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)
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 — a format more commonly found in Japan and upscale city sushi rooms.
Food Highlights
Here are some of the standout choices visitors rave about:
- Premium Omakase Experience: A curated tasting of seasonal fish and a chef’s selection — a great way to see what Watami does best.
- Toro (Fatty Tuna): Rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth — often cited in reviews as one of the highlight pieces.
- Uni (Sea Urchin): Creamy and briny, served fresh — a luxurious bite that many sushi fans seek out.
- Hamachi (Yellowtail): Clean, tender, and balanced — a classic that showcases fish quality.
- Fresh Sashimi Platters: Combinations of tuna, salmon, and seasonal fish sliced precisely and served with minimal garnish to let the flavor shine.
- Nigiri Selections: Carefully pressed rice with perfectly proportioned fish — reviewers often mention the texture and freshness as reasons they return.
Whether you choose a la carte sushi, sashimi, or a full omakase, the preparation is focused on highlighting fish quality and balance, not overshadowing it with sauces or gimmicks.
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, more refined than a bustling sushi takeaway place yet unpretentious enough that you won’t feel out of place in casual attire.
The sushi bar is a highlight — pulling up a seat lets you watch the chefs prepare each piece with care, slice by slice. It’s the kind of spot where quiet conversations and intentional bites fit perfectly with the ambiance, whether you’re here for omakase or a few nigiri before a Broadway show.
Insider Tips
- Book the omakase for a true chef-guided experience.
- Ask for seasonal fish recommendations — the menu changes based on what’s freshest.
- Sit at the sushi bar if you want a closer look at preparation and chef interaction.
- Pair sushi with sake or Japanese beer — they have a solid drink list to complement your meal.
Bottom Line
Watami Japanese in NYC’s Midtown is worth visiting for:
- Premium sushi and sashimi with fresh, thoughtfully sourced fish.
- A seasonal 13-course omakase that showcases the chef’s expertise.
- An intimate sushi bar atmosphere that feels elevated yet not intimidating.
- Friendly, attentive staff who help tailor your experience.
- A Midtown location that’s perfect for special dinners or sushi fans exploring NYC.