ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi in Midtown East
Best Date Night Sushi in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Sushi Ginza
7.9
Sushi Ginza is a modern, softly lit First Avenue dining room where omakase, specialty rolls, and teriyaki lunch sets coexist on a broad menu. Online reviews highlight very fresh fish, polished service, and nicely plated tartares and tempura, making it a versatile choice for date night or a business lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Avocado Tartare, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Yellowtail Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A stylish, contemporary room with omakase-level fish quality and a menu that ranges from lunch bento to composed nigiri and tartares.
Who should go: Couples and clients wanting polished sushi in a calm setting.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for bento deals or early dinner for quieter tables.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Avocado Tartare, Rock Shrimp Tempura, omakase nigiri mix.
Insider tip: Lunch boxes deliver much better value than ordering those components à la carte at dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on First Ave and surrounding side streets; meters open up after 7pm but expect competition. No valet; a few paid garages operate within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—button-downs, sweaters, casual dresses.
Noise level: Moderate. The room is softly lit and generally conversational, with enough background noise for privacy but easy dialogue across the table.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation, longer after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options—vegetable rolls, salads, tofu dishes, and some cooked appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—basic vegetable rolls and seaweed salad; most sauces contain fish or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Manageable—sashimi, nigiri without sauces, and select rolls; request gluten-free soy sauce. Tempura and many marinades contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm lighting, polished service, and steady-but-not-loud atmosphere create an easy setting for conversation, and the menu is broad enough for different comfort levels with sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially at lunch or early dinner. On weekends after 7pm, walk-ins may face short waits; small parties fare best.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy sushi or simple teriyaki dishes. No dedicated kids’ menu, and the setting is more adult-leaning, especially at dinner.
Best For
Better for: A versatile mix of omakase-quality fish, approachable rolls, and value-forward lunch sets—ideal when you need both quality and a broad menu in a calm Midtown East setting.
Skip if: You want a high-drama, premium omakase experience, ultra-traditional Edomae precision, or extensive vegan options.