SUGARFISH | Upper West Side Photos
Business Info
SUGARFISH | Upper West Side Popular Dishes
SUGARFISH | UPPER WEST SIDE ATMOSPHERE
What's the vibe?
Recommended Reviews - SUGARFISH | Upper West Side
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
As an OG fan of Sushi Nozawa in studio city years ago, I was psyched to try Sugar Fish. On the way in, someone leaving said welcome to the best food in nyc. Big boast, but they may not be wrong. I got the $46 "trust us" dinner and it was melt in your mouth. Great variety between sashimi, nigiri and hand rolls. It was exceptional and reminded me of the good old days in studio city.
Sugarfish is always a solid option for good fresh sushi. We always get one of the omakase options and each course (usually a few pieces) comes out warm, fresh, and perfect as its ready. (Sometimes this means it might be staggered a minute or few from the other people at your table). I learned the last time I went that you can substitute certain items in the omakases if you want to (basically anything but the albacore), and for most things that aren't like super expensive. So if there's one or two things you'd prefer to switch, you can. The restaurant isn't huge but it's cozy, with a warm and clean ambiance. They don't take reservations, so it's best to come on non-peak hours if you don't want to wait too long. In NYC, I think peak dinner tends to be around 7pm. The servers work as a team bringing things out. I found myself asking for water often (small cups), but the servers were responsive and helpful. When you get your bill, there is a birthday reward card in the sleeve. Basically if you fill them out twice before your birthday (2nd time has to be at least a week before) and then come in on your birthday with ID to prove it's the actual date, you can get a free trust me or trust me lite meal. It was very exciting for me to learn this. Unfortunately they can't apply any meals retroactively if you didn't fill out the card on a prior visit. Anyway. Love Sugarfish. I'll go anytime I'm in the area.
My brother and I, having both eaten sushi and sashimi at various places around the world, found our dinner at this Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa in UWS one of the top experiences we've had. Despite no reservation (note they don't accept) and it was Saturday night, we were able to get immediately seated at the bar. While quite dark requiring our iPhone lights to read the menu, we debated which Omakase selection (i.e., "entrusting to the chef") to go for, either "The Nozawa Trust Me" or their largest, super duper "Don't Think. Just Eat. Trust Me." Especially considering tip is included in the price and our propensity to "go for it" on foodie experiences, (especially sushi-related,) we wisely selected the "Don't Think. Just Eat" Omakase! As they state, it's similar to what Nozawa served his regulars at Studio City's Sushi Nozawa. Here what we were served (see pics): * Edamame * Tuna and Chutoro Sashimi with Ponzu and Chives, an outstanding fish course that I will never forget which was sublime, refreshing, and the perfect start to the meal * 6 pieces of Nigiri, including 2 pieces each of amazing Otoro (OMG!), Albacore with House Ponzu, and Salmon with Sesame * Toro Hand Roll * 6 pieces of Nigiri, including 2 pieces each of wonderful Chutoro, Sea Bream Skin, and Sea Scallop with Hokkaido Soy Sauce * Lobster Hand Roll (note no pic, but similarly prepared to Toro) * Unagi (i.e., freshwater eel) Nigiri, exquisite This list can't convey how sensational every item was! We savored every piece! While I comment on the woman Server who was brought several of the courses and quickly explained what each was almost exclusively to my brother at a level that made it impossible for either of us to hear what she was saying, we still had excellent service. (Apologies if I inadvertently omitted a descriptive component of an item.) To resolve, the superb Bartender/Waiter who took our order helped as our "Sugarfish Sherpa" repeating to both of us at an audible level what each course was! He made the service flawless! As far as our drinks, my brother enjoyed Sake, but I had Iced Matcha, which for me well complemented the meal. Look forward to returning to Sugarfish, if not this UWS location then another one! Recommend checking it out and going for the largest Omakase you can afford for a most memorable experience. It's a fair price and totally worth it! Trust them!
