Kanoyama

The story

Kanoyama: Michelin-Recognized Japanese Sushi Restaurant in New York City

Kanoyama

On Second Avenue in the East Village, Kanoyama has built a reputation for serving some of the freshest sushi in New York. The restaurant, which earned a Michelin star for six consecutive years and continues to hold a Michelin recommendation, focuses on an impressive lineup of excellent quality fish, deftly prepared and presented in a space that is simple, spotless, and well-maintained.

The heart of the experience is the omakase tasting, available on limited seats Wednesday through Saturday evenings. At $195 per person, the chef’s selection changes daily based on what comes in from the market. Expect a parade of pristine cuts, bolstered by seasonal items like rich baby shad from Japan or tender American white bonito. The value-conscious omakase is highly recommended for those wanting to taste the full range of what Kanoyama does best.

For diners at regular tables, the à la carte menu offers a generous selection. The kitchen turns out appetizers such as wakasagi tempura—fried baby smelts sprinkled with green tea salt—alongside heartier options like grilled amberjack neck. The sushi bar offers everything from a simple seven-piece set to a comprehensive 24-piece selection with multiple chef’s choice rolls. Fish is sourced from both domestic and Japanese waters: bluefin toro from Boston, uni from Maine and California, and sea urchin flown in from Hokkaido.

The beverage list includes a range of sakes, and the menu accommodates vegetarian diners as well. Whether you sit at the sushi bar for the full omakase experience or at a table for a more casual meal of rolls and sashimi, Kanoyama delivers the quality that a Michelin-recognized Japanese restaurant should.