Favorite Sushi -- Westchester

[tarantula142]

I'm curious to know everyone's favorite sushi restaurants in Westchester. My two picks are:

Mike's Sushi, Dobbs Ferry (new favorite) -- Gets very busy, but the sushi (particularly the special rolls) is the best I've had in Westchester thus far.

Kira Sushi, Armonk -- I've been going to Kira for years, and the sushi has been consistently good. I have also found that the daily special fish have been very fresh and good. Recently, though, they have raised the menu prices and I think Mike's tends to have better quality fish.

[traceyk]

If you like Mike's, you'll love Sushi Niji right down the street. Better quality and prices, also, the staff is great!

[shnoocslamore]

Please try Masuki in Harrison, NY. Nothing compares. It is authentic, fresh and the service is impeccabale. Modest atmosphere and the best quality.

[Shawn]

I live right near Masuki and tried the sushi when it first opened. I really liked the little place, but I was less than impressed with the sushi. I have been meaning to give it another try.

[dolores]

Shawn, go to Sushi Nanase. No place can be better than them.

[laylag]

Shawn, I am not a sushi lover but my Japanese friend, now returned to Tokyo, claimed Hajime her favorite.

[jwg]

What happened to Kazu? Now, there's a sign in the window which says E-sushi?

[tarantula142]

To update the post (it's a little over a year old now, and still going strong, wow!):

Kira, I think, has really slid out of my favorite sushi places list. It's gotten ridiculously expensive, and the service has been abysmal. I don't even really go there anymore.

I've had quite the opposite experience with Sushi Mike's. It seems they've replaced much of the wait-staff with more friendly (or at least more polite) waiters and waitresses. The place still gets PACKED on the weekends, however, few people, it seems, take advantage of the sushi bar that is generally wide-open even while the restaurant is crowded.

Sitting with the head sushi chef on numerous occasions has given me a glimpse of his knowledge and creativity. I almost always order pieces a la carte based on what he thinks is fresh on a particular day. Last time I went, I ordered the following pieces:

Ikura
Bonito
Yellow Tail
White Tuna
Salmon
Toro
Spicy Tuna Hand Roll
Tobiko
Tomago
White Tuna

Although none of the fish were particularly exotic (I've had all of the varieties before at Mike's and other sushi places), they were all extremely fresh. The bonito really stood out, it was *very* lightly seared with a blowtorch and served with a piece of roasted garlic on top. I thought the garlic was really inventive, and beautifully complemented the fish. Also, I'm not sure if they undercharged us, but we were only charged $2.50 for the piece of bonito, which is way cheaper than I've found elsewhere.

The spicy tuna hand roll was also surprisingly good, as when you sit at the sushi bar it's literally served straight from the chef's hand to your hand, which preserves the crispness of the outside (another nice touch).

We finished off by asking the chef to make us a special piece. He made us a spicy, crunchy, salty scallop piece. It was prepared with ikura, tobiko, scallions, seaweed, and finished off with a little tabasco sauce. It was really, really tasty. I thought the tabasco was an interesting touch because it added a little bit of tang to it that differed from the usual Japanese spicy flavor (or maybe it just seemed that way because I saw the tabasco).

The only fish that I found to be lackluster was the toro. I haven't had the toro at Mike's before, but I've had much better toro elsewhere.

It's also important to mention that the sushi bar is extremely busy, so it often takes a little while to get the chef's attention. The chef's are so friendly though, that I don't mind waiting a few minutes to get their attention. I suppose it's their niceness that makes the experience worthwhile for me. The fish is quite fresh, and really good at Mike's, but I've probably had better experiences at restaurants in NYC. The difference is the chef's at many of the better places in the city just aren't that friendly.

So what has everyone else found in Westchester recently? Are there any new and exciting places worth trying? Have some older places gotten better, or worse? I'm curious...

[Dim Sum Diva]

We finally made it over to "all you can eat sushi night" at the Lounge at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains (Thursdays). The sushi was fabulous and very fresh. There is no menu, they bring you an initial platter and you get get refills on items you like, or ask for new things.