For my thirty-first birthday I received a $100 gift certificate to Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa. I was excited because I already knew that Sugarfish was an excellent restaurant. I chose to go on a Monday in the late afternoon and I wasn't embarrassed to go on my own. When I walked in I wasn't disappointed by the atmosphere and the feng shui of the space. The restaurant had beautiful pictures that were chosen by the chef's wife who helped with the design. I took a secial liking to the photograph of the men on what looked like a fishing boat. I was almost instantly seated at a comforable table/booth after being given the choice of a table or the bar. I was given a menu and since it was my first experience dining there, they explained it and how it worked. I was also told that it was their 15th anniversary. (Congratulations!!) so there was an option on the menu called 15 for 15, which was around $100. I knew instantly that I needed to order this off the menu. After I placed my order I was instantly given the "Ruth Reichl treatment". Everyone was really attentive down to the last detail. The meal started off with edamame, ginger, soy sauce, and the most beautifuly piped wasabi. I've never had wasabi like this before. It wasn't too spicy and it was a little sweet. I believe this is the way Wasabi was supposed to taste like and it might have even been made "in house" and not store bought. It was meant to look like a flower. The second course included a pink lobster sashimi and tuna sashimi. Before then I've never had pink lobster sashimi but it was delectable. It was an interesting combonation of sweet and savory. The tuna sashimi was marinated in soy sauce and green onion. It was mouthwatering and distinctly reminded me of tuna tartare. The presenation was also incredible. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to eat the eyes and the shell or not but opted out. I'm an adventerous eater, but not to that extent. The third course were two pieces of salmon sushi and (I believe) two pieces of Pacific Herring Sushi. The flavors were enjoyable and I've never had anything like it. The fish was delicious and the rice wasn't too sticky and it was warm so I could tell that it was freshly made. The fourth course was (I believe ) an uni handroll. I can't even begin to explain how heavenly it was. The flavor was incredible, the fish of course was fresh, and I might come back just to order another one. I love uni. The fifth course was a piece of spicy tuna sushi wrapped in seaweed with a green garnish and a piece of ikura sushi. I'm a huge fan of ikura so that was a favorite and my favorite kind of sushi is spicy tuna so this was a winning pair. The texture of the spicy tuna was the perfect juxtoposition alongside the ikura because it was soft and melty whereas you could pop the ikura bubbles in your mouth. The sixth course was a salmon salad with fennel and cabbage. It was served with a rice vinnegar which was tart but not too much. I really appreciated how they used presentation, flavor, and texture to their advantage. There was a good crunch within the salad but the softness of the salmon really balanced it out. For the seventh course I was served one piece of tuna sushi, one piece of a silver fish sushi, a (I believe) one piece of New Zealand Sea Bream Sushi, and one piece of lightly toasted (I believe) yellowtale sushi. It felt like my mouth had died and went to heaven because the food was just that good. However, I was not prepared for how divine the eighth and final course would be which was a lobster hand roll. I almost instantly wanted another one despite how full I was. At the end of my meal two of the waitresses came to me and asked for feedback I also learned that the chef wanted my thoughts, which I greatly appreciated. I remember saying something along the lines of "If I died today in this moment, the fish that I ate would make my life worth living." I also said that before this experience I loved sushi but I didn't quite understand it, I said now I understand how sushi is an art, a delicacy, a cultural experience, and why it's a beloved dish for many.
I'm a huge fan of SUGARFISH, but this was my first time visiting the UWS location. One of the things I love most about SUGARFISH is the consistency--you always know exactly what you're getting. The menu, food quality, service, and overall vibe are identical across locations, which makes it a reliable favorite. I ordered the Trust Me Light, which was the perfect amount of food for a light lunch. And as always, the toro hand roll was my favorite.
New SUGARFISH on the upper west side. Place can seat a lot of patrons and the service was excellent. Got the Nozawa Trust Me and every piece was executed perfectly. Ordered an extra tuna hand roll. I like that the extra add ons are very fairly priced. Tip is included in the bill. Recommend.
Definitely ask for Sam. He was wonderful. Food came out so quickly. Everything is always super fresh and it does not take a lot to fill you up. It's a small place, they say that they get busy at dinner... I definitely believe them because the food is delicious.
