This was the first omakase where there wasn't a single piece that I didn't like. From start to finish, the dishes/pieces were decadent and innovative justifying the 175 price point. At 17 dishes, I was full and decided to treat myself to the $25 big mac which comes with either your choice of toro/wagyu topped with a fried quail egg. Wait staff were very attentive to make sure that you're enjoying each piece, with genuine curiosity to what could improve the experience or asking for personal favorites. My personal favorite was the fried shiso leaf with poached lobster & the shrimp. Will definitely have Ishikawa on my list of restaurants to revisit in the future. read more

This weekend, my boyfriend and I went out to dinner. Although he has dined at the restaurant a couple of times before, it was my first experience with their omakase. We sat in front of the chef, and each piece was crafted to perfection - unique and incredibly delicious. We also paired our meal with a wine tasting, which made each dish even more special. Our waitress was very informative and attentive, providing great insights about both the wine and the sushi. Overall, the experience made our night truly exceptional. This is the first time I couldn't pick a favorite piece; each one was so good! We will definitely go back. read more

This was a truffle-forward experience and I have zero complaints. I was especially excited to learn that the owner is Vietnamese, and you can definitely see those influences woven into some of the courses. With 17 courses in total, you will leave completely satisfied. The atmosphere: A small, intimate space, much like other omakase spots, but still very inviting. The food: I was blown away by both the quality and the artistry of each course. From the caviar to the truffle, every dish felt thoughtful, refined, and absolutely worth it. The service: The service was outstanding. Everyone made us feel welcome and taken care of. The chefs explained each course in detail, while the staff and managers checked in often. We really appreciated the friendly conversation in between courses, which made the entire experience feel even more enjoyable. read more

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An unconventional yet well executed sushi omakase. Sushi Ishikawa is known for their unique flavor combinations than being traditional while still using top quality ingredients! There was caviar, flower leaves, truffle, toro on toro, but they all complimented each other so well! It was around 18 courses for $175 which is not cheap but the experience was worth it. None of the ingredients mask the fish, and I truly believe this type of fusion sushi omakase was done well. There was one fish that had cheese? I think but it replicated a tomato basil pasta! That might sound weird but it was so good. Service was great, they treat you well. I would recommend this place for someone who might be too intimidated to try the fish on its own or if someone wants to try different flavors as there are 100s of sushi places in NYC. read more

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The best Omakase in my life so far! It's just perfectly as it has to be! Every piece is unique and the flavors open up in your mouth one by one. It was interesting to watch the chef's work, trying to guess how every new sushi may taste and never get right. Delicious food, very attentive service, great atmosphere. It is a little pricey, but it was worth it! I was very happy and impressed with the experience! read more

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Was a long time fan of Geisha. But to experience Don in his own spot was life changing - he has reached sushi god status. Easily the best meal I've had in NYC read more

This was such an amazing experience. If you enjoy sushi and omakase, this is a must try. Every piece was unique and delicious. We also paired it with the sake tasting. Our waitress, EKA was so informative and attentive about the sake and sushi. She made our night and made me feel special. I recommend sitting at the bar to see the art of making sushi and also the love they put in it. Dre and Kevin were our sushi chefs and made each piece look like art work. read more

Sushi Ishikawa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

We got a new year's eve omakase counter seat. All the staff was very friendly in explaining how to eat the food to enjoy our omakase experience a bit better as it was my boyfriends first time and only my second. The fish was prepared fresh right in front of us, where we got to enjoy it immediately after being prepared. It's a little bit untraditional as they like to generously use toppings like truffle, gold flakes, and wagyu on top of the highlight of the dish, but I'm understanding it was a New York type thing. They have table seating too, but the fish isn't nearly as freshly prepared. read more

Sushi Ishikawa - Uni topped with caviar and popped rice - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I wouldn't be able to tell you the name of each piece here, but they were all delicious and fresh. One of the best omakase experiences I've had in the city. Service was great, the young woman kept coming and telling us about the sushi and was very nice and accommodating. Great date night place, good for small groups only. read more

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First omakase. Sushi was great, and the rice was okay. Just double check your bill before you pay... I ordered a sake and then asked if I could switch to the sake flights. They agreed that they would include it as part of the flight so I wouldn't have to pay separately. At the end of the meal I ordered one more piece of sushi. Well the next day when I actually looked at the receipt, I noticed they charged me for two extra pieces of sushi when I only ordered one extra piece, and they didn't include the first sake as part of the flight. This was an extra ~$40-$50 on my bill. Not happy after tipping 25%. read more