The service, on the other hand, was awful, even though the manager lingered about. They give you a platter of sushi, sized based on the number in your party. When you are done you can have more, but there is the rub. Our waitress seemed to disappear for what seemed like hours whenever our platter needed to be replaced. There were other waitresses in the lounge, but they didn't seem to want to help out if it wasn't "their table".

Also, every time your platter is replaced, they ask you if you want another ($15) cocktail. And you can wait forever to receive that too.

However, for $35 a head, we had about 5 platters (always up for the "all you can eat" challenge) and truly feel we got our money's worth.

If you go, go early because the lounge fills up. And, be assertive when you want a refill.

[dolores]

Well, I was almost getting to try Sushi Nanase.

First off, they should put someone on the phone with a better command of the English language.

I thought they opened at 5:00. They open at 6:00. For a reservation next week, he either said 'we have someone at 6:00' -- someone? You're full up at 6:00? -- or 'we don't serve at 6:00'. So, you open at 6:00 but you don't serve at 6:00?

He then started to raise his voice, still incomprehensibly, and said he had 7:00 or 8:00.

Nice place. And it's not even downtown.

[Dim Sum Diva]

I learned that with Sushi Nanase the best person to get on the phone is the wife. One time I made a reservation 2 or 3 months in advance and called back a week ahead to confirm. The wife answered and of course there was no record of the reservation and she said, "because you didn't speak to me".

You know what? The 2 meals I had there (with some very fussy companions) were fabulous and worth the aggravation, which was minimal. The sake was sublime, each piece of sushi better than the next and homemade soy sauce! Small price to pay in my mind.

And the place does fill up-- there are only like 4 or 6 tables. I say, cut him some slack, the phone is not his thing, but the sushi sure is. Keep at it, Dolores, would I steer you wrong?

[dolores]

Nope, Dim Sum Diva, you would not!

Actually, I am going to try again, later, when there is hopefully someone else there.

[pabboy]

I agree their English isn't up to par but their food is a hole-in-one!

[Shawn]

We have been there many times, and I agree it is important to speak with the wife when making reservations. I have never heard the husband really speak English, except to say "thank you" and "good bye." I don't find the lack of English annoying because the sushi is fantastic.

It's the wife who does the service there, and she is very gracious. We took my mother there for her birthday last year. The wife must have heard us toasting at the beginning of the meal, as she brought my mom an extra little plate of sashimi at the end as a substitute for a birthday cake. It was a lovely gesture. Another thing I appreciate about Nanase is that even though it is small and tends to fill up, they never overbook and your table is always there waiting for you when you arrive rather than you waiting for it.

[dolores]

You all were right, the wife was there at night and I had no problem. I'm looking forward to it.

Dim Sum, how do they compare to Fujinoya?

[Shawn]

I like Fujinoya very much, but Nanase is a totally different experience. First of all, with the exception of a few appetizers, the menu at Nanase is all sushi. Your choices are limited to a couple of different sushi and sashimi combinations, chirashi, or ordering by the piece. There's an omakase at Nanase, but last time we were there it said on the menu that you need to give them something like a week's advance notice if you want it.

One of the things I like about Fujinoya is that they have a very interesting selection of smaller plates that you can pick and choose from, and experiment with. At Nanase, the experience is much more one of putting yourself in the chef's hands and trusting him to give you top quality sushi-- whatever is best that day. He really is meticulous about his fish and his presentation.

[Dim Sum Diva]

Shawn, couldn't have said it better myself, especially since I have not been to Fujinoya.

[dolores]

Dim Sum, I liked Fujinoya very much (I think you will too), so I'm really looking forward to Nanase. There is a $30. minimum, which I don't appreciate, but that has never been a problem in restaurants in this area to reach.

Another reallllly good thing -- with the later seating, I won't have to feed the meters.

[Shawn]

I don't think any of the entrees are under $30, so they're really pretty much telling you that you need to order a minimum of an entree per person. Which is not unreasonable in a place that tiny.

[dolores]

Shawn, you were exactly right. From beginning to end -- the hot towel, the table setting, all very unique in Westchester -- the experience at Sushi Nanase was different from just about every restaurant I've been to of late, irregardless of the cuisine. Even the menus were a tactile delight.

