Your boss just approved that vacation request, your cousin’s visiting from Tokyo, and you finally mastered chopsticks after three YouTube tutorials. It’s time for sushi. Finding a raw fish spot in Astoria isn’t hard. Finding one that doesn’t taste like it swam through the East River? That’s where this list comes in.
Oishii Sushi
$ | (718) 626-0588 | WEBSITE
This Astoria spot isn’t the kind of place where you go wild and attempt to order elaborate omakase, but it is exactly the sort of casual sushi bar that anyone will appreciate. It’s a great place to come after a long day, and you’ll watch your rolls being made right in front of you while digging into the Shrimp Hibachi, which is roughly 100 times better than you’d expect at these prices.
The cozy space with just three to four tables creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for when you want quality sushi without the fuss of a fancy restaurant.
Bai Sushi Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (718) 956-7445 | WEBSITE
Bai Sushi is open for lunch and dinner daily, but you’re at this Astoria gem for a quiet, satisfying sushi fix. On any given evening, you’ll find this cozy spot’s intimate dining room filled with people enjoying fresh nigiri and specialty rolls, and sipping green tea with their udon soup. Nothing is over-the-top at Bai Sushi – and that includes your eventual feeling of contentment after a meal.
Tokyo Ya
$$ | (718) 777-8889 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of places in town for a quick sushi fix, but there’s only one where you can order an All-You-Can-Eat Sushi lunch. And that’s Tokyo Ya. Whether you’re having that deal (a $25 combo of noodles, rice, sushi, rolls, and drinks) at lunch or dinner, this charming Japanese spot is a great place to get a little full while you eat fresh sashimi, delicious rolls, and additional entrees.
You’ll be joining a long list of satisfied customers, too: Tokyo Ya is a favorite hangout of locals, who love ordering on a tablet or phone, enjoy the quick service, and appreciate the Instagram-worthy ambiance with nice lighting and cute decor.
Junko Sushi
$ | (718) 777-1588 | WEBSITE
Step aside, Astoria sushi giants, there’s a new neighborhood gem on the block, and it’s serving up way fresher fish. Tucked into a no-frills storefront, Junko Sushi is one of the most satisfying spots to open in the area in a while. It has a totally solid sushi and sashimi menu, but you’re here to devour authentic salmon and eel, try the fun special rolls, and watch Junko-San herself prepare your meal alongside her sous-chef.
The vibe is casual and quick, perfect for grabbing a bite before you head home, not for some drawn-out, fancy date night. You’ll pay reasonable prices for the quality—think $15-$25 for those praised rolls like the Sweet Potato or the textured Junko Roll. The space is simple and straightforward, with a good amount of seating that feels more functional than fancy, lit by basic overhead lights.
Service is friendly, handled by one dedicated waiter who manages everything, though you might need a touch of patience during busy rushes. Just a heads-up: give the eel sauce a quick look before diving in. Overall, it’s ideal for satisfying your sushi craving, whether you’re dining in or taking out.
Pink Nori
$$ | (718) 685-2365 | WEBSITE
Even if you’re halfway through your Netflix binge, if a friend texts to meet at Pink Nori, you pause that show and go. Tucked away in Astoria, Pink Nori is consistently packed every night of the week with people devouring incredible specialty rolls, sipping on those refreshing lychee cranberry cocktails, and enjoying the cozy, dimly-lit ambiance that’s perfect for a dinner with friends. Reservations are definitely recommended.
Poke Burrito Astoria
$ | (929) 328-0041 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a neighborhood where most places close up shop by 9pm (Astoria), Poke Burrito Astoria stays open until 11pm every night, and that’s a blessing. The fact that this beloved poke spot serves consistently fresh and healthy bowls (get the ahi tuna or eel), generous portions for around $15, and has counter service so friendly and fast you’ll have your food in minutes is just a bonus. Keep an eye out for the regulars – sometimes they’re lined up out the door.
JJ’s Fusion
$$ | (718) 626-8888 | WEBSITE
At its heart, JJ’s Fusion in Astoria is really just a small spot for fresh food. But if you come here and only order sushi, you’re missing out. Whether it’s the addictive edamame pot stickers, the bright Montauk fluke, or the satisfying Lynch special tuna salad, this is the kind of Asian fare you want to be eating while catching up with friends over lunch. Their takeout service is definitely the way to go.
Hei Tiki & Sushi Bar
$$ | (917) 745-0407 | WEBSITE
This list would be incomplete without at least one Astoria sushi spot, so we’re choosing Hei Tiki & Sushi Bar. The tropical hideaway in the heart of the neighborhood looks like it was designed by a beachcomber with a tiki torch obsession, and the crowd is mostly comprised of locals looking for fresh sushi and strong drinks. While most of the food is best eaten with your eyes wide open, there’s no denying the fruity cocktails are both good and strong.
After two or three or four of them, it’ll hit you – this place is pretty delightful.
Rice K
$$ | (718) 606-8508 | WEBSITE
The fact that Astoria isn’t overflowing with authentic Japanese karaoke spots is one of our neighborhood’s biggest mysteries, right up there with why the N train is always delayed. Luckily, we do have Rice K. The creative sushi bar/restaurant in Astoria is where you go when you want to savor standout teriyaki and sashimi deluxe, enjoy avocado eel rice and sushi pizza with your friends, and sing your heart out on their lively Saturday night karaoke stage that kind of feels like a Tokyo izakaya.
Come Friday and Saturday nights, this place becomes an all-out singing mob scene.
Watawa Sushi
$$ | (718) 545-9596 | WEBSITE
Just because you’re eating sushi doesn’t mean you can’t get a little romantic. Astoria’s Watawa Sushi is the perfect place to impress your date (and maybe your whole family, too). The place has been around for over 20 years, and it feels like something straight out of a cozy neighborhood story. But that doesn’t mean Watawa isn’t a great meal – in fact, they really lean into the fresh fish theme, and that makes it even more satisfying.
Especially when it involves perfectly fried tempura and sweet potato rolls, and a lunch special with boxes filled to the brim with salmon and seaweed salad. You’re taking leftovers home tonight.