Great location to avoid the crowds and long wait usually expected in all other locations as they do not take reservations. We came for lunch on memorial weekend and were sat immediately. The entire table ordered the mid tier set, everything was delicious and fresh and very satisfying. The server did not explain what we were being served at each time so I had to ask but other than that the service was good. We also had a bottle of wine and enjoyed or lunch very much. Tip and tax is included in the price which is great because you can budget your diner without overcharges. Would love a bit more light in the space as it was a bit dark but the decor is pretty and the tables are big enough to fit your food. read more
In a city where you can get good sushi around every corner this is a great spot. You dont need to do omakase but you still get amazing quality and taste from sugar fish. Also they are consistent amongst the different locations. read more
11 months ago
Always a reliable option for sushi! I got the Trust Me and it was the perfect amount of food for being hungry but not too hungry. Everything was fresh and tasty. My favorites were the salmon sushi and the crab handroll. Nothing mindblowing- but definitely a solid casual stop for sushi! Service was good and quite quick. read more
As an OG fan of Sushi Nozawa in studio city years ago, I was psyched to try Sugar Fish. On the way in, someone leaving said welcome to the best food in nyc. Big boast, but they may not be wrong. I got the $46 "trust us" dinner and it was melt in your mouth. Great variety between sashimi, nigiri and hand rolls. It was exceptional and reminded me of the good old days in studio city. read more
Sugarfish is always a solid option for good fresh sushi. We always get one of the omakase options and each course (usually a few pieces) comes out warm, fresh, and perfect as its ready. (Sometimes this means it might be staggered a minute or few from the other people at your table). I learned the last time I went that you can substitute certain items in the omakases if you want to (basically anything but the albacore), and for most things that aren't like super expensive. So if there's one or two things you'd prefer to switch, you can. The restaurant isn't huge but it's cozy, with a warm and clean ambiance. They don't take reservations, so it's best to come on non-peak hours if you don't want to wait too long. In NYC, I think peak dinner tends to be around 7pm. The servers work as a team bringing things out. I found myself asking for water often (small cups), but the servers were responsive and helpful. When you get your bill, there is a birthday reward card in the sleeve. Basically if you fill them out twice before your birthday (2nd time has to be at least a week before) and then come in on your birthday with ID to prove it's the actual date, you can get a free trust me or trust me lite meal. It was very exciting for me to learn this. Unfortunately they can't apply any meals retroactively if you didn't fill out the card on a prior visit. Anyway. Love Sugarfish. I'll go anytime I'm in the area. read more
My brother and I, having both eaten sushi and sashimi at various places around the world, found our dinner at this Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa in UWS one of the top experiences we've had. Despite no reservation (note they don't accept) and it was Saturday night, we were able to get immediately seated at the bar. While quite dark requiring our iPhone lights to read the menu, we debated which Omakase selection (i.e., "entrusting to the chef") to go for, either "The Nozawa Trust Me" or their largest, super duper "Don't Think. Just Eat. Trust Me." Especially considering tip is included in the price and our propensity to "go for it" on foodie experiences, (especially sushi-related,) we wisely selected the "Don't Think. Just Eat" Omakase! As they state, it's similar to what Nozawa served his regulars at Studio City's Sushi Nozawa. Here what we were served (see pics): * Edamame * Tuna and Chutoro Sashimi with Ponzu and Chives, an outstanding fish course that I will never forget which was sublime, refreshing, and the perfect start to the meal * 6 pieces of Nigiri, including 2 pieces each of amazing Otoro (OMG!), Albacore with House Ponzu, and Salmon with Sesame * Toro Hand Roll * 6 pieces of Nigiri, including 2 pieces each of wonderful Chutoro, Sea Bream Skin, and Sea Scallop with Hokkaido Soy Sauce * Lobster Hand Roll (note no pic, but similarly prepared to Toro) * Unagi (i.e., freshwater eel) Nigiri, exquisite This list can't convey how sensational every item was! We savored every piece! While I comment on the woman Server who was brought several of the courses and quickly explained what each was almost exclusively to my brother at a level that made it impossible for either of us to hear what she was saying, we still had excellent service. (Apologies if I inadvertently omitted a descriptive component of an item.) To resolve, the superb Bartender/Waiter who took our order helped as our "Sugarfish Sherpa" repeating to both of us at an audible level what each course was! He made the service flawless! As far as our drinks, my brother enjoyed Sake, but I had Iced Matcha, which for me well complemented the meal. Look forward to returning to Sugarfish, if not this UWS location then another one! Recommend checking it out and going for the largest Omakase you can afford for a most memorable experience. It's a fair price and totally worth it! Trust them! read more
