Aya Sushi

In the vibrant and often overwhelming culinary landscape surrounding Times Square, finding a sushi restaurant that delivers on both quality and value can be a delightful challenge for New Yorkers. This is where Aya Sushi at 314 W 39th St distinguishes itself as a dependable and highly convenient option. It's the kind of place that, while perhaps not vying for Michelin stars, consistently provides a satisfying and reliable Japanese dining experience, especially when you're looking for "a cozy place close to Times and Port Authority."

Locals often view Aya Sushi as a practical and trustworthy choice amidst the myriad of options in the area. One patron perfectly encapsulated this sentiment, noting that "Around Times Square, the quality here is just good enough and the trust just good enough that I would rather eat here than most other $30-or-less meal places in Times Square." This speaks volumes about its consistent performance and ability to meet the expectations of New Yorkers who prioritize both taste and value. Reviews highlight the "nice staff" and the fact that the sushi is "well-sized," ensuring you get a satisfying meal. Even adventurous items like the "tuna pizza" are noted for their unique qualities, encouraging diners to try something new. Aya Sushi earns its loyalty by being a "super basic kinda-Asian restaurant" that reliably delivers "nice sushi" and a consistently positive experience, making it a place patrons "will frequent... again."

Aya Sushi is ideally situated at 314 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling heart of Midtown Manhattan, specifically within the lively Garment District and just a stone's throw from the iconic Times Square. Its location is a significant advantage for New Yorkers, offering unparalleled accessibility for those working, living, or commuting through this central part of the city.

The restaurant's proximity to major transportation hubs is a key highlight. It's conveniently located "close to Times and Port Authority," meaning it's just a short walk from the Times Square-42nd Street subway station (serving the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, S, and 7 lines) and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is a major transit point for commuters from New Jersey and other areas. This excellent connectivity makes Aya Sushi an incredibly easy and quick dining destination, perfect for a lunch break, a pre-theater dinner, or a convenient grab-and-go meal for anyone navigating the constant motion of Midtown.

Aya Sushi provides a comprehensive menu of Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes, focusing on sushi but also offering a variety of cooked entrees and appetizers to cater to diverse preferences.

• Dine-in Service: The restaurant offers a "cozy place" for diners to enjoy their meals. While it's described as "super basic kinda-Asian restaurant," it provides a comfortable and clean environment for a casual sushi experience.

• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Selection: Aya Sushi offers a broad range of sushi and sashimi. This includes classic rolls (e.g., California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll) and a la carte sushi and sashimi options (Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, White Tuna, Eel, King Crab, etc.).

• Specialty Rolls: Beyond the classics, they feature "House Special Rolls" such as Godzilla Roll (deep-fried), Dynamite Roll, Inferno Roll, Blossom Roll, Phoenix Roll, Yummy Roll, and Angry Tuna Roll, offering more complex flavor profiles.

• Sushi and Sashimi Combos/Entrees: For varied appetites, they offer a wide array of combos, including "Any 2 Roll Lunch," "Any 3 Roll Lunch," "Roll Combo A, B, C, D," and larger "Sushi Sets" (Tuna Set, Salmon Set), "Sushi Deluxe," "Chef's Special Sushi Platter," and "Sushi & Sashimi for 1 or 2."

• Sushi Bar Appetizers: The menu includes unique appetizers like "Tuna Pizza" (crispy pancake with spicy tuna), Tuna Tataki, Tuna Tartar, Salmon Tartar, Fire Salmon, and Yellowtail Jalapeno.

• Hot Kitchen Appetizers: Options like Pork Gyoza, Haru Maki (vegetable spring rolls), Edamame, Agedashi Tofu, and various tempura appetizers are available.

• Kitchen Entrees: Beyond sushi, Aya Sushi offers a full range of cooked dishes, including Teriyaki (Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, Ribeye Steak, Tofu, Vegetable), Tempura entrees (Vegetable, Shrimp, Chicken & Vegetable), Katsu entrees (Chicken, Pork), Hibachi entrees (Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, Ribeye Steak, Seafood), and other Asian delights like Sesame Chicken and General Tso's Chicken.

• Noodle and Rice Dishes: Their menu also features Noodle and Rice options such as Pad Thai, various Udon soups (Tempura Udon, Nabeyaki Udon, Yaki Udon), Japanese Fried Rice, Pineapple Fried Rice, and Shoyu Ramen.

