The concept behind the omakase centers around the chef’s choice, with dishes ranging from sushi to composed small plates to delicate bites. These days, it’s one of the most popular dining experiences, especially in Manhattan.
However, since sushi-grade fish flown in fresh from Japan gets pricey, the price of an omakase can easily fall into the $200, $300, and $400 categories. That’s why we found 10 perfect experiences for just $150 per person, allowing more people to experience the joy of having the chef feed you.
Kinjo: $95 for 11 Courses
Hit up the DUMBO Japanese spot for an elevated sushi omakase that truly exceeds the price point. Nestled under the Manhattan Bridge in a former torpedo factory, Kinjo has a cocktail lounge and a 13-seat walnut sushi counter. There you’ll find Masa alum Johnny Huang serving an 11-course spread featuring the highest-quality fish and the flavors of broader East Asia.
The set menu includes two opening dishes, six nigiri, two closing dishes, and dessert. The adjacent bar serves small plates, Japanese whiskey, and creative cocktails with spirits sourced from across Asia. 11 Adams St., DUMBO, Brooklyn, kinjodumbo.com
Koete Omakase: Starting at $65 for 11 Courses
There are some caveats to chef Jason Lin’s Times Square restaurant. For starters, diners only get 60 minutes for the 11-course omakase, and 90 minutes for the 15-course, $118 version. It’s the perfect set up for those looking to get in and out and to a Broadway show on time.
Once in, guests sit at the intimate 20-seat counter, where Lin moves through the strategically-timed omakase. The dishes stun, and showcase a balance of Japanese tradition with subtle European influences. 1695 Broadway, Theatre District, koeteomakase.com
Chemistry Room: Starting at $60 for 12 Courses
Inside the luxury Sanctuary Hotel on the ground level, you’ll find theChemistry Room, which offers two omakase menus including a 12-course set for $69, and a 15-course spread for $100. There’s also a 12-course, pre-theater happy hour for $60, which gets you in and out within an hour.
Enjoy the omakase at the bar or table. Additionally, try traditional Japanese cuisine too, including sesame-crusted tuna, a bento box with chicken teriyaki, and Caesar salad laced with wasabi. The craft cocktails add another showstopping layer. 130 W. 47th St., Midtown, thechemistryroom.com
Sushi Lab Rooftop: Starting at $69 For 12 Courses
Head to the top of the Sanctuary Hotel and you’ll find a second omakase spot, Sushi Lab Rooftop by executive chef Frankie Chen. Think of it like an adventure as you tour the maze of halls, go up the elevator, and take a few flights of stairs to the stunning garden terrace.
The full experience, a 15-course omakase for $100, includes fresh truffle and caviar. Additionally, other sushi items can be ordered à la carte. 132 W. 47th St., Midtown, sushilab.com
Sushi Ouji : $149 for 14 Courses
Opened in 2024 by chef Emily Li, the 12-seat counter restaurant resides below street level on Prince Street in SoHo. The lauded space evokes the quiet, utilitarian sushi counters found in Tokyo’s municipal buildings. Fish is sourced weekly from Toyosu Market, with standout bites including the Cold Smoked Mackerel Tuna Sashimi, Japanese Bluefin Tuna, Hokkaido Bafun Uni, Kuruma Ebi, and a signature Futomaki. 196 Prince St., SoHo, ouji196.com
Tokyo Record Bar: $95 for 7 Courses
Tokyo Record Bar is a two-part restaurant and cocktail bar in Greenwich Village run by Chilean chef Ignacia Valdés. One side hosts Cocktail Bar, featuring drinks curated by Yana Volfson. Then on the lower level you’ll find Vinyl Jukebox, a kissa-style omakase enhanced by a customer-curated soundtrack showcasing the restaurant’s huge record collection. While it’s fun to hang out there, keep in mind each seating runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes. 127 Macdougal St., Greenwich Village, tokyorecordbar.com
Sasabune: Starting at $70 for 10 Courses
First thing to note is chef Kenji Takahashi’s moto, which reads: “No California roll, no spicy tuna roll, and trust me.” When he opened up his Upper East Side spot in 2006, New Yorkers flocked to the small 30-seat restaurant to order a 10-course omakase, or the 12-course version for $102 (also includes miso soup and a hand roll). On any given day, the chef decides what he will prepare based on availability, the season, freshness, and overall flavor vibes. 401 E. 73rd St., Upper East Side, sasabunenyc.com
Saishin: $135 for 14 Courses
Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline add a second reason to visit Saishin, an omakase restaurant located in the Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District. While the curated menu sings, add-ons shouldn’t be missed, including Coconut Shrimp Bao, Lobster Udon, and individual nigiri. There’s also a 19-course omakase for $175. Bonus, the open-air rooftop slays in warmer months. 18 9th Ave., Meatpacking District, exploresaishin.com
Sendo: Starting at $33 for 10 Courses
Tokyo-inspired Sendo may be the most affordable omakase in the city. For $33 you get 10 courses, or splurge for 13 at just $48. The walk-in only restaurant may offer a minimalist menu, each part has been thoughtfully curated. For example, the award-winning rice from Hokkaido, Japan, and premium fish from Toyosu market. 876 6th Ave., Midtown, sendo.nyc
Sushi Yasuda: $110 for 10 Courses
When looking for a more classical Japanese counter experience, Sushi Yasunda stands out, and has since 1999. Here the omakase hasn’t been pre-set. Instead, as is common in Tokyo, the chef sets the direction and the meal unfolds in response to the diner, their appetite, timing, and budget.
The meal follows a clear arc, yet it can linger on a particular fish, shift in richness, or conclude when the diner feels satisfied. For example, a meal might begin with the clean translucence of the white fish hirame, then ease toward cuts of tuna, lingering on the fish in order to go deeper into the different layers of fattiness. Luxury here is expressed through control of detail rather than a fancy display. 204 E. 43rd St., Midtown, sushiyasuda.com