The sushi was wonderful, and the amazing service continued to the end of the meal. Perfect service.

Interestingly, the price was similar to Fujinoya, whose sushi I have to say is on a par with Nanase. Dim Sum, I still think you will like Fujinoya very much.

But for a dining 'experience' for sushi, Sushi Nanase blows the doors off any other place I've tried in Westchester.

Oh, and the sake? A very generous pour, again unlike any other sushi place I've tried.

[2boys4me]

I can't remember the name of it off-hand, but it's in Katonah in a shopping center. We haven't been there in a while, but their special rolls are amazing!
Anyone know the name - isn't it Tengdu or Tengda or something?

[elizabean]

It's shocking to me that people could actually believe that Toyo has better sushi than Azuma. It's like comparing Outback Steakhouse to Peter Lugers. Stop eating the rolls and focus on straight forward sushi and sashimi. Once you do that it should be very clear that Azuma is in another league. My favorite in WC (cost included) is still Hajime in Harrison. I'm surprised that it has not been mentioned yet.

[martyl9]

I haven't been to Azuma in a while but it was always good. the one draw back is no hot food. the sushi is as good if not better at Tzura on the Central Avenue at the Hartsdale White Plains line, the Best Buy shopping center. Seat at the front of the sushi bar.

[pabboy]

Tsuru has better sushi than Azuma? You've gotta be kidding! The quality of fish they serve is so poor I've stopped patronizing their business. I've had tuna with so much connective tissues I had to return it. I've been served salmon so old, it's fell apart. For sushi at Tsuru price point, I would suggest Fujinoya in Hartsdale or Sazan in Ardsley. Azuma is quite a few steps up from there. Sushi Nanase is the epitome of sushi in Westchester.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

What would you estimate is the price for a meal for two at Azuma?

[pabboy]

I've never gotten out for under $120 for 2. Then again when I do hit Azuma, which isn't that often, I don't mind spending a little more ;-)

[dolores]

$120. for TWO? I hope you ate a LOT of sushi. I've had Azuma, and it wasn't to die for.

We had dinner for four at Fujinoya, including three drinks, for $128.

Excellent sushi, service and ambience. Top notch place.

[pabboy]

I hit Fujinoya at least once a week. Love the variety of food & excellent friendly service. I go so often they know exactly how I like to substitute certain items or add extra condiments...etc. Their fish is always fresh but quality of the cut is a step below Azuma, Sazan and Nanase. I like to order a variety of items so I never get out for under $75 for 2 people.

[martyl9]

will try the suggestions. thanks

[raider]

toyo is awful. awful!! don't know how it gets so much positive response from chowhounders.

[scharffenberger]

Is Iki Richi still open in Elmsford?

It was very good but I havent been there in 6 years!

I like Toyo,

[debmom]

Ichi Richi in Elmsford was sold and is now run by non-Japanese. When they were first starting up it was awful-- haven't been back. Has anyone tried it lately?

[2boys4me]

My husband and I used to live right near Ichi Rikki and it was always our "go-to" place. The last few times we were there, it was extremely disappointing - just "off" - they used to be so good! It's a sad thing when an old favorite changes - sort of like your grandmother dying her hair green - it's still the same grandma, but she's off a bit -

[luv2eatct]

when i lived in yonkers, japan inn in bronxville was my favorite sush joint

[SweetPea914]

After trying most sushi in the Bronxville area - Haiku, Japan Inn, East Harbor and Wild Ginger, my favorite sushi is Japan Inn. Haiku is good as well, but if you want to compare apples to apples, or in this case "sashimi to sashimi" (which is my standard in judging quality sushi), Japan Inn is much better.

[tarantula142]

*Tagging all of the restaurants we have been talking about*

Thanks again everyone for this lively discussion of sushi in Westchester. I am going to try as many of these places as possible and report back :). Any other favorites?

