Nothing beats the efficiency and convenience of shopping at Morton Williams for a decent sushi roll if you need to rush back to school for a club or meeting. If convenience is less of a concern, however, and you’re looking for high quality sushi, check out these worthwhile Upper West Side restaurants:
Just a five-to-ten minute drive from Heschel, located between 80th and 81st on Amsterdam Ave, Mamoya is a must-visit spot. You have not lived until you’ve tried this hidden gem; Nobu-quality dishes, without the crowding. What more could you want?! In fact, my mom and grandma have both claimed that Mamoya served the best sushi they’ve ever eaten – high praise from these restaurant fanatics! Although it can get crowded on weekends and late nights, post-school dinner time (5 or 6pm on weekdays) is rarely busy. If you go, you must order a Salmon Crunch Roll. There are other tasty rolls—like the Salmon Belly Truffle Roll or the Nobu-inspired Mamoya Black Cod Roll, or simpler options like a Salmon Avocado Roll or Cucumber Avocado Roll—but trust me, the Salmon Crunch Roll wipes the floor with everything else. Aside from sushi, Mamoya serves delicious appetizers and drinks, which should definitely be followed by a tasty gelato at Amorino (just a 30-second walk from Mamoya!). My biggest piece of advice when ordering is to not play safe. Try adventurous rolls, and you won’t regret it.
If you’re not in the mood to take a car and are looking to stay in the Heschel-area, I recommend Suram, just across the street from Heschel. Although, unlike Mamoya, Suram does not serve the best sushi my mom or grandma have ever tried, the sushi is decent and comes fairly quickly. You still get the relaxing dining experience which a pre-prepared roll from Morton lacks. I’ve gone for quick, 20-minute lunches or dinners with friends while on a time crunch, and this restaurant delivers a nice, calm-dining experience, while remaining efficient and tasty!
If you have some time to kill at Columbus Circle, I recommend Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill. Although it can get busy, the food is delicious. If you walk by Columbus Circle on the way home from school, Blue Ribbon is definitely worth trying.
