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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in the LES

Sake spots

A place to eat that treats sake as a proper pairing, not just an afterthought on a generic beverage menu.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated May 2026
01
Taikun Sushi image 1
Taikun Sushi image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Counter seats hold only six people, creating an intimate atmosphere with close interaction between chef and diners. A hidden speakeasy bar behind the restaurant offers a relaxed space for drinks after the meal. The vibe is serene and sophisticated, suited for quiet, focused dining experiences.

Food features expert preparation and seasonal additions that keep dishes fresh and new. The omakase dining experience includes delicious food paired with sake, with flavors that melt in your mouth.

Omakase and sake pairing stands out with delicious combinations. The value for dinner and sake is unbeatable in NYC, making the experience worth it.

People are saying

"The sushi here is amazing and creative."

"It felt so personal, like chatting with friends."

"The food here is outstanding and always fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating for six guests.

2

The omakase experience costs $85 per person for 13 courses.

3

An optional sake/wine pairing is available for an additional $55.

02
Ivan Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant offers cozy vintage atmosphere with close tables and a loud, chaotic vibe inside. Outdoor seating includes a heated, dog-friendly patio that provides a more private and comfortable experience. The space feels lively and crowded, making conversation difficult indoors but more relaxed outside.

Food here is consistently excellent with fantastic flavors. The pickle dipped in sauce with karagge stands out as a memorable bite.

Selections include a house sake and Hojun yuzu sake. Service offers small tastings to sample. The sake list pairs well with appetizers and ramen dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I ever had."

"The food here is delicious and on another level."

"The sake recommendations here are great."

Good to know

1

Make sure to reserve ahead of time to secure your table.

2

You must respond within five minutes if you receive an SMS about your table.

3

You need all members of your party to be present to get seated.

03
Wabi Nori Hand Roll Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant with chic interior design and freshly prepared handrolls creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Loud afro-house music adds a nightclub vibe, making it lively and energetic. Space feels intimate but can be tight at tables, suited well for casual dates or social dining.

Food here is consistently delicious with a variety of tasty dishes and drinks. The menu pairs well with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.

A terrific sake menu offers a variety of options including dry sake by the carafe. The bartender and chef both suggest excellent sake choices that enhance the experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food service here is so friendly and accommodating."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

"The sake selection here is great and really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has a $10 minimum for credit card payments.

04
Izakaya Juraku image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Japanese beer house style blends with anime-themed decor and One Piece projections on walls, creating a vibrant, quirky atmosphere. The space feels like a mix of trendy Tokyo bar and classic Kyoto izakaya, lively yet comfortable for conversation. Unique fusion cocktails and artisanal Japanese beers complement the authentic vibe.

Unbelievable food offers a mix of fun and delicious flavors. The menu pairs well with delicious drinks and comes with attentive service.

A comprehensive selection of sake and Japanese beers fills the menu. Creative sake creations stand out, with staff suggestions matching well to preferences.

People are saying

"The ramen here is outstanding, especially the brown butter."

"The food here is great and tasty."

"I found the sake selection here to be extensive and unique."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties or peak times.

3

The restaurant charges around $50 per person for food and drinks.

05
Mojo East image 1
Japanese restaurant

Minimalist space with counter seating creates an intimate yet lively atmosphere. Fast-paced omakase experience offers exceptional sushi at an unbeatable price. An impressive sake selection complements the vibrant, welcoming vibe.

Food here is fresh and wonderful with chefs who prepare dishes efficiently and explain each item. Portions can be small, but the overall quality and value make for an excellent dining experience.

A great sake selection pairs well with fresh nigiri in the omakase. Friendly staff offer helpful recommendations to match your taste.

People are saying

"The omakase Japanese food experience here is impeccable and personalized."

"The omakase here is amazing and surprisingly affordable."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The omakase set costs $55 with no tipping required.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid cancellation fees.

3

The omakase experience includes 13 courses of sushi.

06
Douska image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small indoor space with a sushi bar and covered outdoor seating offers a laid-back atmosphere with Japanese sleek design. The vibe suits solo visits, casual dates, or drinks with friends, featuring cozy and chill energy. Outdoor area is dog friendly but can be noisy and less inviting.

Food features fresh fish and sashimi served in a Temaki set platter with rice, miso soup, and condiments. The dishes come out fast with quick, no-frills service and offer good value for the price.

Selection includes Brooklyn Kura and other bottles. Sake pairs elegantly with sushi dishes. Options range from fine to more distinctive choices.

People are saying

"The fish here is amazingly fresh and tasty."

"The vibe here is so chill and comfortable."

"The food here is amazing and really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are usually required due to high demand.

2

Expect to wait in a hallway area before being seated.

3

The omakase is priced at $57 per person.

07
Toka chef kitchen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen design creates an interactive vibe with a spacious layout featuring a large L-shaped counter and about 14 seats. Atmosphere is generally quiet and warm, with a clean and comfortable setting. Energy varies with guest volume, often feeling calm due to low occupancy.

Food features bold flavors and fresh ingredients with unlimited beer and sake options enhancing the meal. Service stays attentive, complementing the delicious dishes.

Unlimited sake pairs with sushi and omakase dishes. Personalized recommendations add a custom touch to the sake selection.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The food's fresh ingredients melt in your mouth."

