There’s a certain thrill to discovering remarkable sushi tucked away in a small town, and Rye, NY, brings more than a pleasant surprise. The streets offer a mix of cozy nooks and buzzworthy spots, each promising to satisfy your craving for fresh, well-crafted rolls. My search for standouts in Rye once started as a casual dinner suggestion but quickly turned into something of an obsession. If you’ve ever rearranged your evening plans just to score a table at a tiny, unlisted sushi joint, you know exactly what I mean.
Over time, I’ve learned that the most memorable sushi experiences often come from places with dedicated chefs, impeccable fish, and just the right touch of creativity. Whether you’re after a refined omakase or are happiest with simple, honest tuna and avocado, Rye serves it up quietly and confidently. Read on for the most reliable and delicious sushi spots in town—these are the plates you actually want on your table.
Where to find the best sushi in Rye, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best sushi in Rye, NY:
- Water Moon
- OKO Rye
- Koo
- Fogama
- Buddha Asian Bistro
- Shiki Sushi & Yakitori
- Bambou
- Miku Sushi
- Ichiro
- Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar
1. Water Moon
Water Moon at 66 Purchase Street is the kind of spot that quietly sets a high bar for sushi in Rye. On my last visit, I found myself lingering over a plate of salmon sashimi, savoring the texture more than I expected. There’s an easy calm to the dining room, whether you’re grabbing a cozy table for dinner or swinging by for a quick lunch.
What makes Water Moon stand out? Their fish is always fresh, and you can taste that careful selection in every bite. Attention to detail goes beyond just the food—the service is timed just right, never rushed.
If you go, try the tuna avocado roll or splurge on the chef’s assorted sushi platter. Both showcase the kitchen’s knack for balance and clean flavors that let quality shine.
2. OKO Rye
OKO Rye at 29 Purchase Street is a creative twist on classic Japanese tradition. My first meal here felt like an invitation into Chef Brian Lewis’s imagination, where each bite surprised me. The bright, inviting space buzzes with energy, and there’s always something intriguing coming from the open kitchen.
OKO’s menu makes familiar sushi modern and exciting. Their nigiri is always precise and melts in your mouth. For something unique, the house-made handrolls feature ingredients that walk the line between bold and beautifully balanced.
I recommend the chutoro nigiri for its buttery richness and the market-fresh sashimi selection, which showcases both skill and premium sourcing. If you’re indecisive, let the omakase guide you—every visit seems to offer something new and memorable.
3. Koo
(914) 921-9888Call
Koo on Purdy Avenue is one of those easygoing places you end up returning to without a second thought. It manages that tricky balance—sleek enough for date night, but relaxed enough for a quick dinner catch-up. I remember my first visit: the chef personally recommended a roll and somehow nailed exactly what I was in the mood for.
What makes Koo stand out is its consistent quality and efficient service. The atmosphere is inviting, never stuffy. You always get the sense the staff knows what makes a good sushi night.
Order the yellowtail scallion roll for a clean, bright flavor or try their assorted sushi platter. The presentation is unfussy, and the fish is always impressively fresh—simple, honest, and satisfying every time.
4. Fogama
(914) 921-6888Call
Fogama on Purchase Street is easy to overlook, but step inside and it opens up into a welcoming space with a menu that surprises in the best way. The staff here has a knack for recognizing regulars, and I’ve always been greeted with a familiar nod. The serene vibe seems designed for those who appreciate their sushi without distractions.
What draws people back is Fogama’s dedication to fresh ingredients and traditional preparation. The sushi rice always arrives at just the right temperature, never gummy or dry.
If you visit, the eel avocado roll stands out for its harmony of texture and subtle flavors. Their chef’s sashimi selection is also a safe bet—each piece feels carefully chosen, reflecting Fogama’s understated confidence.
5. Buddha Asian Bistro
(914) 481-4651Call
Buddha Asian Bistro in Rye Ridge Plaza puts a playful twist on Asian dining without losing sight of the classics. My first lunch here was unplanned, but the attentive staff and lively, modern setting quickly won me over. It’s a spot that draws groups and families, yet always feels organized.
The menu covers a lot, but the sushi selection stays focused on freshness and creative presentation. Their spicy tuna roll is a popular pick—balanced heat and a clean finish. I found the vegetable maki rolls just as satisfying, bright and crisp.
If you’re sharing, the assorted sushi appetizer is a low-risk way to sample the kitchen’s best moves. Buddha Asian Bistro doesn’t overcomplicate things; it lets good ingredients do the work.
