Think Japanese dining in NYC begins and ends with sushi? Think again. Across the city, a new wave of Japanese bars are redefining the drinking experience—pairing small-batch sake, craft cocktails, and even rare Japanese whiskies with everything from omakase dinners to yakitori flights. These 10 spots capture that spirit with precision, elegance, and plenty of flavor.

1. Sushi Noz (Upper East Side)

Sushi Noz is a two-Michelin-starred sanctuary that offers an immersive Edomae-style sushi experience. Chef Nozomu Abe's omakase is a masterclass in precision, served at a 200-year-old hinoki wood counter. The restaurant offers two beverage pairing options: the Signature Pairing and the Prestige Pairing, typically comprised of a mix of sake, champagne, and white wine. 

Source: Sushi Noz

2. Nakaji (Chinatown)

Nakaji offers an intimate Edomae-style sushi experience crafted by Executive Chef Kunihide Nakajima. The restaurant features a 14-course sushi omakase along with an assortment of appetizers. The Bar at Nakaji offers a thoughtfully curated beverage program that includes rare Japanese whiskies, a seasonal cocktail menu, as well as a bar food menu. 

Source: Nakaji NYC

3. Kimika (Nolita)

Kimika stands out with its inventive fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines. Located beneath a boutique hotel, it offers a relaxed atmosphere complemented by a rooftop bar boasting panoramic city views. The drink menu features creative cocktails that mirror the restaurant's culinary innovation, making it a hotspot for those seeking a unique dining and drinking experience.

Source: Kimika NYC

4. Bar Masa (Columbus Circle)

Adjacent to the renowned Masa, Bar Masa offers a more casual yet refined dining experience. Chef Masa Takayama's à la carte menu showcases fresh, experimental takes on authentic Japanese cuisine. The bar, crafted from African bubinga wood, sets the stage for expertly mixed cocktails and a selection of fine sakes, providing a harmonious blend of taste and ambiance.

Source: The Shops at Columbus Circle

5. Yoshino (Bowery)

Helmed by esteemed Chef Tadashi Yoshida, Yoshino offers an omakase experience that emphasizes seasonality, beauty, balance, and comfort. The restaurant's design features a 300-year-old hinoki wood counter and handcrafted chairs from Gifu Prefecture, reflecting a deep respect for Japanese craftsmanship. Complement your meal with their thoughtfully selected sake offerings, enhancing the intricate flavors of each course.

Source: Tock

6. Shion 69 Leonard Street (Tribeca)

This Michelin-starred establishment, led by Chef Shion Uino, offers an intimate eight-seat sushi counter experience. Sourcing pristine seafood primarily from Japan, the omakase menu is a testament to traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients. The serene setting and curated sake selections make it a haven for sushi purists seeking authenticity.

Source: Postcard

7. Kono (Chinatown)

Chef Atsushi Kono brings the art of yakitori to the forefront at Kono, offering a multi-course kappo-style experience. Located in the Canal Arcade, this intimate 14-seat restaurant focuses on organic poultry and seasonal produce. The beverage program includes a selection of sakes and Japanese-inspired cocktails, thoughtfully paired to complement the nuanced flavors of each skewer.

Source: Yokitorokono

8. Ume (Williamsburg)

Ume offers a tranquil escape with its cottage-like design and serene garden setting. The ever-evolving prix fixe menu draws inspiration from global travels, presenting dishes accompanied by unique salts from various regions. While the focus is on the culinary journey, their beverage offerings, including select sakes, enhance the overall dining experience.

Source: Ume New York

9. Sushi Yasuda (Midtown East)

A stalwart in New York's sushi scene, Sushi Yasuda is renowned for its commitment to traditional sushi-making. The minimalist bamboo interior provides a serene backdrop for the omakase menu, which features a variety of tuna cuts and other delicacies. Their sake and Japanese beer selections are curated to complement the purity and simplicity of the dishes.

Source: The New York Times

10. Jōji (Midtown)

Tucked beneath a staircase near Grand Central Terminal, Jōji offers an intimate omakase experience in a cozy setting. The restaurant's design and attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere, while the menu showcases meticulously prepared sushi. A selection of sakes and Japanese whiskies are available to enhance the flavors and provide a complete dining journey.

Source: Jōji

NYC’s Japanese dining scene is a masterclass in balance—flavor, texture, and temperature all working together in harmony. These ten spots not only respect that balance, they elevate it. If you’re chasing craftsmanship, culture, and culinary depth, you’ll find all three here.