• Bento Boxes: Both Lunch and Dinner Bento Box specials are available, often including a choice of protein (Teriyaki, Tempura, Katsu, Beef Negimaki), shumai, California roll, salad, soup, and rice, offering a complete meal solution.

• Takeout and Delivery: Aya Sushi is set up for convenient takeout and offers delivery through popular platforms like Seamless, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash, with options for contact-free delivery.

Aya Sushi distinguishes itself in the competitive Midtown dining scene with several appealing features:

• Dependable Quality in a Prime Location: While reviews describe the sushi as "average" when compared to the "best of the best," it's consistently praised as "just good enough" or "good for the price" especially in the Times Square area. This makes it a reliable choice for quality within a specific price point and geographical context.

• Excellent Value: A significant highlight is its value proposition. Customers find the "prices so reasonable," especially when considering the portion sizes, with rolls being "well-sized."

• "Trust" Factor in Times Square: In an area often criticized for tourist traps, Aya Sushi earns a high level of "trust" from locals due to its consistent quality and straightforward approach, making it a preferred option over many other $30-or-less meal places.

• Friendly and Nice Staff: Patrons consistently mention the "nice staff" and "friendly staff," contributing to a positive and welcoming dining experience. This personable service enhances the overall impression of the restaurant.

• Diverse Menu Beyond Basic Sushi: Beyond standard rolls, Aya Sushi offers a wide range of Japanese dishes, including unique appetizers like "Tuna Pizza," various teriyaki and tempura entrees, hibachi options, ramen, udon, and bento boxes, catering to different cravings within Japanese cuisine.

• Speed and Convenience: Being located in such a high-traffic area, Aya Sushi is set up for efficient service, making it suitable for quick meals, whether dining in or ordering takeout/delivery.

Aya Sushi offers several value-driven promotions and specials, particularly appealing for locals looking for a good deal:

• Lunch Bento Specials: They provide a selection of "Lunch Bento Specials" from Monday to Friday, offering a complete meal (including shumai, California roll, salad, soup, and rice) at an attractive price point, such as $16.50 for Teriyaki, Tempura, or Katsu bentos, and $17.50 for Sushi or Sashimi bentos.

• Roll Combo Deals: The "Any 2 Roll Lunch" and "Any 3 Roll Lunch" offer flexibility and value, allowing customers to choose their favorite rolls at a set price. They also have "Roll Combo A, B, C, D" for different curated selections.

• "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" Offers: Platforms like Uber Eats and Postmates sometimes highlight "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" promotions on popular items like their Spicy Tuna Roll, Miso Soup, or Haru Maki, providing significant savings.

• Delivery Deals: Through various delivery platforms (Seamless, Grubhub, DoorDash), Aya Sushi often participates in their promotional programs, which can include free delivery offers, especially for first-time orders or for platform subscribers (e.g., Seamless+).

For the most up-to-date and specific promotions, New Yorkers should check Aya Sushi's menu directly on their website or preferred online ordering platforms, as deals can change periodically.

To experience the reliable quality and friendly service of Aya Sushi in Midtown:

Address: 314 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018, USA

Phone: (212) 221-5849

Whether you're planning a dine-in visit or looking for convenient takeout or delivery, contacting them by phone or checking their online presence for current hours and ordering options is recommended.

For New Yorkers, especially those regularly navigating the high-energy area around Times Square and Port Authority, Aya Sushi emerges as a highly suitable and dependable dining choice. Its strategic location at 314 W 39th St ensures unmatched accessibility, making it an ideal spot for a quick, satisfying lunch or a casual dinner after work or before a show.

The key suitability for locals lies in its reliable quality and exceptional value. While the area is flooded with dining options, Aya Sushi offers a trustworthy alternative that delivers "good enough" sushi at "reasonable prices," a rare find in such a prime Manhattan location. The "well-sized" rolls ensure a hearty meal, and the diverse menu extends beyond just sushi to include other comforting Japanese favorites like teriyaki, tempura, and ramen, catering to various cravings.

Furthermore, the consistently praised "friendly staff" creates a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere, making it a "cozy place" where New Yorkers can relax and enjoy their meal. In a city where time and budget often dictate dining choices, Aya Sushi provides a winning combination of convenience, consistent quality, and approachable pricing, solidifying its status as a reliable neighborhood go-to that locals will undoubtedly "frequent... again."

Aya Sushi

314 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018, USA