Sushi Koya — Restaurant in New York

Located on the Upper West Side, Sushi Koya offers a solid omakase experience that is both enjoyable and reasonably priced. At $85, their omakase menu provides good value, featuring a selection of fresh nigiri and a few creative touches. However, while the food is certainly commendable, it lacks the standout elements that make some other sushi experiences in the city unforgettable.

Highlights:

• Omakase Box: The main attraction, consisting of 10 pieces of premium nigiri, a mini don, and a cut roll. Each piece is fresh and well-prepared, showcasing the chef’s skills, but without any particularly memorable highlights. • Wagyu Carpaccio: A nice addition to the meal, offering a tender, flavorful experience with a rich, creamy horseradish crema. • Scallops: Perfectly seared and paired with vibrant accompaniments like carrot purée and spiced pine nuts, this dish stands out for its balance and presentation. • Bluefin Tuna Flight: A selection of akami, chu-toro, and o-toro nigiri, this flight is a solid option for tuna lovers, offering a variety of textures and flavors. • Salmon Don: Featuring an array of king salmon, arctic char salmon, and smoked king salmon on a bed of sushi rice, this dish is well-executed but typical of what you’d expect from a good sushi establishment.

Experience: The ambiance at Sushi Koya is pleasant, with a straightforward, no-frills decor that keeps the focus on the food. The service is attentive and efficient, contributing to an overall enjoyable dining experience.

In summary, Sushi Koya is a reliable choice for those looking for a quality omakase at a reasonable price. While it may not offer the extraordinary elements that distinguish the top sushi spots in NYC, it provides solid, well-prepared dishes that are worth the visit for...

I genuinely want this restaurant to succeed, this neighborhood certainly needs more good restaurants. I’m writing an honest review with the hope that some of these issues will be addressed in the coming months. I really enjoyed the service and atmosphere, both of which were excellent and added to the dining experience.

The restaurant takes a new school spin on sushi, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. First, the yuzu sauce is a major point of concern (it's repeated multiple times throughout the dinner). It's overly sweet, loaded with sugar. Initially, it feels refreshing, but after a few pieces, especially after dinner, the lingering sweetness becomes overwhelming.

Second, the shari, or sushi rice, needs a complete revamp. The seasoning and preparation are underwhelming, especially considering the current price point. Additionally, the proportion of shari to fish needs rethinking. Personally, I thought reducing the amount of rice by ~10% would create a better balance.

Third, hygiene! I was shocked when one of the cooks, while preparing anago, managed to kill a small fly on it. He tried to cover it up, but after making eye contact with me, he cut out the portion where the fly was smushed. This incident needs to be addressed to maintain the restaurant’s...

That was hands down the most unforgettable omakase experience I’ve ever had in my life. From the very first bite to the last, every dish somehow managed to outshine the one before it—it was a true symphony of flavors and textures. The attention to detail, the artistry, the balance… it was nothing short of extraordinary.

And the staff? Absolutely phenomenal. Their warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality took an already magical evening to another level. They made us feel so welcomed and cared for, and it really elevated the entire experience beyond just food—it felt like a celebration.

I went with the omakase and added a few extra pieces à la carte, and I honestly couldn’t recommend this place enough. If you’re looking for a truly special dining moment—one that lingers in your memory long after the last course—this is...