Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant

For New Yorkers seeking a reliable and conveniently located sushi spot on the Upper East Side, Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant on Madison Avenue presents itself as a notable option. Taking its name from the Japanese Emperor known for his appreciation of fine arts and refined taste, Tokugawa aims to reflect this commitment to excellence in its culinary offerings. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite after visiting the nearby Metropolitan Museum or settling in for a casual dinner, this restaurant provides a straightforward approach to Japanese cuisine, focusing on fresh ingredients and attentive service. It's a place where you can enjoy traditional sushi and other Japanese favorites in an accessible setting.

Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant is ideally situated at 1022 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA. This prime Madison Avenue address places it in a highly desirable and bustling part of the Upper East Side, making it exceptionally accessible for a wide range of New Yorkers and visitors. The restaurant's proximity to the Metropolitan Museum of Art makes it a particularly convenient choice for those looking to grab a satisfying meal before or after exploring the museum's vast collections.

Public transportation to this area is abundant. Numerous bus lines run along Madison Avenue, and nearby subway stations (such as the 6 train at 77th Street or 4/5/6 trains at 86th Street) provide efficient connections from various parts of Manhattan. For those navigating the neighborhood on foot, Tokugawa Sushi is easily identifiable. While parking on Madison Avenue can be challenging, the excellent public transit options make it a hassle-free destination. Its location contributes significantly to its appeal as a convenient spot for a casual meal in a vibrant and culturally rich part of the city.

Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant focuses on providing a classic Japanese dining experience with a variety of offerings:

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a comfortable setting for dine-in guests. While it "doesn’t have a lot of tables," it can quickly fill up, especially during lunch, suggesting a cozy and often bustling atmosphere. There is a 12-seat counter for guests to view the chefs at work, enhancing the dining experience.
• Takeout Service: For those on the go or preferring to enjoy their meal elsewhere, Tokugawa Sushi provides convenient takeout options.
• Delivery Service: Customers can order for delivery through popular platforms like Grubhub and DoorDash, offering a convenient way to enjoy their sushi and Japanese dishes from home or office.
• A La Carte Sushi and Sashimi: The menu features a comprehensive selection of individual sushi and sashimi pieces, including popular choices like Tuna (Akami, Toro), Salmon (Scottish, King, Silver), Yellowtail (Hamachi, Kanpachi), Red Snapper (Madai, Kinmedai), Scallop (Hotate), Eel (Unagi), Sea Urchin (Uni), and various types of roe (Ikura).
• Maki (Cut) Rolls and Hand Rolls: A wide array of classic and special rolls are available, such as California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, Yellowtail Scallion Roll, Eel Avocado Roll, Rainbow Roll, Double Tuna Roll, and Futomaki. These are offered in both cut roll and hand roll formats.
• Sushi Sets: For those looking for curated combinations, Tokugawa offers sushi sets like "Sushi Set Vittorio" (2 pcs each of Lean Tuna, Scottish Salmon, Yellowtail and Spicy Tuna Roll) and "Sushi Set Fabio" (2 pcs each of Tuna Lean, Scottish Salmon, Yellowtail and Red Snapper and Salmon Avocado Roll).
• Omakase Option: For a chef-curated experience, they offer the "Tokugawa Omakase," featuring the chef's choices of 13 pieces of nigiri.
• Appetizers & Salads: The menu includes traditional starters such as Miso Soup, Edamame, Seaweed Salad, and more unique options like Salmon Avocado Bonsai (diced salmon in an avocado shell) and Chirashi Salad (a salad with assorted raw fish).
• Beverage Selection: Tokugawa has a curated sake selection chosen to complement their food offerings, with staff knowledge to guide guests through appropriate pairings.

Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant offers several notable features that contribute to its appeal among New Yorkers:

• Fresh and Good Quality Fish: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the "super fresh" fish, with many patrons appreciating the taste and quality. The restaurant sources ingredients "directly from Japan's Toyosu Market" and select Northeast suppliers, emphasizing freshness.
• Convenient Location (Especially for Tourists/Museum-goers): Its proximity to the Metropolitan Museum of Art makes it an ideal "quick eat" spot for those visiting the museum, as highlighted in reviews.
• Attentive and Good Service: The staff, particularly servers, are often praised for being "incredible," "attending" to guests, and providing "polite service." OpenTable reviews frequently rate service very highly.
• Traditional & Creative Japanese Cuisine: Tokugawa blends traditional Japanese cooking techniques with creative preparation. While some find the food "just okay," others laud it as "delicious and authentic cuisine creatively prepared."
• Cozy and Often Bustling Ambiance: While not having a lot of tables, the restaurant quickly fills up during lunch, creating a lively atmosphere. OpenTable describes the dining style as "Casual Dining" and a "neighborhood gem."
• Omakase Experience Available: The option for a "Tokugawa Omakase" (13 pieces of chef's choice nigiri) provides a curated experience for those who prefer to leave their meal in the hands of the chef.
• Curated Sake Selection: The restaurant offers a sake selection specifically chosen to complement its food, with staff knowledgeable enough to assist with pairings.
• Cleanliness: A basic but important feature, the establishment is generally perceived as clean.
• Good for Quick Lunch: Its format and menu make it suitable for those looking for a relatively quick yet satisfying Japanese meal, particularly during lunch hours.

Based on the available public information, Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant's primary "special offer" is its well-defined menu pricing for sushi sets and the Tokugawa Omakase. For example, their "Tokugawa Omakase" consisting of 13 pieces of Chef's Choice Nigiri is priced at $85. They also offer "Sushi Set Vittorio" for $38 and "Sushi Set Fabio" for $45, providing different curated selections at varying price points.

While specific, rotating "promotions" like happy hours or daily discounts are not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews or readily apparent from menu snippets, the restaurant's value proposition comes from its commitment to fresh, quality fish sourced directly from Toyosu Market, offered at what some consider a reasonable price for the Upper East Side. For any seasonal specials, new menu additions, or specific holiday offerings, New York locals are always encouraged to check Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant's official website or call them directly at their listed phone number. This direct inquiry is the best way to stay updated on any current deals that could further enhance your dining experience.

Connecting with Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant to plan your visit or place an order is straightforward:

Address: 1022 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA

Phone: (646) 989-9290

The provided phone number is consistent for both general inquiries and mobile contact, making it easy to call for reservations, to place a takeout order, or to ask any questions about their menu or availability. Given that the restaurant "doesn’t have a lot of tables" and can get full quickly during lunch, calling ahead for reservations, especially during peak dining times, is highly advisable to ensure a smooth dining experience. Additionally, online ordering platforms like Grubhub and DoorDash list their current operating hours and delivery options.

Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant on Madison Avenue is a compelling option for New Yorkers, particularly those in the Upper East Side, seeking a solid Japanese dining experience. Its prime location, especially its proximity to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, makes it incredibly convenient for a casual lunch or dinner, whether you're a local resident or visiting the city's cultural landmarks.

The core appeal for locals lies in the commitment to fresh fish and attentive service. Reviews consistently highlight the "super fresh" fish, which is paramount for any reputable sushi establishment, and the staff's dedication to providing a "good" and "incredible" dining experience. While some diners have noted that the "value didn't quite match the price" for certain dishes, many find the quality of the fish to be very good, making it a reliable choice for authentic Japanese flavors. The availability of both classic rolls and more curated sushi sets, including a dedicated omakase option, caters to a range of preferences and dining occasions.

For New Yorkers looking for a convenient, casual-to-upscale casual sushi spot that prioritizes fresh ingredients and good service in a prime Upper East Side location, Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant fits the bill. It's a place where you can enjoy a satisfying Japanese meal in a pleasant setting, making it a suitable and often recommended local choice.

Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant

1022 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA