selection and seasonal ingredients. While they do have a sake menu here, rest assured that they still let you BYO, so you can still get a great deal. All of the bites are delicious, wth stand outs including the oyster with citrusy foam and the toro and caviar served on toast. And if you love Takumi as much as we do, you can also opt for a homeakase experience, where they bring the omakase to you! Pro Tip: let them know it’s your birthday, and they’ll give you a free mochi for dessert.
Price: $89
What You Get: 3 appetizers, 11 pieces of nigiri, and a hand roll
Sushi On Me
PC: Eater NY If you’re looking for an Omakase experience that’s anything but traditional, you’ve come to the right place. Expect sparklers, smoke machines, torches, 2000’s pop music and unlimited sake. But also expect an incredible omakase experience that includes uni, caviar, oysters and the finest wagyu beef. Sounds too good to be true, right? It’s no surprise that reservations here can be hard to come by, so plan in advance and head to one of their two locations (Jackson Heights or Williamsburg) for a night you’ll never forget… or remember.
Price: $89
What You Get: 15 pieces of nigiri, several appetizers, unlimited sake
Sushi Kai
PC: Shiki Sushi Kai is another great BYO omakase spot, but one that’s definitely under the radar. From more traditional nigiri toppings like truffle and yuzu to the almost unthinkable: pesto, we are truly impressed with the overall quality and creativity of the sushi here. The uni ikura don is also one of our favorite parts of the meal and feels like a bonus after an extensive omakase meal.
Price: $85
What You Get: trio appetizer, 10 pieces of nigiri, uni ikura don, handroll