Whether you’ve eaten sushi in Japan and experienced the pain of being unable to find such quality sushi in the US at an affordable price or not, Kura is a welcomed surprise on St. Marks Place. If you have eaten in Japan, you’ll recognize familiar elements even before the meal begins. The lack of signage out front, the incredibly attentive staff who rush over to wipe the ring of condensation when you pick up your water glass, and the 12 seat kappo (meaning counter seating only) style dining room will all take you straight back to Tokyo. And if you haven’t been to Japan, these elements all feel like they’re of another world – one that couldn’t be further from the rowdy wine bar you might’ve just been at across the street.

Menu options are easy. Choose an omakase set of sushi only or of sushi plus cooked dishes. Whatever you get, it will be under $100, and you’ll almost feel bad not paying more for such a standout meal.

As with many omakase experience, the meal ends too quickly. It’s easy to get caught up in each course. But you’ll know your time is up when you’re offered a scoop of ice cream for dessert, and it’ll remind you, perhaps sadly, that you’re still in New York City.

Kura NYC
130 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
No website
(212) 228-1010

Kura NYC’s non-descript entrance on rowdy St. Marks Place

Dana is originally from Washington, DC, is now based in NYC, but is most excited when she’s traveling. She’s a street-food obsessed food and travel writer who spends her free time watching Anthony Bourdain reruns and exploring the nooks and crannies of her NYC neighborhood, Chinatown. Her heart is torn between Paris, the Greek Islands, Japan, and Penang, so her dream last supper would look something like a four course meal of sashimi, laksa, fresh grilled octopus, and a heaping plate of gooey French cheese.

(All photos by Jenny Nguyen-Barron)

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