6 months ago
For my thirty-first birthday I received a $100 gift certificate to Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa. I was excited because I already knew that Sugarfish was an excellent restaurant. I chose to go on a Monday in the late afternoon and I wasn't embarrassed to go on my own. When I walked in I wasn't disappointed by the atmosphere and the feng shui of the space. The restaurant had beautiful pictures that were chosen by the chef's wife who helped with the design. I took a secial liking to the photograph of the men on what looked like a fishing boat. I was almost instantly seated at a comforable table/booth after being given the choice of a table or the bar. I was given a menu and since it was my first experience dining there, they explained it and how it worked. I was also told that it was their 15th anniversary. (Congratulations!!) so there was an option on the menu called 15 for 15, which was around $100. I knew instantly that I needed to order this off the menu. After I placed my order I was instantly given the "Ruth Reichl treatment". Everyone was really attentive down to the last detail. The meal started off with edamame, ginger, soy sauce, and the most beautifuly piped wasabi. I've never had wasabi like this before. It wasn't too spicy and it was a little sweet. I believe this is the way Wasabi was supposed to taste like and it might have even been made "in house" and not store bought. It was meant to look like a flower. The second course included a pink lobster sashimi and tuna sashimi. Before then I've never had pink lobster sashimi but it was delectable. It was an interesting combonation of sweet and savory. The tuna sashimi was marinated in soy sauce and green onion. It was mouthwatering and distinctly reminded me of tuna tartare. The presenation was also incredible. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to eat the eyes and the shell or not but opted out. I'm an adventerous eater, but not to that extent. The third course were two pieces of salmon sushi and (I believe) two pieces of Pacific Herring Sushi. The flavors were enjoyable and I've never had anything like it. The fish was delicious and the rice wasn't too sticky and it was warm so I could tell that it was freshly made. The fourth course was (I believe ) an uni handroll. I can't even begin to explain how heavenly it was. The flavor was incredible, the fish of course was fresh, and I might come back just to order another one. I love uni. The fifth course was a piece of spicy tuna sushi wrapped in seaweed with a green garnish and a piece of ikura sushi. I'm a huge fan of ikura so that was a favorite and my favorite kind of sushi is spicy tuna so this was a winning pair. The texture of the spicy tuna was the perfect juxtoposition alongside the ikura because it was soft and melty whereas you could pop the ikura bubbles in your mouth. The sixth course was a salmon salad with fennel and cabbage. It was served with a rice vinnegar which was tart but not too much. I really appreciated how they used presentation, flavor, and texture to their advantage. There was a good crunch within the salad but the softness of the salmon really balanced it out. For the seventh course I was served one piece of tuna sushi, one piece of a silver fish sushi, a (I believe) one piece of New Zealand Sea Bream Sushi, and one piece of lightly toasted (I believe) yellowtale sushi. It felt like my mouth had died and went to heaven because the food was just that good. However, I was not prepared for how divine the eighth and final course would be which was a lobster hand roll. I almost instantly wanted another one despite how full I was. At the end of my meal two of the waitresses came to me and asked for feedback I also learned that the chef wanted my thoughts, which I greatly appreciated. I remember saying something along the lines of "If I died today in this moment, the fish that I ate would make my life worth living." I also said that before this experience I loved sushi but I didn't quite understand it, I said now I understand how sushi is an art, a delicacy, a cultural experience, and why it's a beloved dish for many. read more
1 year ago
5 months ago
9 months ago
I'm a huge fan of SUGARFISH, but this was my first time visiting the UWS location. One of the things I love most about SUGARFISH is the consistency--you always know exactly what you're getting. The menu, food quality, service, and overall vibe are identical across locations, which makes it a reliable favorite. I ordered the Trust Me Light, which was the perfect amount of food for a light lunch. And as always, the toro hand roll was my favorite. read more
2 years ago
New SUGARFISH on the upper west side. Place can seat a lot of patrons and the service was excellent. Got the Nozawa Trust Me and every piece was executed perfectly. Ordered an extra tuna hand roll. I like that the extra add ons are very fairly priced. Tip is included in the bill. Recommend. read more
