Jewel Bako

This gorgeous East Village restaurant is still one of the most enjoyable places to enjoy sushi in the city. While the space looks luxurious and expensive, it’s not impossible to have a (relatively) affordable meal here. Start by sharing the trio of tartares — blue-fin tuna, salmon, and yellowtail — which are served with housemade sweet-potato chips (they’re like next-level Terra Chips). It’s a big portion that will fill you up quickly, but pace yourself. The sashimi à la carte, like the top-notch fluke and salmon, should not to be overlooked. The meal is paced perfectly, servers are kind and attentive, and even a seemingly basic seaweed salad comes with several types of exotic seaweed and a beautiful presentation. The omakase options aren’t too expensive, either: The sushi and sashimi sets are both $38, the chef’s selection of sushi and sashimi is $75, and the big tasting menu with appetizers, entrées, and dessert is $125. There are many outstanding sushi restaurants in this city, but few combine excellent fish with a warm, romantic atmosphere and reasonable prices.