664241 Mon Nov 02 17:26:41 -0800 2009 3 18 Manhattan 0 5150686 Any suggestions? We love sushi and japanese food and won a 1-night stay at the Maritime Hotel which is where Matsuri is. Thanks! Mon Nov 02 17:26:41 -0800 2009 24391 jessheslin 1 5151584 I personally would skip it. I found the food just ok and unmemorable for the price. Other hounders would probably be able to recommend better sushi places. Another option is to go across the street Buddakan. Tue Nov 03 06:37:43 -0800 2009 5150686 93566 kelea 2 5152226 Oh! I am surprised... I thought Matsuri was well-thought-of. Hmmmm I would love to hear some other opinions. Kelea, isn't Buddakan kind of a loud gimmicky scene? We like a festive atmosphere but not sure if that place would be annoying on a Saturday night. Thanks so much for your honest opinions! Tue Nov 03 10:05:17 -0800 2009 5151584 24391 jessheslin 1 5152901 I'd skip Buddakan. It's a trendy Pan-Asian (mostly Chinese-inflected) spot and isn't Japanese in the slightest. Morimoto is nearby, but I think you can do a lot better for the money. The two closest great Japanese restaurants to your hotel seem to be 15 East and Soto. Both are exceptional and have availability on Opentable for 11/14. Some hounds place 15 East's sushi up there with Masa, Kurumazushi, and Yasuda as among the best in the city. 15 East also has extraordinary soba, which is understandable since their soba chef is ex-Honmura An. I've heard Soto's sushi is very good as well, but they're better known for sashimi, cooked dishes, and working magic with uni. If you love sea urchin, Soto is probably a must visit. Tue Nov 03 13:21:23 -0800 2009 5150686 204151 hcbk0702