Mangetsu Sushi
📍 150 Manhattan Ave, New York, NY 10025
📞 (646) 329-6509
🕔 Daily 11 AM – 10 PM (mangetsusushi.com)
Tucked into Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Mangetsu Sushi has quickly become a go-to neighborhood stop for sushi lovers who want fresh fish, well-made rolls, and solid classics without pretension. Just a block from Central Park, it’s the type of place people wander into on a weekday lunch break or swing by after a stroll through the neighborhood. Early reviews and local buzz have been overwhelmingly positive, with customers praising the quality, freshness, and friendly service that set this spot apart from some of NYC’s more generic sushi chains.
Opened in early 2025, Mangetsu has carved a niche by combining classic sushi favorites with a few creative touches and thoughtful plating — all in a cozy, bright space with window views and a sushi counter that lets you watch the chef at work. Many locals appreciate that this restaurant offers affordable, good-quality sushi that doesn’t feel rushed or overly formal, making it perfect for casual lunches, relaxed dinners, or takeout on the go.
A Local Sushi Spot With Craft and Heart
What makes Mangetsu stand out is the chef’s background and the intentional focus on quality. Led by Chef Geronimo Perez, who trained for years in respected Japanese kitchens before opening this spot, the restaurant blends traditional sushi technique with a neighborhood-friendly vibe. Perez’s work with establishments like Tanoshi Bentō helped shape Mangetsu’s approach to balancing authentic flavors with affordability, ensuring fish is cut cleanly and rolls are thoughtfully constructed.
Because sushi can sometimes be intimidating or overly expensive in NYC, Mangetsu feels like a breath of fresh air: a place where classic favorites and everyday rolls sit comfortably next to more elevated bowls and special options. Whether you’re a longtime sushi fan or someone looking for a reliable meal after exploring the Upper West Side, the relaxed atmosphere and attention to detail help keep customers coming back.
Food Highlights
Here are the dishes and offerings that people keep talking about:
- Salmon Avocado Roll: A neighborhood favorite — fresh salmon paired with creamy avocado makes this an easy go-to.
- Chirashi Don: A generous bowl of assorted fish over rice — salmon, tuna, yellowtail, scallops, ikura, and shrimp — often praised for its freshness and balance.
- Manhattan Roll: A standout maki with layered flavors that locals mention again and again on delivery menus.
- Shrimp Shumai: Light and tender, a great shareable starter.
- Dynamite Roll: A classic spicy roll with a kick that sushi lovers appreciate.
- Salmon Lover: A go-to choice for salmon fans — rich, buttery pieces over rice.
And if you’re in the mood for a dish beyond rolls, options like tuna tataki, sashimi samplers, and poke bowls are also highlighted on recent menus, making it easy to mix and match.
What Diners Really Say
Reviews from early visitors paint a consistent picture: fresh fish, careful cuts, and sushi that feels like it belongs on someone’s list of favorite go-to Japanese spots. Several reviewers on neighborhood guides say Mangetsu is “incredibly fresh” and attentive to dietary needs, with sushi that’s both beautiful to look at and satisfying to eat.
On street-level review sites and local chats, people often mention the chilled nigiri presentation, the bright, clean interior, and the casual but attentive service — all traits that make Mangetsu feel like both a reliable weekday lunch stop and a sushi dinner destination with friends.
Atmosphere
Mangetsu Sushi’s interior is clean, inviting, and casual, with window seats that face the street and a sushi counter where you can watch the chef prepare rolls and nigiri with precision.
The vibe is relaxed but intentional: not flashy or overly formal, but a welcoming place to linger over fresh fish or grab a quick meal before heading to Central Park or a nearby coffee spot. Whether you’re dining solo at the counter or sharing a few plates with someone else, the space feels comfortable and unpretentious — ideal for both casual dates and everyday meals.
Insider Tips
- Go for weekday lunch: There’s often a weekday lunch special that makes it even more budget-friendly.
- Sit at the sushi counter: You get a great view of the chef at work and a chance to chat about specials.
- Mix classics and creative rolls: Starting with a simple salmon avocado roll and then branching into a Chirashi Don or Manhattan Roll gives a well-rounded sushi experience.
- Try takeout for presentation: Some customers rave that the sushi still looks great in beautifully packaged boxes when ordered to go.
Bottom Line
Mangetsu Sushi in NYC’s Upper West Side offers fresh, well-made sushi, approachable rolls, and satisfying donburi bowls in a cozy spot that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or takeout. Whether you’re craving classic favorites like salmon avocado or something more substantial like Chirashi Don, this neighborhood gem delivers quality without fuss — ideal for locals and visitors alike.