"You can add $20 for all you can drink sake."

Good to know

1

This month, the restaurant changes to an AYCE and AYCD omakase concept.

2

You can bring your own bottle (BYOB) to the restaurant.

3

The $46 tasting menu includes 3 chef-selected dishes and one uni pasta.

08
Toriya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Interior combines neon-soaked decor with wooden booths and paper lanterns, creating a warm, authentic izakaya vibe. Music varies from lively to loud, shaping a bustling atmosphere that suits groups more than quiet dates. Space feels roomy yet retains an underground Osaka bar charm.

Food centers on insanely good Japanese skewers with amazing flavors and personable service that complements the meal well.

Diverse sake selection pairs well with the artfully presented dishes. Staff offers knowledgeable guidance to find the perfect sake for your meal.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is tender and grilled to perfection."

"The food here is delicious, especially the grilled fish and chicken."

"I loved the yakitori skewers; they were delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Don't miss their happy hour from 5-7 PM, where you can enjoy $1 (for 3 pieces) of okonomiyaki.

2

The restaurant charges a mandatory 20% gratuity and a 20% service charge on the bill.

3

The restaurant can accommodate big groups.

09
Oi bozu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior combines modern design with a cozy cafe atmosphere and Japanese music for a relaxed, upscale vibe. Seating includes a long counter bar and a large dining area, making it suitable for working or studying. Unique, extensive sake selection and authentic Japanese flavors create a distinctive dining experience.

Creative dishes highlight fresh fish and unique Japanese flavors. Both dinner and morning meals showcase modern sushi and Kaiseki cuisine prepared like a work of art.

A huge selection of sake stands out here, with options that are both unique and extensive. Staff members help pick the right sake, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

"You have to try the sushi bombs; they're playful and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's burger steak was so juicy."

"The Japanese food here is amazing and creative."

Good to know

1

Happy hour includes sushi and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

For the soft opening, they offer free drip coffee with a pastry purchase.

3

The cafe transforms into a bar/izakaya at night.

10
Kaki image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant offers an intimate setting with sharp, stylish design and comfortable bar seating. Loud pop and rap music create a high-energy atmosphere that can make conversation difficult. Guests enjoy an interactive omakase experience featuring a lively fire show and complimentary sake.

Food offers incredible value with every dish showing great quality. Fish melts in your mouth, making the dining experience worth every penny.

Staff offer free house sake regularly, keeping it flowing at the bar. Generous pours come with meals even though the place is BYOB.

People are saying

"The omakase here is the best Japanese food I've ever had."

"The food here was amazing and super creative."

"They offered free house sake with the meal."

Good to know

1

Kaki is running an August special of $55 for 13 courses.

2

You need to bring your own beverage (BYOB) to Kaki.

3

The team made the birthday celebration special with a complimentary matcha dessert.

11
TAKUMI OMAKASE image 1
Japanese restaurant

Tiny six-person sushi counter creates an intimate setting with modern, elegant decor. Lively and energetic atmosphere contrasts typical omakase calm, featuring friendly interaction between chef and diners. BYOB policy and complimentary sake add to the welcoming experience.

Omakase here offers impeccable quality with excellent food and service. The dining experience feels perfectly curated from start to finish.

Great sake menu includes complimentary sake with meals. Staff often offers personalized handwritten cards and free sake cans for special occasions.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and high quality."

"The food here is so fresh and thoughtfully crafted."

"They surprised me with a handwritten card and sake for my birthday."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the 5pm seating on Saturdays.

2

The restaurant is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle).

3

The price for the 15-course omakase is $85, which is reasonable for NYC.

12
Yopparai image 1
Japanese restaurant

Traditional Japanese interior features tatami mat seating and intimate bar two-seaters, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. Dim lighting and unique decorations enhance the intimate, homey vibe. A carefully curated sake menu complements the setting, appealing to sake lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Unique Japanese dishes come with authentic flavors and careful presentation. Portions are small and prices lean toward the expensive side, with food designed to complement the sake experience.

Traditional tatami mat seating sets a cozy tone for enjoying a very good selection of sake. Small dishes and sashimi pair well with the sake, which is presented in a way that appeals even to non-sake drinkers.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic izakaya plates and unique tatami seating."

"It's an intimate spot perfect for cozy conversations."

"The seafood donburi here is packed with fresh sashimi."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

Expect to spend around $50 to $75 per person.

3

The restaurant offers upscale izakaya fare in an intimate setting.

13
Zest Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy izakaya style sushi bar with dark interior and outdoor euro-style seating creates an intimate yet lively atmosphere. Music adds to the coffee house vibe, making it casual and inviting. Fresh, innovative sushi and happy hour drinks attract a crowd willing to wait for a spot.

Fresh and delicious sushi stands out with consistently terrific food and service. The cuisine is very good and the atmosphere feels friendly.

A generous portion of sake comes with each order. The selection includes Yuki Nigori Lychee and other options that suit various tastes. Sake pairs well with dishes like Jalapeรฑo Wings and sushi.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sushi."

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"The sake here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30pm to 7:00pm with $6 items.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid a 30-40 minute wait.

3

The restaurant is small, so arrive early to secure a table.

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Lower East Side, New York

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