Good quality but affordable omakase

[nycfinedining]

My fiance and I love to eat, and after all the raves we've heard about omakase, are interested in trying it out for the first time. Can someone please suggest an affordable restaurant for good quality omakase for a regular Friday non-occasion? Is there anything out there for around $40-50 per person before tax/tip is thrown in? How many pieces/servings can I expect with a price like that?

As this isn't a special occasion and I'm not looking for a huge splurge, I'm not expecting any high quality places like Yasuda, 15 East, etc., but would at least hope for something tasty and for the sushi to be served fresh and not warm!

Thanks all!

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15 East
15 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003

[JeremyEG]

My favorite is Shimizu. I know it's not the real deal when it comes with a set price but I have told him $60 in the past and had a nice meal with many pieces (though not the fanciest fish). Might be better to wait until you can throw in another $20/person or so and then you have lots of options. If not, give Shimizu a shot. Enjoy!
JeremyEG
homecooklocavore.wordpress.com

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Shimizu
318 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

[kathryn]

Is it one piece at a time or all at once?

[JeremyEG]

I've had both there. Of course prefer one at a time. His fish is very good.
JeremyEG

[kathryn]

What gutsofsteel said.

For a true experience, you sit at the counter and have the chef serve you one nigiri piece at a time, until you're full.

The only place I know that does it that way for the price you want is Sushi Azabu.

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Sushi Azabu
428 Greenwich St (basement), New York, NY 10013

[lexismore]

Inase on the Upper East Side has a great omakase for $60 per person. They also have $80 and $100 versions which I believe can be shared.

Not the best sushi in the city, but it's one of my favorite 2nd tier places (I consider 1st tier to be Yasuda, 15 east, etc)

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Inase
1586 1st Ave, New York, NY 10028

[gutsofsteel]

There is no such thing as a set price for true omakase. Omakase means that you put yourself in the hand of the chef and whatever he wants to give you, that's what you get, and whatever it costs, it's going to cost. You can certainly set a price limit, but a restaurant that offers "omakase" for a set price is not really giving you true omakase.

For example I have been at Inase many times. But I have never spent only $60 per person, I let the chef do whatever he wants until I've had my fill and the bill varies depending on what he had in the house that night.

1st tier is Masa, Kuruma
2nd tier is 15 East +
3rd tier is Yasuda +
etc

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Inase
1586 1st Ave, New York, NY 10028

15 East
15 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003

[hcbk0702]

I know you don't like Yasuda much, but I think it's on the same level as 15 East on average. I suppose my list would go:

1) Masa
2) Kurumazushi
3) Sushi Yasuda / 15 East

Followed by Sushi Seki, Ushiwakamaru etc.

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15 East
15 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003

Sushi Yasuda
204 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017