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    Sushi by Bou

    4.6 (975 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed Closed

    Sushi by Bou Photos

    SUSHI BY BOU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Quiet

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    Recommended Reviews - Sushi by Bou

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    Reviews With Photos

    Sashimi (my request) omakase
    Kseniya K.

    Made reservations for 7 PM Omakase. Got there early and we were able to do our experience an hour earlier. 12 course omakase is $70 per person and is timed: the chefs start on the dot on the hour and you have an hour to be done. I was worried about being rushed, since I eat slowly. I did feel rushed. It was just us two and a group of four others sitting next to us and the two chefs preparing our food were very quick. My friend ate super quickly, so we were out in half an hour, which felt too fast. Omakase pieces didn't wow or surprise. Pretty standard fare. Nothing I remembered or would order again, sadly. Too little sauce & garnish. Each piece tasted almost like it was missing half the flavor. We weren't even given soy sauce. Can't say I'd return. Drinks were a miss. Lost in Tokyo cocktail was too sweet and I didn't feel any alcohol. My friend concurred. I'd recommend getting beer or a stiff drink to feel any kind of effect. Cocktails are weak. Vibes are pretty cool: dark, speakeasy/dive bar mood with rock and roll songs and ambiance. Tiny spot, not best for large groups.

    Sasha M.

    Sushi by Bou was such a fun experience and perfect if you want an omakase without making it a whole night commitment. We had so many courses and by the end I was honestly surprised by how much food we got. Everything felt really fresh and thoughtfully prepared, and each piece coming out one by one made the experience feel special. Also our server was incredible, she made the whole experience even better. Super funny, welcoming, and explained everything in a way that made it feel relaxed instead of intimidating. The atmosphere was intimate and the pacing was great. Definitely one of those places that feels worth it for a date night, girls night, or just treating yourself.

    Fluke
    Lailah J.

    Manhattan, NY - I read a post a while back that questioned: "are we at peak omakase yet?" Yes, yes we absolutely are. Saturated and falling off a cliff, at least in NYC. And yet, it keeps going and I can't get enough. Sushi by Bou was one of the early comers to the budget omakase scene (~$50 range but creeping up now), with currently 6 locations in NYC and over 20 locations across the US + Puerto Rico, and showing no signs of slowing down. We'd originally booked just the 30-minute, 12-course Signature Omakase at the Times Square location (at the Sanctuary Hotel) but asked if we could upgrade to the 17-course "Bougie" option (60 minutes) on the spot, and they were accommodating. Unfortunately both the experience and the food were factory-like, lacking delicacy, craftsmanship, and refinement. The neta (topping) was often overpowered by the seasoning/sauce it was brushed with, the shari (rice) was overly brined, and our cocktails were weak. The fish was fresh but not particularly standout (though for the price point I know to temper my expectations), and not really prepared up to par. For example the hamachi (yellowtail) was too warm, and the akami (lean bluefin tuna) too tart. My faves were probably the wagyuni surf & turf, the chopped tuna, and toro, and we added a few à la carte pieces at the end. Our sushi chef was nice and did the job, but 30 minutes isn't a long time, and I can feel his rush well as our own sense of urgency, until we added 30 more minutes. All the staff were very attentive and kind, however. Although I've never been to the original Queens location (which has since closed), I remember it received rave reviews from patrons back in the day, and can't help but wonder if quality control has suffered in Bou's aggressive expansion into clubby markets with a party people vibe, where the food becomes secondary to the image and atmosphere. I'm not one to be moved by hip decor, though their venues do have a trendy fun feel which will be appealing to some. It's aight for entry level omakase, but feels very assembly line and paint by numbers. There are simply many more players in the game now (a lot of easy cash-grab mediocre ones too, to be sure), and compared to peers that offer better omakase experiences in a similar competitive price range, I'll continue to explore elsewhere for that sweet spot of value and quality.

    Shiso Sounthsider
    Destiny B.

