Sushi Ishikawa Introduce
Sushi Ishikawa is not just a sushi restaurant; it is a meticulously crafted culinary journey that has captivated the hearts of New Yorkers and visitors alike. This is a place where the art of omakase—a multi-course tasting menu curated by the chef—reaches new heights. Located on the Upper East Side, Sushi Ishikawa provides an intimate, cozy, and romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a special occasion or a truly memorable night out. The experience is designed to be personal and immersive, where each dish tells a story of skill, passion, and the freshest ingredients available.
The driving force behind Sushi Ishikawa is Chef Don Pham, a Vietnamese-born chef with over 17 years of experience in premier New York City sushi restaurants. Chef Pham's creative and charismatic personality shines through in his work, as he puts a unique, modern twist on traditional sushi. Diners are consistently "blown away" by the "meticulous work put into each course" and the inventiveness of the dishes. Guests note that the quality of the fish is "unbelievably fresh," with one reviewer even comparing it favorably to sushi they had recently enjoyed in Japan. The experience is not just about the food; it's about the connection you feel with the chef and the attentive staff, which creates a sense of "warm and personal" dining, "almost like dining with family."
For many, Sushi Ishikawa is a destination, a place worth traveling for. The glowing reviews speak volumes, with customers declaring it a "10/10 experience" that they will "remember forever." The intimate setting, coupled with Chef Pham's impressive skills and the staff's impeccable service, ensures that every guest leaves feeling completely satisfied. This is the kind of restaurant that makes a lasting impression, proving that a dedicated and passionate team can create something truly special and deserving of the highest praise.
---Sushi Ishikawa is located at 419 E 74th St, New York, NY 10021, nestled in the vibrant and upscale neighborhood of the Upper East Side. Its address provides a serene and intimate setting away from the main thoroughfare, contributing to its secluded, "hidden gem" feel. The restaurant is a destination in itself, drawing guests who have made specific plans to visit. While parking may be limited, its location is easily accessible by various modes of transportation in a city known for its excellent transit system. The restaurant also provides wheelchair-accessible seating, making it a welcoming place for all diners to enjoy the superb culinary offerings.
---Sushi Ishikawa offers a curated and specific set of services to ensure the highest quality dining experience, centered around the omakase tradition:
Dine-in Only: The restaurant focuses exclusively on providing an exceptional on-site dining experience. There are no options for takeout or delivery, as the omakase meal is meant to be enjoyed fresh at the counter or a table.
Reservations Required: Due to its intimate setting and high demand, reservations are required. Guests are strongly advised to plan ahead and secure a reservation for either lunch or dinner to guarantee a spot at this sought-after establishment.
Table Service: The dining experience is enhanced by attentive table service. The staff is known for being incredibly knowledgeable, explaining each course with detail and enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Solo Dining: The restaurant is "popular for solo dining," making it an excellent choice for a personal treat or for a passionate sushi enthusiast who wants to fully appreciate the art and skill of the chef.
Sushi Ishikawa distinguishes itself with a number of exceptional features and offerings that make it a standout in the New York dining scene:
Creative Omakase Menu: The core of the experience is the omakase menu, which typically features 17 courses. Chef Pham is known for his creative and inventive approach, using luxurious ingredients like truffle, caviar, and foie gras to elevate each piece. The menu changes frequently based on product availability and seasonality, ensuring a new and exciting experience with every visit.
Unparalleled Freshness: Customers consistently rave about the "unbelievably fresh" fish. The quality of the ingredients is a top priority, and it shows in the taste and texture of every piece of sushi. The fish is often sourced directly from Japan, ensuring the highest standards.
Exceptional Beverage Program: The restaurant offers a sophisticated selection of beverages to complement the omakase experience. This includes a robust menu of seasonal and special sakes, with options ranging from the popular Dassai to more exclusive choices like Kokuryu Shizuku. A selection of beer and wine is also available, curated to pair perfectly with the food.
Intimate and Warm Atmosphere: The ambiance is a key highlight, described as "cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale." The small number of seats, particularly at the chef's counter, creates a personal connection with the chef. The service is "impeccable" and feels like "dining with family," contributing to a warm and welcoming environment.
Address: 419 E 74th St, New York, NY 10021
Phone: (212) 651-7292
Choosing Sushi Ishikawa is a decision to invest in a truly high-end and memorable dining experience. The primary reason it is worth choosing is the unparalleled omakase journey led by Chef Don Pham. His creative and meticulous approach to sushi, combined with the use of the freshest ingredients, results in a meal that is consistently described as "superb" and "blown away" by diners. Unlike a traditional restaurant, Sushi Ishikawa provides an intimate performance where the food is both a delicious meal and a work of art.
The exceptional service is another major reason to choose this restaurant. The staff's attentiveness and ability to make guests feel "taken care of" and "right at home" elevates the experience from great to unforgettable. The personal touches, like the staff's kindness and the chef's willingness to engage with diners, create a lasting impression. While the price point is reflective of a high-end experience, the value received in terms of food quality, service, and atmosphere is undeniable. For a special occasion, a celebratory dinner, or simply to treat yourself to the best sushi New York has to offer, Sushi Ishikawa is a place to "not walk, RUN" to for a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.
