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Mar 21, 2007 11:10 AM

Best not crazy expensive sushi place in city?

Don't want to spend Sushi Yasuda, Gari or Nobu prices but looking for more of a Hatsuhana or Sushi Senin price range. Any suggestions? Are those two places great?

Don't want to go to UES or UWS and atmosphere is important.


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  1. We stumbled across Tora in the West Village and it's exactly what you're looking for. It's on 7th Ave. South, east side of street, below Bleecker. They have fabulous special rolls. I generally fill up on a combination of two and it's only around $20. Service is sweet. Everything we've had has been surprisingly fresh and great. For a treat we still go to Gari once or twice a year, but this is our go-to sushi place now. Strangely, it has remained relatively undiscovered.

    1. The original comment has been removed
      1. My friend recommended Jewel Bako. Here's his review...
        "Jewel Bako (5th Street between 2nd and 3rd Aves). Once again, it was stunning and is still the best sushi I've ever tasted ... and the room is really really cool and has impeccable service. I'm sure the full omakase is amazing, but the plain old sushi tasting is quite filling and every piece is uniquely done. '

        4 Replies
        1. re: FIFO22

          bako is my absolute favorite. jack and grace do a fantastic job, but i would not call it inexpensive. in fact, it's quite pricey. BUT, i would not say they have their hand in my pocket. somehow, the food seems worth the price.

          1. re: FIFO22

            Jewel Bako is now closed, unfortunately.

            1. re: davisready

              Jewel Bako is not closed. I just called to confirm--still very open.

              1. re: Lucia

                The one that closed was Maki Mono...their other restaurant.

          2. Oh and I forgot the last line of his review...

            'Please try ... or forever be ignorant of true (and affordable) culinary bliss."

            1. My favorite sushi place in the city is Tomoe Sushi (right next to Lupa). It's tiny and the line is long but it's worth it. Fresh and huge pieces of sushi for a reasonable (not cheap, but not crazy pricey) sushi. I go back there often.

              2 Replies
              1. re: nyccookie

                Oooh; I love Tora, too, for great service and food. Also delicious (and fairly reasonable) is Takahachi in the East Village.

                1. re: bread for breakfast

                  Takahachi is a good value. But if OP wants atmosphere, Le Miu is a better choice. Takahachi is kind of frenetic, and un-pretty.