    Sushi By Bou is bringing you intimate speakeasy vibes, omakase style. 12 courses for $70 blending tradition with modern innovation, fresh ingredients, and artistry. We started off drinks with The Lost in Tokyo with flavors of matcha, coconut milk, and cruzan rum and the Sparkling Yuzu Lemonade with hints of butterfly pea tea. The 12-course Edomae-style omakase covers a lineup of chef-curated bites, from yellowtail to lean tuna with my favorites being the spotted prawn, albacore, and barbecue eel. The fish was insanely fresh, super buttery, and literally melted in your mouth. The albacore was so good we had to run it back for an extra piece...you can really taste the quality and attention to detail in every piece. Each course is prepared and served one by one right in front of you, feeling extremely intimate and leaving you wanting more. We had to do another round drinks of the Sparkling Yuzu Lemonade and Shiso Sounthsider that were extremely refreshing, and the perfect ending to our session. If you're looking for an affordable, upscale, omakase, or wanting to escape the streets of Time Square, I highly recommend Sushi By Bou

    Calli Y.

    This place poped up on our instagram feed offering an omakase for $10 off. We decided to book it our on trip and it was available. We were a little skeptical since it was 13 items in 30min. We were all like, really. Well, it's such a fun location to visit in NY and it's down the stairs. You walk in and it's 1 room with 1 bar where it seats about 8 folks at a time. Everything was delicious! I don't feel like our chef was as personable as the one on the other side but that's ok. Long as the food was good, that's all that matters. The Toro was my favorite since it melts in your mouth. Such a fun experience for yummy food!!

    Sushi
    David H.

    This is the second time we've been to this -Sushi by Bou- location, with good reasons. First off, the sushi is super fresh. The whole dinner takes about 30 minutes and the space is very intimate with cool artwork and an eclectic mix of music. For $65.00, you get 12 pieces of sushi ranging from Tuna, Scallop, Shrimp, Salmon, Uni and even Wagyu. Yes, lightly torched Wagyu Beef. Trust me. It works. Once the meal is completed, they have a few special rolls; like "The Big Mac Roll". Try it. You won't be disappointed. Or tell them what you want. They'll make it for you. Reservations a must

    At the bar
    Max A.

    Sushi Bou at the Sanctuary Hotel feels less like a standard dinner reservation and more like gaining entry to a well-kept secret. You enter from the street through a graffiti-covered basement entrance, knock on an otherwise unremarkable door, and step into an intimate, blue-lit room with seating for no more than eight at the bar. The setting is exclusive, immersive, and perfectly designed for an omakase experience that feels personal from the first moment. The 12-course Signature Omakase is an absurd value at $65 and honestly delivers an experience that rivals any NYC restaurant charging multiples of that price. Sushi By Bou describes it as a 12-course Edomae-style omakase built around seasonal ingredients and the chef's artistry, and that is exactly what comes across the moment service begins. The menu also highlights signature selections including hamachi, akami, botan ebi, ikura, bincho, hotate, gindara, toro, sake, unagi, and more. What makes the meal exceptional is that the chef prepares each piece directly in front of you and hands it to you one by one, at the precise moment it should be eaten. That format turns dinner into theater. Every bite feels deliberate. The fish tastes pristine, fresh, and luxurious, with the kind of quality and execution people usually associate with Michelin-starred counters, not a standard seating. My personal favorite was the fatty toro, which was so rich, clean, and decadent that I ordered three extra pieces without a second thought. And the wagyu truffle roll was, plainly put, an orgasim of delicious. Over-the-top in the best possible way. Rich, indulgent, and unforgettable. If you want a high-end sushi experience without the inflated ego or inflated check, Sushi Bou at the Sanctuary Hotel is the move. It is intimate, dramatic, expertly executed, and one of the best dining values I have had in the city. Get it before this place rocks into celebrity stardom and you cant get a reservation. Get the exclusive while you still can.

    Desiree F.

    I got the chance to try this location because I liked the one in Chelsea! When I arrived I parked on the street nearby. I walked into a downstairs speakeasy vibe restaurant. I got to experience their 12-Course Omakase for just $55! And it was good! Orby made everything and he was great! I had: Vodka Martini Hamachi Akami Botan Ebi Ikura Bincho Maguro Hotate Gindara Toro Sake Wagyuni Unagi I loved the 12 course! It was a good time all in all!

    Ronald W.

    Great 12 piece for $65 in 30m deal. They have set seatings to make this work so next seating was 45m after my 5p reservation so definitely make a reservation. Everything was great. Anything with uni is my favorite and I'm not a big fan of torching and bluefin tuna sushi. In and out. Perfect pretheater. I thought the 12 for $55 didn't apply to this location but of course afterwards I get a Facebook ad adding this location.

    Sohan G.