Chef Don still brings it. Last dinner with a friend from out of town. I had another place booked but when she said it would be her first omakase I had to switch it up and get her the best version of NY-style omakase. I don't know if people will agree but that's the term I use for the luxuriously garnished omakase that has taken over the city across price points. Ambiance is solid. Lots of wood. Intimate but not cramped. Clean and comfortable all around. Nice little touches like the cute chopstick holders. Top notch service. The restaurant was able to add in a 3rd person with us at the counter after a last minute call. Don himself is a great showman too, cracking jokes all night and answering questions. It should go without saying for omakase in general but you need to get a counter seat for the full experience, especially here. Food is top notch. They set the bar high right away with a lightly garnished bite of nodoguro (my favorite!). You'll get fun and tasty bites, garnished with caviar, truffle and the like. My companions declared their last bite as their favorite several times in a row. A splurge to be sure, but it should be on your list. read more

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Cute little dining room with bar seats and 3 tables of 4. Not good for groups but the food and service is extraordinary. We took an early seating(5pm) at the counter and because the restaurant was not as busy, we got to talk to our chef and other servers about Japanese culture and food. Great experience; we will be back! Make sure you come hungry! read more

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It is pretty good, the fish is fresh and the service is excellent. Ppl keep asking me if the amount of rice is good, how is wasabi, I guess they try to be more personalize and accommodate each one's taste. Which is great. And all staff are very friendly. read more

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6 stars. I've lost track of how many times I've enjoyed one of my favorite omakases in the city. Discover the ultimate in innovative and exquisite omakase with Chef Pham. His unique dishes masterfully blend flavors, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Everyone I've sent here has been absolutely delighted. Chef Pham ~~~~ *korean heart* Nini ~~~ the best, fun server. read more

You can't make a resy for six unless you call. We were really lucky to score one for a Thursday night when chef Dom Pham was our chef! This made up for the initial awkward exchange when I learned that they couldn't serve the chocolate cake i brought for my friend's birthday. So DO NOT bring a cake to the restaurant. The UES location is the original. It is busier and louder/more fun than the UWS location. The 17 course omakase was amazing as the first time. I loved some of the repeats. My favorite was still the tempura shiso leaf topped with lobster and ikura. The uni was also better all around than our last time, which made sense as we came during a different season. I would definitely be coming back again. But now I'll know to make sure Chef Dom Pham is there for all my future endeavors here! He is a genuinely fun and nice guy who knows all his customers! read more

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The fact that this place has no Michelin stars tells me everything I need to know about the Guide's credibility. -_- Mind blowing from start to finish, serving sushi in a non-traditional style. Service is also one of the best I've experienced so far, if not the best. Best meal of my life ... so far. read more

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By far my favorite sushi spot in the city! The service unmatched and the space is so gorgeous!! read more

Sushi Ishikawa - Toro//truffle - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Every visit is a euphoric experience at Sushi Ishikawa. The warm welcome, watching the creation of little art pieces at the chef's counter, and the moment of silence while each bite activates emotion and sensation as you chew. 17 pieces sounds like a lot and it is. Eat nothing before your reservation. The friendly service and their acknowledgment of repeat visitors makes you want to come back hin and again. Absolutely my fave restaurant in NYC. read more

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I've eaten a lot of sushi + top tier omakase in NYC. Ishakawa remains at the top of the list. Ate there last night at the sushi bar. Small and intimate -- seats probably about 12. 17 courses for $175. Not cheap, but also not in the $300+ range than comparable omakase spots sometimes charge. This is new age style omakase, meaning each piece is inventive. Each piece is a magical and artistic creation, with absolutely top tier and fresh fish serving as the canvas, and a mix of many other inventive ingredients and flavors as the paint. Each bit is a magical flavor explosion. Absolutely recommend and can't wait to go back soon. read more

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Ornate, flashy, but really spectacular sushi. Had the chance to try Sushi Ishikawa's 17 course omakase for my boyfriend and I's anniversary. We were seated at the chef's counter and had the most intimate, intentional eating experience. I really enjoyed watching our chef prepare the meal right in front of our eyes. There was so much care that went into every course. Our chef was very friendly and explained each piece upon serving. High quality fish and high quality ingredients to compliment and augment the taste. To top it off, we were also given complimentary champagne -- love. I left feeling incredibly full and incredibly happy. read more

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If you're looking for your next omakase restaurant that specializes on modern takes, Sushi Ishikawa is the place to be. As of 4/21/24, the price per person is $175. While it's no chump change, the amount you get is totally worth the price and then some. Sushi Ishikawa is generous with their ingredients. Some pieces have 3 pieces of fish rolled together; there's large truffle slices; and a generous portion of foie gras. I don't expect to be blown away by every piece at omakase (your taste buds like what they like, right?), but I feel like in comparison to other places I've been to, Sushi Ishikawa thoughtfully curates each piece that none feel like filler items. My personal favorites were the pieces that had lime grated on them, the foie gras piece, and the Thai chili dish. We let them know in the reservation that it was my birthday and they put a candle next to the dessert and brought out champagne. How sweet! Staff is super friendly. There was a woman who was always talking to us and she was so lovely. It was so refreshing to talk to her about what we both enjoyed and felt like I was talking to a friend. Some super minor things that didn't impact my review but things I would have liked to see: -I wasn't a super fan of the music they were playing. Some jazz, bassanova, or classic music would have been nice as I sometimes got distracted. -Not sure if it's a city thing as it's my third time having omakase, but I was surprised to see not everyone gets started at the same time and it seems like they start based off when you come in. Highly highly recommend Sushi Ishikawa for your next omakase! read more

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Absolutely delicious! Of the 17 courses, everything was a banger to great, I really enjoyed every bite. Dessert was also included, which was a matcha panna cotta and a yuzu shot. Of the sushi courses, each one was dressed up a bit with extra elements compared to just the fish rice and traditional components at other spots; while this might not be everyone's cup of tea, I really appreciated the flavors. My favorite pieces were the kamatoro and crab+toro+caviar (yes all in one piece). read more

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I've been here a few times and have always had a great experience! We recently went for my birthday. It was 17 course omakase for $175. We also got a bottle of sake to share, the staff was very knowledgeable about sake and gave us a few recommendations. They also gave me a complimentary glass of Prosecco for my birthday! We got counter seats (highly recommend). They also have table seats but I recommend the counter seats to get the full experience. The fatty tuna with crab and caviar was really good!!! I enjoyed all the courses and was pretty full at the end. They use a lot of different ingredients in the courses and it is a unique experience compared to other omakase places. I had my fair share of uni and caviar throughout the whole experience, loved it! I recommend coming here for a special occasion! read more

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Incredible sushi, new omakase option provides TOO MUCH food at TOO HIGH of a price. Ishikawa is squarely in my top 3 favorite sushi spots in NY. Their quality, artistry, and mix of east and west flavors is stunning, to the point that I remember (and frequently crave) individual pieces. Service is always friendly, prompt, efficient. The problem is their menu option. Until recently, the offering was 15pc for $135. This included a hand roll and dessert. We'd eat an early lunch and avoid snacking before an Ishikawa dinner and still have to choose between wasting the last couple pieces or feeling nauseous from eating too much. Almost always chose the latter... With the new option, it's $175 for 17pc. Increasing price makes complete sense given inflation. But 17pc?? What customer research did they do to determine that 15pc wasn't enough already? So unfortunately, because my wife and I (quite literally) can't stomach a 17pc omakase, we've decided not to go back to Ishikawa until they have a smaller portion option. We very much look forward to when they make this change and will miss the flavors in the meantime. read more

Sushi Ishikawa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Absolutely amazing omakase experience designed by Chef Pham with 17 pieces of "heavy hitters." They use the best ingredients, perfectly paired and beautifully crafted. Each piece is a work of art. This is not your traditional edomae omakase but rather offers a fusion twist with additions such as caviar, truffle, and even gold flakes. Every piece feels like a delectable blend of 2-3 pieces (example include the wagyu, foie gras, and truffle piece and an o-toro, akami, and caviar). We came for my birthday and they treated us to 2 glasses of rose each, which was unexpected and very gracious. Highly recommend and the service, quality and value is exceptional at $175 compared to what you would get at any other omakase venue for $150+. We will definitely be back soon. read more

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Wow!!! What an awesome way to celebrate friends from coast to coast coming together for a birthday but also to enjoy some yummy omakase. We all walked out stuffed to our hearts content - SO MUCH SEAFOOD!!! The service was fantastic and felt very cozy. Very well priced for such an innovative experience. read more

