Sushi Renaissance in NYC: 9 Must-Watch Openings in 2025

In 2025, New York City's sushi scene is experiencing a creative surge like never before. From traditional Edomae counters to music-infused listening bars and Nikkei-style fusion, this global culinary capital continues to push the boundaries of what sushi can be.

Here are 6 notable sushi spots that opened between January and March 2025, plus 3 exciting new restaurants set to open later this year.

Recently Opened Sushi Spots (Jan–Mar 2025)

1. Enso Omakase

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Opened: January 14, 2025
A 10-seat counter offering a 16-course omakase ($195), with a separate lounge serving Japanese whisky, cocktails, and a $95 short-course. Third restaurant from Chef Nick Wang.
▶ Buzz: Featured on Eater NY’s “Restaurants to Watch.”

2. Hear & There

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Opened: March 3, 2025
Combines hi-fi audio and sushi in a listening bar format. Two types of omakase served at a 22-seat counter by Kissaki alum Mark Garcia.
▶ Buzz: The music-meets-sushi concept is generating strong interest.

3. Kansha

Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Opened: March 2025
A Nikkei concept by a former Sushi Noz/Morimoto chef. Omakase starts at $145, with ceviche and lomo saltado also on the menu.
▶ Buzz: The Japanese-Peruvian fusion approach is turning heads.

4. Luya Omakase & Wine Bar

Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Soft Opened: March 28, 2025 (Grand opening in mid-April)
Sushi meets natural wine at this 10-seat counter. Soft-open omakase is $70, rising to $88 post-launch.
▶ Buzz: Sub-$100 omakase courses have local media buzzing.

5. Shirokuro

Location: East Village, Manhattan
Opened: Late March 2025
A 2D black-and-white art space offering $50 (10-piece) and $80 (16-piece) omakase.
▶ Buzz: Highly Instagrammable interior featured in Time Out NY.

6. Hatsu Omakase

Location: East Village, Manhattan
Opened: February 2025
"All-you-can-eat omakase" for $95—13 fixed pieces plus 90 minutes of unlimited sushi (including salmon, tuna, and wagyu).
▶ Buzz: Viral on TikTok and local blogs.

Coming Soon in 2025

7. Next Door at Wegmans

Location: Astor Place, Manhattan
Opening: April 30, 2025
A premium sushi and robatayaki restaurant opening inside Wegmans. Fish is flown in from Toyosu Market.
▶ Buzz: Time Out NY highlights it as a “luxury eatery in a supermarket.”

8. Takeda (Tribeca)

Location: Tribeca, Manhattan (6 Murray St)
Opening: Later in 2025
A new high-end sushi venture from the chef behind Sushi Takeda (UWS). 20 seats, two seatings per night.
▶ Buzz: Anticipated since its liquor license application.

9. Sushi Yoshitake

Location: Midtown, Manhattan
Opening: Late 2025
Tokyo’s Michelin three-star icon comes to NYC. Chef Masahiro Yoshitake will open in the new 550 Madison Avenue development.
▶ Buzz: One of the most anticipated global debuts of the year.

Summary

If 2024 was about high-end returnees, 2025 is all about omakase diversity—whether through pricing, experience, or fusion. Whether you’re a sushi chef aiming for your next big opportunity or a culinary professional seeking inspiration, these restaurants offer both excitement and possibility.

For those interested in career opportunities at NYC’s top Japanese restaurants or planning a move abroad to pursue your culinary passion, KIWAMI is here to help.

📩 Contact us for overseas job support: hello@kiwami.io

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