-----
Nanase
522 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605

Azuma
219 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530

Toyo
253 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Kira
575 Main St, Armonk, NY 10504

Sazan
729 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502

Sushi Mike's
146 Main St, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

E-Sushi
17 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530

Haiku Asian Bistro
56 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville, NY 10708

Hanada Sushi
369 Downing Dr, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Fujinoya
26 S Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530

[Sambossanova]

Sakanaya on central and Tsuru's on central are two other really good sushi places.

[pabboy]

I've never been to Sakanaya but I'm going to disagree with you on Tsuru. Tsuru is in my rotation of local Japanese restaurants so I've been there many times. I have never had a decent piece of sushi/sashimi there. The quality of the fish is pretty poor. The salmon, tuna, and hamachi have been limp and "veiny." The poor knife work doesn't help either. The main reason I go is for the cooked food. Their mini-kaiseki is a decent value.

[Shawn]

I have to agree with your negative assessment of Tsuru. The quality of their fish is not good.

[Avalondaughter]

I don't eat sushi, but if I did, I think I would avoid Toyo. I'm fine eating the kitchen entrees there (they're nothing special, but they're okay for a light dinner). However, the place just reeks of fish when you walk in. I have to wonder about the quality of the fish in their sushi if the place stinks so badly. I almost can't eat there because of the smell.

[pabboy]

If the raw fish reeks, just imagine the quality of the ingredients for cooked entres that you don't ever see or smell!

Just my 2 cents ;-)

[jeanki]

thats not a good sign. thats too bad, since I think Toyo has Japanese chefs.

[Barrels41]

I disagree. I have been eating sushi in Westchester since 1980 when there was one sushi restaurant in the county ("Steve's" where Kazu is in Hartsdale). I eat at Toyo once a week since it opened. It is good and a price bargain. The fish never smelled bad. No frozen gas treated "pink" tuna like Hole Foods sushi bar. My wife does not eat raw fish and enjoys the entres. Good family atmosphere, nice service, roomy and stroller friendly.

I agree Azuma is tops and have not tried Nanase. For select A Grade sushi fish you should pay their price.

A secret spot is the fish store, Sakanaya, on Central Ave. & Hartsdale Ave. across from Duane Reade. It is for takeout but you can eat in at 2 small tables. Excellent quality fish.

[sushinsuch]

Although I chimed in with Sazan for "best," I just noticed the title of the thread is actually "favorite." In that case, I would go with Sushi Niji in Dobbs Ferry, which is the place I frequent, very good and more reasonably priced than Sazan.

[Barrels41]

I disagree. I have been eating sushi in Westchester since 1980 when there was one sushi restaurant in the county ("Steve's" where Kazu is in Hartsdale). I eat at Toyo once a week since it opened. It is good and a price bargain. The fish never smelled bad. No frozen gas treated "pink" tuna like Hole Foods sushi bar. My wife does not eat raw fish and enjoys the entres. Good family atmosphere, nice service, roomy and stroller friendly.

I agree Azuma is tops and have not tried Nanase. For select A Grade sushi fish you should pay their price.

A secret spot is the fish store, Sakanaya, on Central Ave. & Hartsdale Ave. across from Duane Reade. It is for takeout but you can eat in at 2 small tables. Excellent quality fish.

[jeanki]

I agree I really like Sushi Niji. It's a perfect neighborhood joint, nothing fancy but reasonably priced, good service, and very fresh fish. Not sure if it's Japanese or Chinese owned, but the size of the fish seems right and the sushi rice is good. I personally think it's much better than Sushi Mike's, which I found too Americanized with boring sushi options.

[tarantula142]

Thanks everyone for the opinions! Now I've got to get around to trying some of these restaurants. On another note, is Kira under new management, because they have been changing it a lot of late, and I'm not sure that it is as good as it used to be?

[debmom]

My husband likes Fujinoya. Since I don't eat sushi we have to go to a place that cooks food as well. Their food is delicious! (especially the appetizers!)

[Shawn]

I love Fujinoya, too, but I haven't had their sushi. Everything we have eaten there has been excellent, though.

[pabboy]

I like Fujinoya for their unique (for Westchester) selection of Japanese dishes. Their sushi and sashimi are decent, definitely better than Tsuru and Kazu. They also serve the only battera-style sushi I've seen in Westchester. I like to think of them my "local" Japanese joint.