Definitely ask for Sam. He was wonderful. Food came out so quickly. Everything is always super fresh and it does not take a lot to fill you up. It's a small place, they say that they get busy at dinner... I definitely believe them because the food is delicious. read more
3 months ago
5 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
Solid new location for Sugarfish on the UWS. Staff was friendly. Lots of seating available and I think this location hasn't been fully discovered yet or else it would be insanely packed. I'd be back if I am in the area. read more
Love a tasting menu and the staff is very kind with questions and concerns. I really appreciated how fresh and simple each taste was, but I think I was looking for more. Wonderful, high quality fish will keep me coming back but I think I was looking for more wowing flavors read more
2 years ago
Waiting for table: 1 hour 15 minutes, no reservations accepted. Vibe: Cool, modern sushi house. Perfect for: First dates or any date night. Small group of friends. Menu Highlight: Trust Me portion. Try it! Comparison: Closest experience to sushi in Japan. Taste: Fish melts in mouth, phenomenal. Overall: Highly recommend, will be back. read more
11 months ago
2 years ago
It doesn't matter how good the food is when you have shady management. I left my credit card and the next day I went to get it, but they would not give it to me. They stated that my card was allegedly "locked in the safe" and they did not have a way to open it because a certain manager is not there. I let them know that I don't live in New York and that I'm flying home the next day. They assured me they would mail it. Since I had my credit card memorized, I dined there for a second day in a row. And I needed to use it for other things, but luckily other places took Apple Pay! Well as it turns out, the company now refuses to mail my card as promised ( & I flew home). I was told by the guy who called me back "I don't feel comfortable mailing it." And an email was sent stating, "Unfortunately, we cannot mail the card for safety reasons and to prevent any frauds or scams." So let me get this straight: I show up and you don't give me my card. Then you take back your word that you'll mail it because it's unsafe? So is safer with you holding onto it? "Frauds or scams" mailing my cc? Really?! Because every single credit card company has mailed every single credit card that ever went out to any single household, ever!! I feel crazy here but it seems to me that if they lock cards up in a safe, then they need to have someone there at all times to open the safe so that when a customer arrives, they can actually get their card. Or if not then maybe make amends and mail the damn card! And if a customer asks for their card to be returned via mail, then that's their call. Don't hold the card hostage because you don't "feel comfortable." Seems shady!! read more
1 year ago
9 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
I will never stop coming here!!!! Sugarfish has the most AMAZING rice; I really wish they had a side of rice on the menu, but sadly they do not. Also, I think their cucumber cut rolls are important to discuss. I've never really enjoyed cucumber rolls from anywhere but here I make sure to always get at least one order, because they are so good!!!!!!!! The cucumber is very crunchy and tasteful and I would give the overall roll a 10/10. I also love their salmon and tuna hand rolls; the seaweed is always crispy and the inside tastes like heaven. I've never tried the trust me menu, but it is something I hope to do in the near future!! Also, the service and ambiance are great as always. read more
Little update to my glowing review. Although I'm leaving the five stars because I ultimately still love Sugar fish and have been almost a weekly visitor to one of their locations for years. However, the last two times we've visited the New UWS location there's been a glitch in the Matrix. Last week they brought out the wrong order placed it in front of us and then whisk it away after we had a bite thinking it was ours. Bad call and not cool. And last night, even though we both ordered the Nozowa Trust Me, there was a huge wait for mine every time my wife was served hers. Over a ten minute delay on all my dishes. Not only did it continue like that but no one fixed the issue. Super not cool. Management needs to step up to the bat and right issues like this. I know this is a relatively new SF but to be as good as their other restaurants they need to get it together or they will start loosing long time customers like us. Very unfortunate. We'll go again next weekend and test out the waters. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
All the staff were helpful - although I love sushi, my hubby had not really experienced true sushi. We ordered the Nowaza Trust Me and loved it. They patiently explained each dish as it arrived and answered all questions. Lovely atmosphere also. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Very very good, the fish was fresh and I thought the restaurant itself was really nice. Service was great and attentive, the only real thing that could use improvement is the consistency of the rice could be better. Falls apart too easily for it to be sushi rice. Will definitely go back though cause of how good the fish was! read more
Page 1 of 2
