Sushi Nakazawa image

Sushi Nakazawa

Restaurant Japanese restaurant Sushi restaurant

Destination sushi spot for high-end omakase (multicourse, chef's choice meals) in spare digs. People often mention sushi, experience, omakase, chef, fish, counter, restaurant, time, recommend, service,


Address

23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014

Website

sushinakazawa.com

Contact

(212) 924-2212

Price rating

$$$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 10 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 10 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 10 PM
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: sushi (41) experience (36) omakase (24) chef (15) fish (15) counter (12) restaurant (11) time (11) recommend (11) service (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Deena A. 2 years ago on Google
    Went there on a Sunday evening for dinner and was seated in the lounge area with other 4 people (ironically all couples celebrating their anniversary) the course was set for 21 pieces. Reservation is highly recommended as it is very popular restaurant. It was my first time experiencing omakase menu and it won’t be my last for sure in this restaurant. Each piece was tasty and checking the way it’s prepared made it even more special. The still water came into a bottle so they charged me for it 12$. I do highly recommend coming this for special occasions or not! Food is good and the whole experience was unforgettable.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Abby 7 months ago on Google
    UPDATE: It’s still tasty, but this time around they’ve really rushed the courses with like less than a few mins break. My husband said they added more time slots to their chefs table so they can make more money by shortening the time at the counter. It was quite difficult to enjoy our omakase freely as the chef had to rush to make sure the courses were served fast. Not the staffs fault, but it’s sad bc we felt rushed and unable to truly enjoy our food like we used to here. ——- ARCHIVED: The best sushi in town! We’ve dined at the chefs table and dining room. Chefs table is just 10x better bc great sushi needs to be eaten asap from chefs hands to you. There’s a difference! I would prefer more premium fishes throughout but the preparation and the way the fish melts in my mouth is pure bliss. Definitely a hit in my books!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Pia de J. 2 years ago on Google
    Pains me to say how disappointing this place is. I've had sushi from everywhere in the world and so excited for this hyped up resto. The service was impeccable and its a unique experience, but the crunchy dry rice in the sushi killed the experience. Such a shame as the seafood were all nice, fresh, and Creamy, but topped on rice so dry I could feel each grain. I'm hoping it was a bad night for the restaurant and they make rice properly on the regular, but for 100++ per person, I expected more.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hank C. 2 months ago on Google • 903 reviews New
    Omakese, $180 a person with some add-ons. Service pretty solid, conversation and banter with the chefs at the sushi counter is best; the lounge counter is ok, or a seat in the back. I didn't see Nakazawa here this time, he might e been away opening the California location coming up. The waygu ($20/pc) is a definite good add, and the special uni ($50/serving) is also worth it for uni lovers. The caviar was raved over by the neighbor but I didn't order it this time. top off with a great tea, wine and sake assortment. Reservations up to 14 days in advance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin M. 2 years ago on Google
    Traditional style sushi that focuses on bringing out the best of ingredients. Sushi was very delicious and was full at the end. Service was perfect and they were very attentive to the details. Pricey but coming once in a while for special occasion will be worth. Fav- scallop and raw shrimp
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dr JoAn M. 2 years ago on Google
    Had the omakase experience and most of the assortment was great…some unusual flavors that my palate couldn’t embrace for sushi. With wine, dinner for four was $1000. I took away the fifth star as we were rushed away from our table the second we paid our bill….the second we paid our bill….come on…probably should take away two stars.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Terence W. 8 months ago on Google
    There are few Michelin starred Japanese restaurants in NYC offering omakase at a "reasonable" price point, and this is one of them. I think the team was preoccupied today dealing with a private VIP event next door so we didn't have anyone help us out of the restaurant. As for the food, I would say the variety was very good, and the only disappointments were the fish at the beginning sat for too long and got warm, and the akami was a bit sinewy. The uni and egg were perhaps the high points. I know people were complaining that chef Nakazawa doesn't often take the helm anymore, but as long as the background prep work is good, it's no problem for me. Final verdict, decent value for Michelin level sushi, but only if they keep things up and not let it slip.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter J. C. 2 years ago on Google
    Ate at the sushi counter for lunch. Place is quiet, elegantly decorated and pristine. Food was amazing but the overall experience was one of the best I've been to. Not cheap but well worth the price from my experience. Will definitely revisit and Johnny, one of the floor managers, was amazing with great recommendations.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leslie T. 2 months ago on Google • 472 reviews New
    Came here for our anniversary meal, and it was a great experience. The sushi was delicious (fresh, seasoned perfectly), and the sake offerings paired very well. The chef was also friendly, making the experience not too stuffy. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Sukkaj N. 3 months ago on Google • 50 reviews New
