SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Introduce
For New Yorkers who crave authentic, impeccably fresh sushi served in a straightforward and accessible manner, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa in Midtown East is a definitive destination. Located at 152 E 53rd Street, SUGARFISH embodies a unique philosophy, honed over decades by Master Chef Kazunori Nozawa: a focus on quality ingredients, simple presentation, and warm, loosely-packed rice that "melts in the mouth." This commitment to traditional Edo-style sushi sets it apart in New York's vibrant culinary landscape, offering a genuine "wow!" experience with every bite.
SUGARFISH has garnered a loyal following among discerning New Yorkers, consistently receiving rave reviews for its "incredible sushi—so fresh tasting and very well prepared." Patrons frequently laud the "loved all the courses" they receive, particularly when opting for the popular "Trust Me" menus. The restaurant is praised as "the perfect impromptu sushi spot" for a "quality bite of food" after shopping or doctor's appointments, highlighting its relaxed yet authentic atmosphere. While popular, leading to potential wait times, many find the experience well worth it, appreciating the "authentic but relaxed and accessible feel" that distinguishes it from other sushi establishments in the city.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is conveniently situated at 152 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA. This prime location places it squarely in Midtown East, one of Manhattan's most central and bustling neighborhoods. Its proximity to major corporate offices, upscale shopping districts, and cultural landmarks makes it an incredibly accessible dining spot for a wide array of New Yorkers and visitors.
The restaurant benefits from excellent public transportation links. It's just a short walk from several key subway stations, including the Lexington Avenue-53rd Street (E, M trains) and 51st Street (6 train) stations, providing seamless connections from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. Numerous bus routes also traverse the avenues around E 53rd Street, adding to its accessibility. For those traveling by taxi or rideshare, the prominent Midtown address ensures easy drop-off and pickup. While street parking in Midtown East can be a challenge, there are plenty of parking garages located within a few blocks, offering convenient options for drivers. Its central Manhattan location makes it an ideal spot for a high-quality sushi experience whether you're working, shopping, or exploring the city.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa offers a streamlined yet comprehensive set of services, focused on delivering its signature quality sushi efficiently and consistently.
- Dine-In Service: Experience the relaxed yet authentic atmosphere of SUGARFISH. The dining concept is designed for simplicity and focuses on the quality of the fish, served at the ideal temperature. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, not taking reservations, which adds to its accessible nature for impromptu visits.
- "Trust Me" Menus: This is SUGARFISH's signature offering, inspired by Chef Nozawa's omakase. These multi-course menus provide a curated selection of their freshest daily offerings, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal without the need to choose individual items. Options include "Trust Me Lite," "Trust Me," and "The Nozawa Trust Me," with varying courses of sashimi, nigiri, and hand rolls.
- À La Carte Options: While the "Trust Me" menus are highly popular, guests can also order individual pieces of sushi (nigiri), sashimi, and hand/cut rolls. The menu includes classic options like Tuna, Salmon, Toro, Yellowtail, and Blue and Dungeness Crab, as well as limited availability items like Uni and Otoro.
- Takeout ("To-Go"): SUGARFISH offers a robust "To-Go" menu with pre-set "Trust Me" options available for pickup. They provide clear instructions on how to properly enjoy their sushi at home, with sauces packaged separately to maintain freshness and integrity.
- Delivery: For added convenience, SUGARFISH partners with popular third-party delivery services like Postmates and DoorDash. This allows New Yorkers to enjoy their fresh sushi delivered directly to their homes or offices, with a standard SUGARFISH fee added to cover operations.
- Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant operates for both lunch and dinner, with specific hours for each service (lunch typically until 3:30 PM, dinner from 3:30 PM until closing), accommodating various dining schedules.
- Beverage Selection: A selection of beer (including Sapporo), sake, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages like iced green tea and sodas are available to complement the meal.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is renowned for several distinct features that contribute to its celebrated status among sushi lovers in New York:
- Incredibly Fresh and High-Quality Fish: This is the cornerstone of the SUGARFISH experience. Reviews consistently highlight the "fresh tasting" fish, which is hand-selected daily by Chef Nozawa's team, maintaining decades-long relationships with suppliers.
- Traditional Edo-Style Sushi: Unlike many Americanized sushi restaurants, SUGARFISH adheres strictly to traditional Japanese sushi principles. This means simple preparations, high-quality fish, and warm, loosely-packed rice that is meant to melt in your mouth. You won't find elaborate, sauced-up rolls here.
- "Trust Me" Omakase-Style Menus: The pre-selected "Trust Me" menus simplify the ordering process and ensure guests receive a perfectly balanced progression of flavors, embodying Chef Nozawa's philosophy of "Don't Think. Just Eat."
- Warm, Loosely Packed Rice: A signature element, their rice is meticulously prepared and served warm, a traditional detail often overlooked, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of each piece of sushi.