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Food 9/10 Received complimentary champagne. I've gone before to the UWS side, and that was a spectacular innovative omakase experience before COVID. Coming to this place after COVID, maybe it didn't feel as amazing because we were not seated at the chef's counter and each piece was brought to our table. Nevertheless, I felt as if the pieces were smaller than I had recalled, and no flavor really stood out to me. Prices obviously went up but that is understandable. My friends really enjoyed it, but because I prefer edomae omakase, this place was a solid meal but not a place I would return to. Atmosphere 6/10 We were seated outside, it was raining, it started leaking on my friend. It stopped before they were able to move us though. Not a great part of our experience. Service 9/10 Really good service, attentive and explained each piece very well. read more

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I've been to several Omakase in different places and this one did not disappoint. For 16 courses (1 extra) cost was $185 which is fairly typical. The main difference from my other experiences was not sitting at a chef's table/chef's counter. This round was at a table where they brought everything out pre-plated for everyone. Still enjoyable however I'd recommend getting a seat where you get to watch the action. Our server was very knowledgeable and gave recommendations for sake that paired nicely. One in the group had a shellfish allergy and the server was very clear to inform us of the differences when bringing out the various dishes that were modified. The first two pieces I was a bit worried as there seemed to be a big portion of wasabi which I can take in small doses. No one else seemed to have an issue, just me. After the first two selections, I had a much more enjoyable experience. Every bite was a unique and flavorful, everyone enjoyed the meal. read more

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Sushi Ishikawa is obviously not your traditional edomae omakase experience so don't come here if that's what you are looking for. But if what you ARE looking for is a modern, contemporary take on omakase featuring such indulgent ingredients such as foie gras, wagyu, truffle, uni, caviar and gold flakes then this is where you need to be!! Chef Pham's omakase set is far from traditional here but that's the appeal here and makes it a true standout. In a city full of traditional edomae omakase options, Chef Pham's contemporary approach is both imaginative and creative. Each nigiri is not only tantalizing to the tastebuds but aesthetically pleasing as well, each a work of culinary art in its own regard. The ambience here is very inviting and not intimidating at all as some high end omakase places in the city can sometimes be. Moreover, my wife and I were here celebrating our anniversary this particular night. I had mentioned to Chef Pham that we were visiting from San Francisco and he and his staff were incredibly pleasant and made our entire experience one of the most memorable we've ever had. We were also given complimentary glasses of champagne which was a nice added bonus. We spoke in depth a lot about where his fish was sourced and toro kama (collar) came up. Without any hesitation, Chef Pham offered us a single kama nigiri which he presented to us alone and which I appreciated immensely since I know the amount of fish cut from the collar is a very limited amount. It was the first time I ever had the opportunity to indulge in kama before and it was by far one of my favorite pieces of the evening. Even though it would be obviously difficult for us to dine at Sushi Ishikawa on a regular basis since we live in the west coast, my wife and I both agreed we would definitely return in a heartbeat the next time we are in NYC!! Can't recommend this place enough!! 5 stars!! read more

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This is my favorite omakase. The staff are always friendly and in good spirits. They always chat with the guests and provide great recommendations. They always clear when they present you the sushi piece and tell you exactly what you are about to have. Nini is my favorite, she is so sweet. Chef Pham is amazing. His positive attitude and humor reverberates throughout the staff and makes the restaurant grant. The pieces are always unique, flavorful and generous. There are multiple pieces with caviar, Uni, toro and more caviar. Price is unbeatable at $135. It is worth every penny. I am looking forward to the sushi bar being open again on the east side! I hope it is soon. There is nothing like sitting at the bar! read more

Sushi Ishikawa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

food quality was excellent really fresh the service was incredible and the atmosphere is amazing !! read more

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The priciest Omakase is worth every penny - high quality fish, premium ingredients, sitting on a bed of perfectly vinegared sauced and temperatured rice. There are many places that cost more while giving less, and this is the opposite. Such a great deal and one of the best spots for sushi in the city. Definitely ask for counter seating so you can watch the chefs do their magic. read more