    My first five star experience of 2026. I went in for my birthday and was seated. The counter has 6 seats where you can watch the chef make the sushi. There were 17 courses with a sake flight. Our server told us what each but was before indulging. At the end we were asked if we wanted any additional nigiri. I got the Big Mac (ikura, fatty tuna, scallop, and wagyu) in one bite. This was heavenly.

    Drinking.. time lol
    Michael N.

    Absolutely Fantastic experience... The ambiance was great. The delayed arrival of the fish was a great touch. The cutting was a bit rough but those guys did their best. The tuna was A1.... And I got my money's worth. The service was ok.. they made sure we got every cut they had available. Definitely a must try if the opportunity arises.

    Tiffany S.

    We needed a place to eat after a broadway show and made a last minute reservation around 10 PM (just an hour before closing). Even though the restaurant was nearly empty, the staff greeted us warmly and made us feel welcome. The omakase was fresh, delicious, and affordable, and our sushi chef wonderful! He was friendly, attentive, and especially thoughtful since it was my friend's first experience. Walking down the stairs into the dark, the underground dining room was exciting and hidden. I'll be visiting New York again next month and have already booked another reservation!

    Menu
    Mia H.

    Located inside of a hotel, Sushi by Bou is a neat spot to check out if you love omakase! The interior of the omakase spot is dim, more hip, and definitely a unique and fun speakeasy kind of vibe that you typically don't get from omakase! The staff was all super friendly and gave us a free handroll at the end! They also have their menu written on the wall, which I loved so I knew what I was eating each bite. This is a 12-course omakase spot (but you can always add on more if it's not enough), and the experience is super casual and laid back. The quality of the fish was pretty solid and it's great value for the price. I especially loved their miso cod handroll and their wagyu uni piece. Drinks here are also REALLY good!

    One of the delish bites

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    Long time due, speakeasy place, makes for a really good family experience on special occasions.. really good sushi

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    Page 1 of 25

    Sushi by Bou Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sushi by Bou

    How much is the omakase?

    I believe it is $60 for a 30 minute or $100 for a 60 minute (the bougie) omakase experience, with 12 and 17 courses respectively.

    What is the price for 12 peice and 17 piece course as of now?

    Hi Tien-ya our 12-course menu is $60 and the Bougie 17-course menu is $100

    Can a party of 2 also do the Bougie option?

    Hi Molly, thank you for reaching out. Yes, you can do the Bougie option for 2 guests.

    Can they accommodate a shellfish allergy?

    Yes! I'm allergic to scallops and they made sure I got an alternate item.

    Do they do take out?

    No. They are geared towards dine in experience only

    Do you need a reservation for lunch or can you walk-in?

    A reservation is best because the place is small. Very private intimate setting & experience. You can try and walk in, but be prepared to wait or they will give you a time to come back

    Hi, how much is the current omakase price per person?

    Its $50 per person for the signature 30 minute 12 piece omakase. Please feel free to join us for the 30 min or the 60 min bougie seating for $100.

    Is this location still open?

    It will open again later this Summer 2021

    Do they serve alcohol. If so, what do they offer?

    Hi Sho M, We have a full cocktail bar.

    Does the omakase include tip or is tip separate?

    Tip separate

    Are their vegetarian options?

    No. Also, it is an omakase experience. Even if there were vegetarian options, you wouldn't order them a la carte until at the end after all the sushi has been served.

    Do they have lunch special?

    Our Times Square location does not offer any lunch specials. We offer two menu options; our signature 12 piece Omakase at $50 per person and a Bougie package at $100 per person. Our extended Bougie package includes 17 pieces with a hand roll for a… 

    Is there all you can eat if so how much is it and what is not included?

    no

    Is there a corkage fee/byob?

    $40 per bottle.

    Are there any vegetarian options?

    I would not recommend this restaurant if you're looking for vegetarian options. The menu is a… 

    Is this a 30mins experience only like some other places?

    They say that it is, and I was a little worried about whether we would feel rushed. We came early, though, and enjoyed a very tasty cocktail before we were seated at the bar. The pace of the meal felt fine to me, since we were focused on the food.… 

    Hi All, I am going to visit this place tomorrow with my friend who is crazy about them. Does the Sushi have a "fishy" aftertaste? I am picky with my sushi and some of the creations they have is flat our scary to eat. Looking for feedback

    Its hard to say as different sushi are prepared in different ways. Some are lightly marinated and/ or fermented. I like mackerel but depending on the species and how its prepared it may taste fishy to other people. They will ask you if there is… 

    I'm being offered a 17pc omakase that includes a hand Roll, cocktail and a round of sake for $125 pp, is it worth it compared to the normal $50 omakase?

