sushi AMANE

Hidden beneath Mifune's bustling dining room, Sushi Amane New York City emerges as Manhattan's most exclusive sushi sanctuary, where eight coveted counter seats witness the artistry of traditional Edomae craftsmanship. This Michelin-starred omakase temple transforms a subterranean space into Tokyo's most revered sushi traditions, delivered with uncompromising precision in the heart of Midtown.

The restaurant's distinguished heritage flows directly from Tokyo's legendary three-Michelin-starred Sushi Saito, where founding chef Shion Uino apprenticed for eight years under master Takashi Saito before bringing this elite lineage to New York in 2017. Today, Executive Chef Tomoyuki Hayashi continues this legacy, drawing from nearly three decades of sushi mastery including leadership at Michelin-starred Sushi Azabu. His meticulous approach honors classical techniques while showcasing the purest expression of each ingredient, earning Sushi Amane its coveted Michelin star recognition among New York City fine dining establishments.

The 23-course omakase unfolds as a carefully orchestrated progression, beginning with seasonal appetizers like nama-yuba and Hokkaido hairy crab bathed in crab butter, before ascending through nine pieces of pristine nigiri. Signature presentations include Japanese uni crowned with Kaluga caviar, salt-grilled Spanish mackerel paired with daikon, and the sublime zuke chutoro—marinated medium-fatty tuna that dissolves into velvet richness. Chef Hayashi's philosophy emphasizes restraint, often seasoning fish with salt rather than soy to preserve natural flavors, while his custom-built aging refrigerator ensures each piece achieves optimal texture and taste. The rice, seasoned with aged akazu vinegar, provides the perfect foundation for wild-caught fish sourced fresh daily, including Saturdays.

The intimate basement setting creates an almost speakeasy atmosphere, where polished service orchestrates the two-and-a-half-hour culinary ritual with theatrical precision. Unlike flashier sushi counters, Sushi Amane focuses entirely on craftsmanship over showmanship, demanding immediate consumption of each piece to capture peak flavor and temperature. The exclusive eight-seat configuration ensures personalized attention while maintaining the reverent silence that defines serious sushi appreciation.

Reservations at this best restaurant New York City require significant advance planning, with only two seatings nightly Tuesday through Saturday. For discerning diners seeking authentic Edomae excellence, Sushi Amane represents the pinnacle of traditional sushi artistry, where every grain of rice and slice of fish honors centuries of Japanese culinary mastery.