[MikiLovesSugar]

If you like Fujinoya, you:ll definitely like Nishi in Ardsley... they have that same kind of menu as Fujinoya. They also have battera!

[pabboy]

Sounds great! I'll give it try soon. Thanks!

[pabboy]

I went to Nishi for dinner on Thursday. Small place, two other groups of customers, all Japanese. We ordered agedashi tofu, tatsuta-age, beef tongue, miso seabass, battera, and oyaku-don. Everything was decent, not great. They don't have items like ika-nuta or anything with natto. However, since it is so close to my house, I would definitely return. Thanks for the rec Miki!

[SweetPea914]

I was in the area today and decided to pick up lunch based on rec's for Fujinoya. I thought it was quite good. I usually prefer traditional sushi/sashimi but was in the mood for something different. I got the rainbow roll which I realize is generally quite big, but this was huge! 2 pieces I had to pick up and bite in half, which for me was a negative! I also got the Mango and Salmon roll which I was half expecting not to like, but it was soooo good! The creamy mango with the very nice quality salmon was just a perfect combo. Prices seemed resonable and I definitely plan on going back with my husband!

[melodyblend]

Since I've been hearing so many good things about Fujinoya, I finally got a chance to check them out in hartsdale this weekend. I've tried many japanese resturants all over the nation from Southern Cali, Las vegas, Arizona, Ohio and the tristate area since I do a lot of traveling(business), I've got to say this is a really great find. It is definately one of my favoriates now! IMHO it doesn't get much better then this and its so close to home!! I love the Tempura, Makimono & Sashimi!! They are top notch.

[pabboy]

As you can see from my previous posts, I've been going there for a while now. They updated their menu earlier this month with some new items but they also increased the prices by $2 to $5 on existing selection. They've also added sake, beer and more dessert items. While the prices are now over my "neighborhood Japanese" limit, I've noticed the quality of their fish as increased as well. It's definitely my favorite regular joint in the county.

[dolores]

Wow, good to know. Are they mobbed on a Saturday night or can two people just walk in?

[pabboy]

It's hit or miss when it come to Friday and Saturday nights. I've waited 30 minutes twice but most of the time it's 5 or less.

[SweetPea914]

Personally I've noticed that most people in Westchester seem to sit at tables vs. sitting at the Sushi bar. Which is fine by me, since I prefer the bar! With that said, if you're ok with the bar, you could probably take a chance and walk right in. Although, the day I picked up lunch I was the only American there so my theory about no one being at the bar may be off base for this particular restaurant.

[chowdom]

Does anyone know if Fujinoya on Central Avenue is in any way connected to Fujinoya located at the end of Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. I last had dinner there many years ago, at the time it was a small very authentic (shoes off, low tables, amazing food) restaurant.

[pabboy]

I believe the location you are referring to on Mamaroneck Ave is now Sushi Nanase.

[chowdom]

Thanks for responding, however the Fujinoya I was referring to was at the other end of Mamaroneck ave, past Century 21 Wolfe on the right side of the street next to a Japanese food store, maybe four tables and a small sushi bar, all Japanese clientele.

[pabboy]

Are you talking about Century 21 Wolff in White Plains (near Bloomingdale's) or Mamaroneck?

[chowdom]

I490 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains

[chowdom]

Sorry 490

[pabboy]

That's Sushi Nanase - 522 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains. Someone else posted that it used to be Fujinoya. In fact Google map still shows Fujinoya at that location. But it's definitely Nanase today. I had mentioned earlier in this thread that it's the top Japanese restaurant in Westchester and I still stand by that statement ;-)

[chowdom]

Thank you for checking that out, and glad this spot has maintained its excellence, regardless of the fact that it is no longer Fujinoya.

[pabboy]

No prob although I wish I was wrong and there was another Fujinoya in the area to try.

[pabboy]

Hmmm.... the sushi bar at Fujinoya is unlike any I've ever seen in a Japanese restaurant. It's up high like a Western style bar but only seats three across. The glass fridge case separating you from the chef is missing as well.

