Tomoe Sushi (New York City)

Tomoe Sushi is a tiny little place, not by New York standards of course, in the West Village. My girlfriend turned me on to them last summer when I was working there and I have found the sushi to be consistently excellent. Tomoe is also damn affordable. It seems rather popular among the locals, so getting a table at peak hours can be a bitch. However lunch during the week shouldn't be a problem; and going alone and sitting at the bar will probably get you a seat no matter when you go.

I don't know how it compares to the upper echelon of NYC sushi, so don't go down the "Tomoe sucks because BLAHBLAH is better." Habibi ain't been to BLAHBLAH.

Like I said, the sushi I've had at Tomoe has been impeccable. Buttery fish, perfect uni. That's really all I ask for in a sushi joint. The green tea ice cream? Best representation of the form I've ever had. Other green tea ice creams, store-bought or otherwise, have always struck me as mere simulacra of what good green tea tastes like. This stuff was the real deal - bitter and intense, almost chocolaty.

Some pictures from my iphone. I won't apologize for shitty pictures because I think for what it is, the iphone takes decent pictures (I'm just jealous I don't have one of those nice SLRs you guys tote around )



The view from the bar. The place is really cozy and homey.


Sashimi combo. Excellent.


Impeccable uni. You know its good when you can each granule of roe still has some structural integrity to it. When its a blob of mush, its over the hill.


Can I just take a bite out of one of those filets?


Intense green tea ice cream. Its the rilla dilla.


Not pictured is a special of oysters in butter and sake which was absolutely delicious and well-balanced. If you like oysters, order this dish if its available.

I really like Tomoe, and if you are in NYC wandering around the West Village, its worth a stop. It might even be a destination.

Tomoe Sushi
172 Thompson St. (just north of Houston).
New York, NY
212-777-9346