If you’re wandering around Midtown Manhattan and craving Japanese sushi with a refined yet approachable vibe, Watami Japanese is one of those places that manages to feel both classic and inviting. Right near Times Square and Herald Square, this sushi bar draws in office crowds, travelers, and locals looking for quality fish, thoughtful sushi preparation, and a relaxed West Midtown dining experience that doesn’t cost as much as high-end omakase joints.
A Midtown Sushi Spot with a Sophisticated Edge
Watami specializes in Edomae-style sushi, where fish is sourced with care before being delivered to your plate in beautiful nigiri, sashimi, and sushi roll presentations. Reviewers say the quality of fish — from toro and hamachi to uni and fluke fin — often feels like it’s a cut above what you’d expect from a standard Midtown sushi restaurant, and the intimate sushi bar setup makes it feel more like a purposeful dining experience than a rushed lunch stop.
The chefs at Watami have backgrounds in respected sushi kitchens around the country, bringing years of experience and refined technique to each piece. Alongside sushi and sashimi, they offer a seasonal 13-course omakase option that showcases the best available fish and seasonal preparation, served in an immersive experience that lasts about 75 minutes.
Food Highlights
Here are some of the standout choices visitors rave about:
- Premium Omakase Experience: A curated tasting of seasonal fish.
- Toro (Fatty Tuna): Rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Uni (Sea Urchin): Creamy, briny, and luxuriously fresh.
- Hamachi (Yellowtail): Clean, tender, and balanced.
- Fresh Sashimi Platters: Precisely sliced seasonal fish.
- Nigiri Selections: Carefully pressed rice with well-proportioned fish.
What Diners Really Say
Guests on Yelp and local review sites frequently call Watami’s omakase “one of the best” they’ve had in Midtown, with some patrons even forgoing photos to savor each bite instead of capturing it.
Others note that the ambiance feels refined, given the location, nicer than your average Times Square sushi joint, yet still approachable enough for a special lunch, casual dinner, or celebratory meal. A handful of reviewers mention that a few dishes can feel more standard than elevated sushi houses, but many agree that the balance of quality, technique, and Midtown convenience makes it well worth a visit.
The service and cleanliness also stand out in reviews, with several diners pointing out that the staff are attentive and knowledgeable, helping guide choices when you’re unsure what to order.
Atmosphere
Watami’s interior feels polished and comfortable, with a sushi bar that lets you watch each piece come together with care.
Insider Tips
- Reserve the omakase for a chef-guided experience.
- Ask about seasonal fish recommendations.
- Sit at the sushi bar for interaction and preparation views.
- Pair sushi with sake or Japanese beer.
Bottom Line
Watami Japanese in Midtown delivers premium sushi, thoughtful omakase, and a refined yet approachable dining experience.
Watami Japanese
📍 40 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
📞 (646) 375-0869
🕔 Mon–Sat 11 AM – 10 PM, Sun 3 PM – 10 PM
(watamisushi37west.com)