ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Japanese in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Seafood in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Sushi Rolls in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Date Night Sushi in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Wokuni
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
Trendy Table Hotspots
Backed by a Japanese seafood company, Wokuni runs a big, lively Murray Hill dining room built around sashimi, chirashi, and cooked seafood flown in from Japan. It works as well for omakase-style dinners as it does for groups sharing rolls, grilled fish, and sake.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bara chirashi, Sashimi omakase set, Grilled whole fish specials
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Sea-to-table Japanese seafood with serious sourcing in a big room.
Who should go: Groups wanting both sushi and cooked Japanese seafood.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and busy Friday evenings for full buzz.
What to order: Bara chirashi, sashimi sets, grilled whole fish or daily specials.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal omakase or special-event tasting menus.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual works well—jeans are fine, but many diners lean business-casual to dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk at lunch, louder buzz during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during prime time
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of a short noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tempura, tofu dishes, salads, and rice bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—several vegetable-based rolls and sides work, but cross-contact with seafood is common.
Gluten-free options: Yes with guidance—sashimi, grilled fish, and rice bowls can be ordered gluten-free; request tamari instead of soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's lively and impressive without feeling overly formal, making it a comfortable, low-pressure sushi date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for lunch and early dinners, but Friday and Saturday nights fill quickly—reservations are strongly recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids—plenty of simple rolls, rice bowls, and cooked dishes make it manageable for families, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Large-group sushi dinners, seafood variety beyond just rolls, and business-friendly lunches with high-quality sourcing.
Skip if: If you're looking for an ultra-intimate omakase counter or a quiet, romantic sushi experience—smaller chef-driven spots will feel more personal.