    Sushi Nakazawa, awarded one Michelin star, is renowned for its exceptional omakase experience. The skilled chefs present a carefully curated selection of sushi, highlighting the finest flavors and textures. Each dish is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to quality and culinary artistry, making it a standout destination for sushi enthusiasts seeking a refined dining experience. Great tips! Making a reservation, communicating allergies, and exploring different courses with sake or wine pairings can enhance your experience at Sushi Nakazawa. Checking the website for updated operating hours and omakase course details is a smart move. Enjoy your dining experience!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tram N. 4 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    The restaurant was awarded one-star michelin in 2019 so I expected something “wow” to me but there is nothing special compared to other omakase places I had tried. Can’t deny that the fish was super fresh but most of pieces were plain. They basically gave us rice, fish, and wasabi. There were barely sauce added to the bite. I paid $150 for 20 courses which is reasonable but I want more “wow” overall.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily T. 1 year ago on Google
    I had the $180 omakase at the sushi counter which included 20 pieces and dessert (it’s $150 if you order omakase for a table or the lounge counter). This was the first time I was full after an omakase. The price is worth both the quantity and the quality. Each piece was generously sized, and everything tasted amazing. There were some pieces I had never tried before, such as the baby finless tuna and red cornetfish. The wasabi was authentic and freshly ground from a fresh wasabi root. The amount of wasabi was also appropriate and was not too strong. The shiso leaf with the ika was not overpowering (as it can sometimes be at other omakases). I’ve never had such a giant piece of scallop before. The rice was the perfect temperature, though I did not taste any vinegar in the sushi rice. I wasn’t expecting the omakase to include dessert which was a crème brûlée with green tea - sweet and crispy on top but not too sweet underneath with a soft gelatinous texture. There was 1 chef handling a total of 5 parties of 2 with appropriate timing between each piece, and 2 more dedicated to serving the tables and lounge counter. Chef Nakazawa was not there, but the food was impeccable regardless. I was surprised to hear all their staff speak Japanese, including the Caucasian employees. I also heard them accommodate other patrons’ custom requests such as less wasabi, etc. Highly recommended for not only a delectable sushi experience, but a filling one. Of note, the sushi counter specifically only allows reservations of max 2 people, so for our party of 4 we had to make 2 separate reservations of 2 and request to be seated together.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abhishek J. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow. Just WOW. Find a reservation and just go. I had the pleasure of visiting Sushi Nakazawa while I was spending some time in NYC. I got a seat at the lounge counter, which had a sushi chef preparing the sushi in-front of you. The sushi chef was incredibly friendly and the sushi had some of the best fish I have ever had. The sushi consisted of 20 different pieces using a variety of fish/proteins as well as an extra order of wagyu beef that I had wanted to try. The experience finished with some creme brûlée and some green tea. Throughout the approximately hour and a half experience, the full staff was incredibly attentive and pleasantly conversational. Definitely had a wonderful experience and would be willing to go again despite the cost of the experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandolph T. 1 year ago on Google
    The best omakase I’ve had to date! The overall ambiance and service was just as amazing as the food. If you’re visiting NYC like I was, you definitely have to try this place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yazmin G. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was amazing. The best sushi I have ever had by far. The omakase was a work of art and made me so happy. The chef was knowledgeable, friendly, and explained every piece of fish. He was so attentive and passionate about his craft, he made our experience so memorable.The customer service was beyond excellent. We asked for drink recommendations and each drink we had paired perfectly with our sushi. Would recommend that you eat here at least once if you’re in NYC. I will definitely go back next time I’m in NYC.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fernando J. 2 years ago on Google
    Had the omakase experience and it was definitely worth the money. The service was great and of course, the food met the standards. In my opinion, the rice was a bit saltier then other competitors. But I am sure there will be people that favor that as well. Overall, highly recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jia Hui W. 2 years ago on Google
    Best sushi experience I’ve ever had. First and foremost the service was impeccable, the staff was very attentive and were quick to get us anything we needed, but were not overbearing. We had the pleasure of sitting right in front of our chef, who was also extremely attentive. She checked halfway through the meal if my girlfriend wanted less rice so she could enjoy the whole meal. After a delicious fresh 21 courses, we were even able to get a pic with the chef. 5/5 experience, would 100% recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michelle W. 2 months ago on Google • 128 reviews New
    The food is good but a bit overpriced to be honest. The omakase is only sushi then very end a dessert, for this price would be nice to have some dishes without the rice. Wasabi is recommended which is understandable but charging $10 for a tiny bit of fresh wasabi is still a bit shocking. The place is modern, doesn’t give the atmosphere of a Japanese eatery. There are many servers but a bit disorganized that they often bumped into each other. Overall nice place but don’t really feel that worthwhile for an average of $250 spending per person.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deh V. 5 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Hands down the best omakase experience. We were seated at the sushi bar and the sushi and service were impeccable. There’s not much to say…just do it! The only downside for us this time, was that we dined here way back in 2015 when chef Nakazawa himself prepared and served us. However, seems like he no longer does that as he’s expanded and continues to expand, which is totally understandable. In hindsight, I guess we were fortunate to have had that experience 8 years ago.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kartika D. 5 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    I had a superb experience here. Fish selection is great and taste really fresh. Added the uni and wagyu A5 tasting, didn't disappoint. I love how they keep it simple and minimalist, which truly shows the taste of their premium ingredients. Chef was informative, and the service (by Hoby L) was very pleasant. Left with a full stomach and happy heart.