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I heard a lot of good things about this place so I wanted to try it for my birthday. It was good. One of the better omakase I've had but I wouldn't say it was the best. I booked a table for 5:30pm at their outdoor greenhouse patio for a Thursday night so it wasn't too busy. I had a decent amount of space away from other customers. Checking in was easy. You give them your name and they'll check your vaccine card. Their chopstick holders are so cute. I had a watermelon and a little dog. Price - $135 a person and an additional $20 more for wagyu. I had a total of 16 pieces and 1 dessert. Service - Exceptional! Everyone was friendly. The staff were very knowledgeable about each pieces. When they had you the piece, they'll explain what the fish is, what its topped with and how to eat it. I had a piece 3 different fishes and had to eat two together and 1 separately. Food - They use SO MANY expensive ingredients which kind of justify the price. I had a few pieces topped with Caviar, truffle and foie gras... even gold flakes. They also used Dungeness crab, lobster and oyster. I never had so many fancy ingredients in one omakase meal. Sadly, I felt like it mask the freshness and taste of the fish which should be the main focus. I had an Otoro with caviar and Dungeness crab and all I tasted was the crab. The food was still really good! My favorite piece was the fatty cheek from a Bluefin Tuna. It melted in my mouth and tasted like heaven. Since it was my birthday, they graciously put a candle on my dessert plate. The dessert was a good matcha coconut pudding. I normally do not like coconut but this did not turn me off. I finished the whole thing. Overall it was a good experience! I was not hungry at the end like I usually am with Omakase. read more

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What a fantastic Omakase dinner! All 17 courses were astonishing & unique, and the service was friendly and inviting. Great ambiance as well. read more

Omakase here screams creative! I came here years ago back in 2017 and I remember I loved my time here. Each piece was well thought out and the flavors were unique and worked together. Fast forward to now, the pieces seem to have shrunk ambit I still thought it was delicious and had that creative flair. The staff was super attentive and Don Pham himself makes the whole experience pleasant! My favorite pieces were the scallop, uni + toro hand roll (ended up getting another), and basically anything with uni lol. It's pricey--we spent upwards of $600 for two people. If you're venturing out for omakase, there a lot of other spots I would try first but give this one a go! read more

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ONE HUNDRED STARS Best omakase ever. Each piece a work of art and every bite divine. The owner Dom Pham was not behind the counter when we dined at the East Side location. The mark of a great restaurant is that every dish taste phenomenal even when the head chef is not there. Our sushi chef was a rock star, as was our Balinese waitress. Together they enlightened us about every delicious bite, which enhanced the experience, as did her sake recommendation and the yuzu-sake cocktail they brought me to start in place of champagne (to toast my birthday) Already looking forward to dining here again. Best meal I've eaten all year!!! read more

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All I can say is- wow! The place is small, easy to miss but adorable. The food is beautifully presented and we got a complimentary glass of champagne because it was new years. Highly recommend the 17 course Omakase and the waiters explain everything to the T. The bill can definitely be a bit on the pricier side; the 17 course is $170 in itself and if you get drinks it definitely adds up but worth it. Great to come here on an anniversary or a big birthday. Will definitely come back! read more

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Sushi Ishikawa was a lovely and creative omakase experience! Our first visit was in May 2022 and we enjoyed our experience in the outdoor greenhouse. Each piece had layers of unique flavors and pairings. We had the 15 course + wagyu piece ($20 additional). The wagyu piece was topped with a white powder, which was wagyu oil that was freeze dried and dehydrated. Smoky torched wagyu with melty powder fat - interesting concept! My husband has a shellfish allergy, and they easily accommodated the omakase experience for him. read more

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By far one of the most superior omakase restaurants in New York City. My girlfriend and I stopped in for Valentine's Day and was served 17 great courses. All the pieces were satisfying and well put together. read more

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I enjoyed the omakase experience here! Having tried omakase a few other places, I would say that this is quite a unique experience. Whereas the traditional omakase I've experienced had the fish quality and texture carry the dish, these dishes shine in unique and inventive flavor-texture combinations. There is no boring piece of sushi. There is a play on texture and flavors in each piece. For example, one piece had a crunchy tempura leaf in it. It was a surprising addition to sushi that worked very well to contrast the softness of the fish. Another dish had gold leaf. Another with truffle shavings atop the sushi. We also opted for the wagyu, which was delicious as expected. The dessert we had was also very good. Service was phenomenal and we appreciated the time the staff to present us the details of the dish. Overall, this place puts a twist on the traditional omakase experience with thoughtful medleys of texture and flavors in each dish. We left feeling full and happy with the omakase experience. read more

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