- Consistent Quality and Preparation: The restaurant maintains a strict focus on "consistency and perfection," ensuring every piece of sushi, from selection to slicing, adheres to their high standards.
- Relaxed and Accessible Atmosphere: While serving high-quality sushi, the ambiance is described as "relaxed and accessible," making it suitable for a casual, quality meal without the formality of some high-end sushi establishments.
- No Reservations Policy: Their first-come, first-served approach makes it an ideal spot for impromptu dining, catering to the dynamic nature of New York life.
- Efficient Service: Despite potential waits, the dining experience inside is often noted for its efficiency, allowing diners to enjoy a quality meal without extensive delays.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa operates on a philosophy of delivering consistently high-quality sushi at what they consider a fair price, rather than through frequent discounts or promotions. Their value is inherent in the quality of the ingredients and the precise preparation. However, they do offer a notable loyalty program:
- Birthday Club: SUGARFISH offers a special "Birthday Trust Me" gift to loyal customers. To be eligible, guests must register for their Birthday Club and make at least two check-ins (dine-in or qualifying pickup orders) on separate occasions at least seven days before their birthday. On the actual day of their birthday (or specific alternative days if the restaurant is closed or has limited hours), eligible members can receive a complimentary "Trust Me" menu for dine-in. This is a significant perk for returning patrons.
- "Trust Me" Menu Pricing: While not a "promotion," their "Trust Me" menus (e.g., Trust Me Lite, Trust Me, The Nozawa Trust Me) offer a curated, multi-course experience at a set price, which can represent a good value for the quality and variety of sushi received compared to ordering individual pieces.
- "To-Go" Pricing: Their "To-Go" versions of the "Trust Me" menus often come at slightly different price points (e.g., a "To-Go Trust Me" for $46.00 or $35.00 depending on location/date as per searches), which can be considered a convenient value for at-home dining.
For detailed information on their Birthday Club requirements and specific "Trust Me" menu pricing at the Midtown East location, New Yorkers should visit the official SUGARFISH website. They emphasize quality and a consistent experience over flash sales.
For inquiries, to check current hours, or to place a takeout order, you can reach SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa using the following contact details:
Address: 152 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (917) 985-7726
For New Yorkers, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa in Midtown East is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for anyone seeking a truly authentic and high-quality sushi experience. Its central location on E 53rd Street ensures superb accessibility, making it an ideal choice for a spontaneous lunch break during a busy workday, a delicious bite after shopping, or a convenient dinner.
What makes SUGARFISH particularly appealing to locals is its unwavering dedication to the purity and freshness of traditional Edo-style sushi. The "incredible sushi" with its "so fresh tasting" fish and "very well prepared" courses, especially the beloved "Trust Me" menus, offer a consistent and satisfying meal every time. The relaxed yet authentic atmosphere provides a welcome respite from the city's hustle, and the "no reservations" policy, while sometimes leading to a wait, ultimately offers flexibility for impromptu cravings. For those who prioritize the essence of truly great sushi—quality ingredients, precise preparation, and a straightforward, enjoyable dining experience—SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa perfectly aligns with the discerning tastes of New Yorkers.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Photos










SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Location
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
152 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Reviews
Incredible sushi— so fresh tasting and very well prepared. We loved all the courses.We were fortunate that we arrived early (6 pm) and had no wait whatsoever. By the time we left an hour later, the waiting area was full and the wait time seemed long.
Mar 15, 2025 · Stephen ZubryckySugarfish is the perfect impromptu sushi spot. If you’ve just finished shopping or are in the area for a doctor’s appointment and need a quality bite of food, come here.I’d compare it to Bondi Sushi, where there’s an authentic but relaxed and accessible feel to the menu. I did the classic trust me set with a friend. Yum!
Apr 03, 2025 · Jessica FlayserA 5 stars sushi place : trust the chef and you will enjoy your nippon gourmet experience. Easy to choose your menu, pro service, not so expensive. A little bit too dark.
Mar 31, 2025 · Franco CammarataFor the price point, SUGARFISH is the best Omakase restaurant in terms of overall value. I came here during lunch, they don’t accept reservations and the lines are pretty long usually. I was able to get seated pretty quickly by showing up 30 minutes before the lunchtime rush. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back!
Feb 01, 2024 · AbdullahI've now dined at both the Midtown East & West Side locations of Sugarfish. Both establishments are equally fantastic from a food quality perspective. This is a high-end but rushed omakase experience, so keep that in mind. If you're looking for a quiet special occasion dining experience, while the sushi is amazing, this is not the place.Neither location takes reservations. It is first come, first serve, so get here early as the crowds follow. The pricing is great for the experience, but if you're not here by noon during the week, you may not get a seat!
Jul 29, 2024 · A R
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