  • 5/5 Drew H. 6 months ago on Google • 52 reviews
    This place is phenomenal. We were able to get a lunch reservation here at the sushi bar on a weekday. It is a $180 Omakase Nigiri meal and the restaurant has a great selection of sake. There is a variety of fish and it is served piece by piece nigiri style along with a hand roll. Be sure to let the chef know if there is anything you do not like, but every single bite of fish is amazing and I do not recommend changing anything. My favorite part was the Hokkaido Uni I added onto the meal, I also loved eating three different cuts of tuna at once. This meal was truly a wonderful experience, anyone who has the opportunity to try definitely should.

  • 5/5 Jessica E. 5 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    I could sit at the bar here and have omakase all day! The quality of each fish was impeccable and the pacing was perfection. I am so impressed with our chef’s skill and ability to fire off each new piece so quickly and each one was better than the next. I had so many favorites including the Spanish mackerel, king salmon, and scallops. Honestly you’ll fall in love with each one. The service is excellent, they pull out the bar chair for you and push you in. They even noticed when I came back from the restroom and did this again. I can’t wait to come back here!

  • 5/5 Diane D. 2 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Me and my partner spent Christmas holiday in NYC and had omakase here. This place is such a fun part of our vacation. It is hiding in a small neighborhood and no restaurant sign outside. We walked back and forth along the street like scavengers hunting trying to guess which is door the right one. Two regular customers stopped us and pointed to a small black door. Entered the door is a small waiting room surrounded by a sectional sofa. A sharply dressed host in dark suits standing behind a desk confirmed our reservation in a cool, stern expression. Next to him a warm young lady quickly came forward and collected our winter jackets and hats and put away to a cloakroom. After the dinner I asked my partner - don’t you think the waiting room is fun, one is cold and one is warm? She was like - don’t remember except tasting sushi.

  • 5/5 fatemeh f. 7 months ago on Google
    Good presentations, quite tasty sushi. I strongly recommend dining there! The only downside was the waiter was telling us what was the food (type of fish and stuff) however I think an actual explanation of the ingredients on a paper or anything was nice too. Since I would like to know what I am eating! And it was not easy to understand the waiter! My other experience in a 3 star restaurant was better since at the end we got the menu at the end! The match tea was extremely delicious.

  • 5/5 David V. 8 months ago on Google
    Unreal experience here. Probably the best sushi I’ve had in my life and I’ve had sushi all over the world. This place is just incredible all around. It’s beautifully laid out, incredibly clean, and the food is mind blowing. I’ve been to both the NYC and DC locations and they are both worth a trip. Every single bite packs an astounding amount of complex flavor and has been perfectly crafted to be that way. This place is worth driving to NYC from Boston just to get dinner. Seriously, if you like sushi, this place is a must.

  • 5/5 Matteo B. 2 years ago on Google
    Really unfussy professionally waitered A grade sushi. Less inventive than expected, with stress on variety and breadth of fish offering. For what it is an incredible value.

  • 5/5 Ethan R. 7 months ago on Google
    The best sushi we’ve ever had along with the best service. I especially appreciate flipping the food arrangement to account for my dominant left hand. Can not recommend this place enough for a date or special occasion.

  • 5/5 Lalida A. 7 months ago on Google
    I am not an omakase expert by any means but have tried the more "affordable" ones in the city. Those one I definitely felt rushed and almost like the entire experience was 'transactional'. However, at Sushi Nakazawa, it felt very intimate, private, you get to learn about every bite and truly savor the experience - which is how omakase should be. I was VERY FULL afterwards. I felt like it was value for money if you compare it to the number of courses and the overall experience. The chef was truly lovely too.

