From the delicate precision of Japanese sushi to the bold spices of Indian and Filipino cuisine, these standout NYC restaurants offer immersive dining experiences that celebrate the richness of Asian gastronomy.
The Ultimate NYC Asian Restaurant Guide: Flavor, Elegance, and Unmissable Eats
New York City continues to be a culinary powerhouse, and 2025 is no exception, with an exciting lineup of Asian restaurants redefining traditional flavors.
Sushi Nakazawa
Offering an extraordinary omakase experience, Sushi Nakazawa is a gem for sushi lovers, especially those familiar with Jiro Dreams of Sushi’s Daisuke Nakazawa.
In a city filled with pricey omakase options, Sushi Nakazawa offers the same high-quality sushi and refined atmosphere as its more expensive counterparts, but at a more approachable price.
At $180, the chef’s selection of about 20 courses, including fatty tuna, sea urchin, and yellowtail, provides a truly exceptional experience.
For a quieter atmosphere, the dining room option is available for $150, and sake pairings can be added for an additional $90.
Nakazawa expanded his culinary empire with the opening of Saito in 2022.
Semma
Semma, another culinary triumph from the Unapologetic Foods group, brings the rich flavors of Southern Indian cuisine to Greenwich Village.
Notably, it is the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the United States.
Chef Vijay Kumar’s menu takes diners on a journey through his childhood in Tamil, India, showcasing dishes that are rare in the U.S.
The gunpowder dosas alone make Semma worth a visit, but don’t miss the tamarind-infused snail dish, Nathai Piratta, or the fragrant, tender lamb in Attu Kari Sukka—both are reasons to return again and again.
If you’re a fan of authentic and bold flavors, Semma is one of the best NYC restaurants to experience.
Kochi
Renowned chef Sungchul Shim, a former Per Se alum, presents a nine-course tasting menu priced at $145, inspired by the refined flavors of Korean royal court cuisine.
For those who want to enhance their experience, a curated sool pairing is available for an additional $105.
Since its debut in 2019, Kochi has earned a Michelin star, solidifying its place among the top NYC restaurants.
While indulging in an entire menu at many high-end establishments is often just a fantasy, Kochi makes it a reality.
The menu features exquisite dishes such as charcoal-grilled Spanish mackerel and braised short rib.
Following Kochi’s immense success, Shim introduced the five-star restaurant Mari in late 2021, which earned its own Michelin recognition in 2022.
His most recent venture, Don Don, has also received high praise, securing four Time Out stars.
Atoboy
Chef Junghyun Park offers a modern twist on Korean flavors through a five-course tasting menu.
Guests can further elevate their meal by adding crispy fried chicken, coated in a rich gochujang and spicy peanut sauce, for an extra $28.
Tasting menus are a fantastic way to explore a chef’s creativity, yet many are either overly rigid or come with a hefty price tag.
Atoboy stands out among NYC restaurants for its balance of accessibility and variety.
Unlike traditional prix-fixe experiences, this one allows diners to make selections for certain courses, offering a more personalized journey through bold and innovative flavors.
Tadhanà
Frances Tariga’s debut solo project is more than just a restaurant—it’s a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines, delivered through an intricately designed tasting menu.
Tariga’s modern approach to Filipino cuisine is best appreciated through an immersive dining experience, which is why Tadhanà earned a well-deserved spot on our list of the best NYC restaurants of 2024.
Her menu showcases nostalgic yet refined interpretations of Filipino staples.
Childhood favorites like Tender Juicy hot dogs are reimagined with embutido (Filipino-style meatloaf), tucked inside deboned and charred chicken wings.
Meanwhile, balut—often regarded as an adventurous delicacy—is transformed into a delicate dish, where the eggs are meticulously sanded down and filled with silky duck custard, topped with a decadent spoonful of caviar.
4 notes about NYC's asian culinary scene
- What makes Sushi Nakazawa stand out among NYC sushi restaurants? It offers a high-quality omakase experience at a more approachable price, created by chef Daisuke Nakazawa from Jiro Dreams of Sushi.
- Why is Semma a unique Indian restaurant in the U.S.? It is the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the country and specializes in rare Southern Indian dishes.
- What is special about Atoboy’s tasting menu? Unlike traditional prix-fixe menus, Atoboy allows diners to choose certain courses, making the experience more personalized.
- How does Tadhanà reinterpret Filipino cuisine? Chef Frances Tariga transforms Filipino staples into refined dishes, such as balut turned into a delicate custard topped with caviar.