6. Shiki Sushi & Yakitori
Shiki Sushi & Yakitori in White Plains manages to blend classic Japanese comfort with a few surprises along the way. My evening there started with an open kitchen view and ended with a meal that felt refreshingly unpretentious—just honest flavors and plenty of choices. The space is lively but never overwhelming, making it an easy pick for casual nights out.
This spot stands out for its consistent ingredient quality and a friendly, prompt staff. They take care with plating, but the focus is on taste rather than flash.
Order the chef’s sushi deluxe or the salmon avocado roll. Both offer perfect texture and a clean finish, and reflect Shiki’s straightforward, reliable style. Their vegetable rolls are always crisp—an easy win for anyone looking to mix things up.
7. Bambou
Bambou in Greenwich feels like a hidden nook with big ambitions. My first time there, I noticed how the menu draws from street food styles, yet elevates traditional sushi with skill. The vibe is relaxed but polished, great for a weekday treat or gathering with friends.
Bambou stands out for its inventive specials and a sushi bar that consistently surprises. The staff is quick with recommendations, and you can often spot regulars at the sushi counter, chatting with the chefs.
For a real taste of Bambou’s approach, try the spicy crunchy tuna roll or the chef’s omakase platter. The flavors are vibrant without overpowering, capturing the playful spirit that defines Bambou’s take on sushi in the area.
8. Miku Sushi
Miku Sushi on Greenwich Ave sways between chic and casual, making good on its promise of a “beautiful moment” with each visit. The first time I stopped by, I was taken in by the modern décor and a menu that favored both adventurous eaters and purists. There’s a sense here that details matter, from the sleek booths to how dishes arrive at the table.
Miku stands out for its approachable yet finely tuned sushi. The kitchen pays special attention to vegan and gluten-free variations—rare to find at this quality. Service is quick, never abrupt.
Order the vegetable dragon roll or any of the chef’s seasonal sashimi flights. Both highlight Miku’s knack for freshness, bright flavors, and subtle balance, all without overcomplicating what’s already good.
9. Ichiro
Ichiro on Mamaroneck Ave is where tradition gets a modern remix. My experience here started with a friendly welcome and the kind of spacious layout that makes it just as good for business lunches as for a relaxed meal out. The menu offers both comfort staples and unexpected additions, keeping things interesting for regulars and newcomers alike.
What makes Ichiro stand out is its careful attention to presentation and flavor balance. There’s a fusion aspect, but it’s never over the top—classic elements stay front and center.
Don’t miss the spicy yellowtail roll or the chef’s mixed sushi plate. Each bite is clean, never muddled, and showcases Ichiro’s skill in both selection and subtle innovation.
10. Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar
Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar on Mamaroneck Ave offers something different. Its menu stretches from Mediterranean influences to a focused selection of Japanese favorites, so there’s an unmistakable flair in the atmosphere. The first time I stopped in, the space buzzed with conversation and a welcoming mix of regulars and newcomers. It’s the kind of spot that’s both stylish and unpretentious.
Shiraz stands out thanks to its thoughtful ingredient sourcing and well-curated wine list, which genuinely enhances the sushi experience. The staff knows their pairings, too—always useful if you like your sushi with a twist.
Order the classic salmon avocado roll or try the chef’s selection for a broader sampling. Both reflect how Shiraz keeps things fresh and straightforward, with just enough personality to stand apart.
More Things to Try in Rye, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best sushi restaurant in Rye, NY for fresh fish?
Several local favorites stand out for the quality of their fish. Water Moon and OKO Rye are both known for daily selections and meticulous prep, making either a great choice for freshness.
Are there any sushi spots in Rye, NY with vegetarian options?
Most sushi restaurants in Rye, including Miku Sushi and Buddha Asian Bistro, offer extensive vegetarian and vegan rolls made with the same care as their seafood options.
Where can I find creative or specialty sushi rolls in Rye, NY?
Bambou and OKO Rye both take classic rolls in new directions with unique flavor combinations, fresh ingredients, and inventive sauces. They’re perfect if you want to try something beyond the basics.
Do any Rye sushi restaurants offer omakase experiences?
OKO Rye offers an omakase option, where the chef creates a custom selection based on the freshest ingredients. It’s a good way to get a taste of the kitchen’s top picks.
Can I get sushi for takeout or delivery in Rye, NY?
Absolutely. Most spots, including Koo and Fogama, have takeout menus. A few even have delivery partnerships—check their websites or call ahead for availability.