  • 4/5 Ji Lin Z. 7 months ago on Google
    A lowkey spot tucked away on a quiet street in West Village. Sushi Nakazawa has amazing quality fish at a reasonable price point. A ton of variety of cuts to experience, some of my favorite courses include the chutoro and amberjack. Definitely worth a visit, tho if it's your first omakase I would recommend a more entry level place before you work your way up. Shinn East is one of my favorites. Atmosphere wasn't as traditional as some other sushi counters, though this isn't necessarily a bad thing if you want something more lively.

  • 4/5 Brighton Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Really good experience with the Chef's Omakase. If you come here, you shouldn't worry about money. I would recommend eating at the bar in front of the chef. I did unfortunately find a bone in my snapper, which I hope is an extremely rare occurrence for this restaurant.

  • 4/5 Tien F. 1 year ago on Google
    SEP, 2022 - They move through the omakase swiftly and effortlessly and suddenly it’s been 1.5 hour and you’re full. The smoked mackerel and fatty tuna were the highlight of the meal. The usage of citrus (finger lime) on various fish is unexpectedly refreshing and the torch was used at an expert level, adding just the right flavor on the edge of the fish. The uni and scallop, however, was good but not great as they’re not particularly flavorful and lack a sweet note as you’d expect from fresh scallop. The wait staff is nice but a little too attentive - it’s a personal presence but I don’t need to be asked twice whether I need to order supplements or not, and certainly don’t need my drinks to be refilled every time I take a small sip - I’m being nitpicky of this phenomenal meal but I think it’ll be even better if they just dial down a bit. They do add an automatic 20% tip so your bill for 2 will be close to $500 but the bill will ask you to write down tip again - slightly confusing - but again, just a small thing to be aware of if you’ve never been here before.

  • 2/5 Lynn F. 1 year ago on Google
    After hearing so many great things about Sushi Nakazawa, I finally got to try it two days ago. The sushi was good so was the customer service. But for $180 per person, I had better ones with lower price, and the least thing that I expected is to find a HAIR on my tuna… I was shocked and told the chef immediately. He was also horrified and kept saying “oh my gosh, I’m so sorry”. He then took this piece back and made me a new one. Maybe he’s too nervous that he added way too much soy sauce to the new piece…. The rest of the meal went on well (except that shortly after I saw a fly resting on the cabinet over the counter…) I didn’t tell the manager on the spot and when he asked me how was everything, I was just being polite and said all was good. I was there with my husband and mother in law that day and I really didn’t want to make a scene and ruin the experience. But I think I still need to let the restaurant and the future customers know. I really wanted to love this place but I simply can’t. 残念でした。

  • 5/5 Helen Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Great omakase experience, simple but quality pieces. Price is very worth it. Sat at the lounge counter which moved quickly, 1-1.5 hours in total. Quiet atmosphere

  • 5/5 Christine C. 2 years ago on Google
    Hands down my favorite sushi omakase. I’ve been visiting since they first opened. Service is always attentive. Sushi, just perfect. Haven’t seen Nakazawa sun for quite a while, but other chefs are wonderful too.

  • 5/5 Sharon C. 2 years ago on Google
    BEST SUSHI I HAVE EVER HAD! Ok let me start off by saying that it truly is fresh quality sushi. My boyfriend took me here recently for my birthday and it was a really fun experience. We sat at the lounge counter and it was a cool seeing how everything is prepared right in front of you. The service was also really good! I recommend this sushi place to anyone who wants fresh quality sushi and an overall fun michelin star restaurant experience!


Call (212) 924-2212 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Sushi restaurants nearby

Katz's Delicatessen image
1
Katz's Delicatessen
Deli
No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888.
$$ $$
4.50 (37.8K reviews)
Hard Rock Cafe image
2
Hard Rock Cafe
American restaurant
Rock ’n’ roll-themed chain with a high-energy vibe serving burgers & American classics.
$$ $$
4.40 (21.8K reviews)
Ellen's Stardust Diner image
3
Ellen's Stardust Diner
Diner
Multi-level '50s-themed diner with memorabilia, singing servers, and an extensive menu of American classics.
$$ $$
4.40 (18.5K reviews)
Joe's Pizza Broadway image
4
Joe's Pizza Broadway
Pizza restaurant
Modern outpost of a longtime counter-serve pizza joint prepping New York-style slices and pies.
$ $$$
4.50 (18K reviews)
Carmine's image
5
Carmine's
Italian restaurant
Relaxed, family-friendly restaurant serving a menu of homestyle Southern Italian meals.
$$ $$
4.50 (15.7K reviews)
Last updated:
()