[billyparsons]

You're not gonna like this answer. But, you have to try the sushi from, uh, well, here it comes, Frank's Steakhouse in Rye Brook.

Seems as if they got their hands on a few Nobu guys and, for lack of a better word, “Manhattanized” the place. I was blown away with the creations.

Problem though, you'll notice they're not mentioned in my "Finding Great Steaks in Westchester" post. It's cause while the sushi is out of control, the steaks are, well, better left in the fridge and left off of the grill.

[KarenNYC]

I really like Kira in Armonk (the one in Greenwich is good as well.) and Ace Sushi is fabulous. I've been to Sushi Nananse and thought the fish was fresh - very traditional and not very creative.

[pabboy]

I don't care much for "inventive" or "creative" when it comes to sushi. I want high quality fish sliced by a traditionally trained professional sushi chef that cares. So here's my list:

1) Nanase
2) Azuma
3) Sazan

Kira, Kazu, Mike are Korean or Chinese owned and operated.

[Shawn]

I'm in the traditional camp as well. I've never eaten at Sazan, but IMO, there's a huge qualitative difference between Nanase, Azuma and the other places I've been to in Westchester.

I don't dislike the creative rolls, but it's obvious that the lesser quality of the fish is being masked by sauces, etc. To me, the straight sushi or sashimi at a place like Toyo is practically inedible. The fish at Nanase melts like butter in the mouth. There is a reason for the vast price differential.

[tarantula142]

I agree, the places that emphasize their "creative" rolls are frequently masking the quality of the fish. But I think there can be exceptions, I think sushi mike's, known for their creative rolls, also tends to have good quality traditional sushi. Although, the quality of the fish at Mike's certainly doesn't rival much of the sushi I have had in the city.

I tend to like ordering some of the more exotic pieces a la carte, what are the prices like at Azuma and Nanase?

[pabboy]

It's been a while since I've been to either places so please correct me if I'm wrong. Azuma is about the same price as a mid to high quality sushi in the city. Omakase at Nanase was $85.

[jeanki]

I thought the sushi chef at Kazu had a Japanese name?

[pabboy]

Maybe but the two times I've been there, the hostess, waitress and sushi chef all spoke Mandarin to each other.

[shellyesq]

I'm not a sushi eater, but we went to Frank's once and my husband said their tri-color roll was the best sushi he ever had. When we lived in northern Westchester, he used to like Hanada Sushi in Yorktown.

[dolores]

I second Kira Sushi and Toyo. Azuma is not on par with either, imo.

Wow, I'll have to quit throwing out the circular coupons for Frank's Steak and Sushi. That combination didn't seem to make sense, so I had tried neither.

[sushinsuch]

I haven't been to Nanase, wasn't too impressed with Azuma the one time I tried it. I give props to Sazan in Ardsley for the best traditional sushi I've had in Westchester.

[jessheslin]

I like Haiku in Bronxville.... how does it compare to Nanese and Azuma?

[Shawn]

Sushi Nanase is my favorite by far. It's in a totally different class than other Westchester places.

For less expensive places, I like Azuma and Sushi Mike's. I know others here disagree with me, but I think Toyo is better for crazy rolls and such than it is for straight sushi or sashimi.

[jeanki]

Reviewing these boards, the elite sushi place seems to be Sushi Nanase in White Plains followed by Azuma in Hartsdale. For above average neighborhood sushi, I hear Toyo in Mamaroneck is good as well.

I've also liked Kazu in Hartsdale for well priced but still very fresh sushi. Even though Asian Temptation is Chinese owned, their sushi has been surprisingly fresh and they have inventive rolls. Haven't been to other places in the area yet except Seasons in White Plains which is just OK.

[valerie]

I don't have much to compare it to in terms of Westchester places, since we only moved from Manhattan 2 months ago. But, we have been to Toyo and really enjoyed it. I'm interested in trying Azuma and Sushi Mike's.

[jwg]

I am sorry to see that Kazu is closed, and a new name ESushi is listed as coming. Anyone have any 411 on if it is reopening somewhere else? Sushi was quite good, but the location was not so great. Bad parking.