    Difficult to answer this question because we need to know what are the types of pieces you are getting. But if it includes a cocktail and a round of sake, that is worth it, if you drink of course.

    I'd like to try this place, but noticed that they serve some beef, and I don't eat beef. Does anyone know if they can sub out the beef rolls for seafood?

    They allow you to substitute if you do not like or are allergic to any of the pieces. And he always asks if you have allergies or restrictions before serving anyone. Great stuff!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Tensai

    Tensai

    4.3
    (59 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    I had stopped by this little hole in the wall a handful of times before stopping in several months…read moreago during a cold winter day. The place was pretty quiet, and the staff was friendly. To drink, I had a Hot Organic Super Matcha Tea for 4.95. It was alright tea, and I wish teas were included in the price point, as otherwise, this place feels pretty traditional. In terms of food, I only ordered from the seasonal menu, so I'm not sure how the rest of the dishes are, but from what I had, I would go back for a light traditional meal. My appetizer was the Dashimaki Tamago/だし巻まき卵たま, or sweet savory omelet with daikon for $6.98. This came with three pieces along with a little dollop of grated radish. The pieces had a light sweetness to them along with a bit of savoriness. They were juicy and a bit bouncy while maintaining some softness. This was standard and good. My main dish was the $19.98 Beef Tan Tan Udon, or ground sirloin beef, spicy broth, baby bok choy, kikurage mushroom, scallions, and sesame seeds. While I have preferred udon from spots like Raku, the udon had a mild chew to it, and they were still good. The broth had a mix of sweetness and spiciness with a nice depth of flavor. The vegetables inside tasted fresh, and the meat added some richness. This was good as well. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to go here, but the food was good. If you're in the area and looking for no frills Japanese dining in a more comfortable atmosphere at pretty decent Midtown East prices, I would recommend this place.

    I recently tried Tensai for dinner during the weekday and enjoyed a nice authentic Japanese udon…read more The restaurant is nestled in Midtown East NY and has several two-seater tables, but only one or two larger tables that can seat a party of 4. Very cozy restaurant and the staff were attentive and friendly. Luckily their service is very fast so my family and I didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for a table in the back. I really enjoyed their niku udon. The broth was flavorful but not too salty. The menu offered a variety of options, all reasonably priced between $10-20, ensuring great value for the quality provided. I would come back to Tensai for some comforting Japanese udon noodles!

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    Tensai
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    Karaage
    Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)

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    Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)
    Sakagura

    Sakagura

    4.2
    (1.9k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$$

    This is one of the best izakaya restaurants in Manhattan, and it keeps bringing me back time after…read moretime. The moment you walk in, you're instantly transported to Japan. The décor features light natural wood and bamboo, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere, with an impressive collection of sake lining the wall. The food is outstanding. We started with the seasonal soft-shell crab, which was incredibly fresh and fried to perfection. The daily sashimi special was exceptionally fresh, and the salad was light and refreshing. The must-order Wagyu beef, served on a hot stone, simply melted in our mouths and was unforgettable. Every dish was beautifully prepared, and I enjoyed every single bite. The impeccable service was the icing on the cake. The staff was attentive throughout our meal, making sure we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. I absolutely loved the entire dining experience and can't wait to come back again!

    We had a really delicious dinner at Sakagura. Some of the real highlights were:…read more- the cucumber salad - the eggplant, which was absolutely to die for - the black cod The Otoro sashimi was also really good. Definitely melt-in-your-mouth quality. The hot udon soup was fine but nothing too special. The hamachi was very good but be aware that it is the hamachi shoulder on the bone, not hamachi sashimi. I tried a sake that is made from red rice, which was really delicious, and my wife had a sauvignon blanc, which was also really good. This is a fun place to try a bunch of Japanese small plates in a nice setting where the tables are not too crowded and the noise level is very reasonable.

    Photos
    Lunch Time. Happy Friday!
    Lunch Time. Happy Friday!
    Hot "Inaniwa" Udon
    Hot "Inaniwa" Udon
    Agedashi Tofu

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    Agedashi Tofu

    Sushi by Bou - sushi - Updated August 2026

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