You know the film Jiro Dreams of Sushi.. well I can relate!!  Sometimes I’ll crave one type of maki roll, but other times, I feel indecisive– which is when omakase is super helpful. The chef knows what fish is market fresh and can choose the perfect tasting menu filled with curated surprises. I’m trusting youuuu! The problem with many wonderful things in New York — Omakase can be very expensive. Luckily, I found a couple reasonably-priced Omakase menus that won’t break the bank. Pull up a chair to the sushi counter and check out these places near you:

Nare Sushi, a Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood is one of New York’s under-the-radar sushi restaurants with a very reasonably priced Omakase for only $55 per person. With impeccable service, the 60-seat restaurant allows diners to choose to enjoy their meal at the Sushi Bar on the top floor overlooking the restaurant. Carefully selecting the freshest ingredients found that day, chef focuses on seasonality of the twelve piece tongue wagging experience with a traditional roll to top it off. If you’re craving more dishes, there’s plenty of items on the menu with a melt-in-your mouth Yuan Gindara or black cod marinated in sweet sake, soy sauce and seasoned yuzu juice or a unique kale noodle salad toped with a soft boiled egg, as well as Western and Eastern Japanese-influenced styles with udon and soba noodles.  Nare Sushi is located within the Galleria building located on 115 East 57th Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue.

My most memorable Valentine’s Day dinners took place at at the Upper East Side gem Tanoshi. Not only do they have an intimate Omakase bar that’s reasonable priced at $75, but the restaurant also offers BYOB! Feel free to bring your own bottle (or two) of your favorite sake and sip the night away. The restaurant only seats 10-12, so you’re sitting right in the action, watching the treatment and preparation added to any of the fish that day, which ranges from soft-shell crab, fluke, hamachi, and uni with a quail egg (photo below), plus more– if you’ve been, you know what I’m talking about.  Front row to all the action can be found here 1372 York Ave., New York, NY

Photo credit: Foodmento

Located in Greenwich Village lies New York’s first hand roll bar, Domodomo! I can roll with that.  Located in Greenwich Village, the sushi restaurant has recently been added to the Michelin Guide and makes each roll by hand- balancing fresh cuts of fish with warm rice and crisp seafood. The chef at Domodomo encourages diners to enjoy right away for the freshest tasting experience. Those looking to indulge a bit more can opt for the Omakase Chef’s Choice of 12 premium sushi pieces, assorted, plus a seasonal crab hand roll for $52. Restaurant can be found at 138 W Houston St., New York, NY (b/t Sullivan St & Mac Dougal St).

After dining with two bloggers who raved about neighborhood restaurant Sushi Yasaka in the Upper West Side, I decided to check out this ‘MUST TRY’ Omakase menu. The offerings consisted of market fresh seafood with a variety of sauces, reasonably priced at $24 mini and $45 regular. Can’t beat that! Located at 251 W 72nd St, New York, NY.

The former Sushi Dojo alum, chef David Bouhadana’s ventured out on his own this year to open the first outdoor sushi bar– Sushi on Jones. A small four-seat counter and the most attentive and personalized one-on-one Omakase in New York. Located in the mini-food hall at The Bowery Market, diners can pull up a seat to enjoy a 12-pieces, plus a roll Omakase for $50. As an alternative, you can enjoy your own tasting at home through Postmates for a nice chilly, relaxed night.  Bowery Market is located at 48 Bowery. Stay tuned to visit when its warm again!

Tags:  Domodomo Nare Sushi Reasonably Priced Omakase Sushi Bars New York Sushi Yasaka Tanoshi