Hiromi sushi

Sushi spots in Manhattan tend to cluster around Midtown or the West Village, but the Upper East Side has its quiet contenders. Hiromi sushi sits a few blocks east of the FDR, where York Avenue hums with delivery bikes and the occasional siren from NewYork-Presbyterian. The address—1472 York Ave, New York, NY 10075—places it just far enough from the subway that regulars treat it like a neighborhood secret, though the omakase counter is often full by seven. A call to (212) 988-8628 can secure a spot, especially if you’re aiming for the early or late seating when the roll of takeout orders slows.

Yorkville’s dining scene leans toward brunch and bistros, so a sushi bar here feels like a small rebellion. The menu at Hiromi sticks to the classics—toro that melts before you reach for soy sauce, uni still briny from the morning’s market, and hand rolls that don’t skimp on the rice. Directions are straightforward if you’re coming from the 6 train; the map here plots the walk past the dry cleaner and the bodega with the neon “egg & cheese” sign. Bring cash if you plan to linger over the last piece of hamachi.