New City Sushi — Restaurant in Town of Clarkstown

This was a surprisingly underwhelming and disappointing experience. This place clearly has a strong reputation in the area, and that vibe was all over the establishment when I walked in to grab my lunch. Everyone was very nice, and the sushi chef behind the counter generously gave me a huge piece of a spicy tuna-dominant free sample. I'm willing to believe this could have just been an off day and/an anomaly, but in the moment it was just not good.

I actually chose New City Sushi last week because it was National Cupcake Day and there was a neighboring establishment that seemed to be a viable destination to ring in this not-exactly-legit holiday. I work a little further north in Rockland so it's also difficult to find decent sushi that's not inexplicably being sold in a pizza place (I know. Mystifying.). This was probably a 15-minute drive or so, which is right around my limit for a lunchtime adventure. This was my first time going into New City, and while it was definitely a bit more chaotic than the area surrounding my office, it wasn't too hard to find some parking right down the street.

From what I could tell, New City Sushi is one of several sushi establishments I've been to within the past few months that doesn't seem interested in reopening for dine-in in the wake of COVID. Certainly within their rights (and for what it's worth, my favorite sushi place, Kenko Sushi in Lincoln Park, NJ has not either), but given my experience here, it's hard not to wonder if the quality may have gone a little downhill as a result. As mentioned, I was provided with a free sample (always a nice touch), which was tasty. It was predictably a little spicy/flavorful but honestly is something I'd get on its own. Unfortunately though, it was the highlight of my meal.

I ordered the MACS (which stands for mango, avocado, crab and shrimp tempura) Roll ($10) and Volcano Roll ($13.50). The presentation value was interesting; as you can see from the attached, the Volcano Roll was assembled in what looked to be a flower blossom pattern, with the primary contents of the roll in the middle. Intriguing idea, but it didn't really work. The actual rolls lining the outside were cut in a slant downwards to accommodate the interior, and as a result it was very difficult to actually scoop and keep the "blossom" toppings on the roll. Not sure what the thought process was beyond the initial presentation value. To add to that mild annoyance though, the roll was very bland, probably the worst volcano roll I've had to date. It just didn't have any flavor, and the overreliance on the crunch and rice overpowered everything else. It was also very dry, which is a bit unusual in my experience with this type of roll. Adding some soy/eel sauce, or maybe some kind of chipotle mayo drizzle could have gone a long way here.

The MACS was equally disappointing although that was at least easier to eat. It tasted and looked like it had some soy sauce on it, but this was also just as bland as the Volcano. I'm a big fan of mango inclusion in a sushi roll (there's a great one at Honshu in downtown JC), but the mango in this didn't have much of a taste and based on texture wasn't quite ripe yet.

Again, this seems to be an almost universally acclaimed spot. I'm really not sure what happened here. The price point is really good, especially for special rolls, and the free sample I got WAS tasty. Hopefully they open up for seating because I would be willing to try them again in that capacity though I am going to cross them off my list for future...

I have been going to this restaurant since it was called Miso Nara (over 12 years now). It is by far my favorite sushi place I have ever eaten at. And I have lived in NYC and eaten at some of the best restaurants. Hands down always came back here. The hospitality just can not be beat. The owners are the loveliest people. I have never eaten anything that wasn’t good. Quality is always right on and always fresh. The basic rolls are your basic rolls but the specialty rolls and the Macs roll is by far mine and my husbands favorite. You can not go wrong with any item on the menu. I love this place so much I always ask to go for my birthday and I even had my rehearsal dinner there. I hope they never leave or go out of...

New City Sushi (Miso Nara) has been a staple in Rockland County for 10+ years. The care that goes into each roll is extraordinary and it shows! My family comes here at least 2x a month, maybe even 3x. I’ve tried about every roll and they’re all fantastic in their own way. Personally I recommend the Salmon Lover Roll (simple yet perfect), the Spicy Tuna Dragon Roll (the avocado on top is amazing), and the White Dragon Roll. Also, I recommend ordering the Spicy Salad, it’s often overlooked but is extremely good. Of course, it’s no trip to New City Sushi without a Spicy Tuna Handroll, so definitely get one of those as well. Highly recommend if you’re in the area! :) OPEN FOR...