Sushi Ishikawa Menu
Sake
Seasonal & special sake
- Tomoshichi "Seven Friends" Nigori $65.00
375ml bottle cloudy, mild & light, full of floral & rice aromas, semi-dry & smooth
- Dassai 23 Otter Fest".
Delicate, fruity aroma; luscious, refined flavor
- Dassai 39 Otter Fest" $115.00
720ml bottle elegant, smooth and loaded of fruity basket flavors of apple, honeydew and strawberry aromas
- Dassai 50 "Otter Fest" Nigori
Doudy, light & fruity, melon & cotton candy flavor
- Dassai 50 Otter Fest" Sparkling Nigori $50.00
360ml bottle sparkling, cloudy, light & fruity, a great aperitif to toast any celebration
- Gokyo "Summer" Nama Junmai
(Unpasteurized) fresh juicy taste with crisp acidity, balanced & savory finish
- Tedorigawa Kinka "Gold Blossom" Nama Junmai
(Unpasteurized) full, dean taste, with a nice balance of sweetness and acidity overlaying a delicate fruitiness of plum blossoms
- Ozenoyukidoke "Oze" $125.00
720ml bottle enticing & elegant aroma that refreshes & clenses the senses with a finish floral and grain notes
- Seitoku - Prince Of Peace $125.00
720ml bottle soft floral aroma yields to lychee fruit, exquisite balance and finesse
- Narutotai Daiginjo “Naruto's Sea Bream" $195.00
720ml bottle flavorful type, fruity aromas of apple, pear and muscat, perfectly sake with savory flavors and long finish
- Kokuryu Shizuku" $235.00
720ml bottle elegantly poised & perfectly balanced, an overall harmony of flavors, darity, resonance & impeccable finesse
- Otokoyama "Man's Mountain" $250.00
720ml bottle velvety, balanced, elegant & supreme, layers of delicated flavor such as sweet rice, white chocolate & juicy pineapple
- Dassai "Beyond" $620.00
720ml bottle very elegant delicate, extremely well made with velvety layers of favor, a perfect combination of feel great & taste great
Daiginjo
- Sho Chiku Bai "Rei" $40.00
300ml bottle bright & floral aroma, soft & full body with an elegant fruity finish
- Dassai 50 "Otter Fest"
Cotton candy aromas w/ a hint of lemonade, slight grape & berries sweetness
- Sho Chiku Bai " Shirakabegura"
Smooth, graceful & delightful with delicate aromas of pear and melon, full-bodied palate
- Dewazakura "Ichiro" $125.00
720ml bottle floral aromas, w/ a hint of papaya & pineapple
- Harushika "Spring Deer" $145.00
720ml bottle flavorful, nice harmony, light & floral aroma, silky smooth, refreshing & aftertaste
- Tamagawa “Kinsho" Heart Of Gold
Round, full - flavored, with gamboling fruit and floral displays
Junmai
- Akitabare "Koshiki Junzukuri" Northern Skies
Pleasingly dry & quite mild, a well-crafted traditional sake
- Denshu “ Country Squire"
Dry, well - structured and flavorful, clean & fresh 'umani" of dried fruits
Ginjo
- Dewazakura "Izumi Judan" Tenth Degree
A potent ginjo sake for martini fans; crisp and bone dry
- Koshi No Kanbai "Sai"
Crisp & clear with a firm umami, elegant smooth & aromatic
- Tsukinokatsura “ Yanagi"
Gracefully fragrant, with limpidly balanced sweetness and acidity
- Narutotai "Genshu" Naruto's Sea Bream $115.00
720ml bottle rich, full-bodied & dry, tartness and complexity
Sushi Ishikawa Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Healthy options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Sushi Ishikawa Photos










Sushi Ishikawa Location
Sushi Ishikawa Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1All I can say is WOW!!! This was my first omakase experience and all I can say is 10/10!!! From start to finish we were blown away! The meticulous work put into each course was superb! The service was impeccable, so attentive and explained each dish to us. Absolutely recommend!! Dont walk, RUN!!
July 15 · Kassandra KhouryWhere do I even begin? We flew in from Florida just for this reservation, and when our flight was delayed, we were heartbroken. Thankfully, the universe came through—another plane was arranged, and we made it to our reservation just in time. I want to give special thanks to Mini (apologies if I misspelled her name), who was incredibly kind and patient over the phone. She guided me through the emotional rollercoaster of the flight delay and made sure we still felt taken care of. From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding. Our chef’s skill was beyond impressive, and the entire experience felt so warm and personal—almost like dining with family. The sushi was unbelievably fresh, easily the best we’ve ever had. Having just returned from a trip to Japan, we were stunned by how comparable, if not even better, the quality was. 10/10 experience. It's something we will remember forever. We will definitely be back!!!!!!!! Thank you so much again!
August 25 · ChelseaI went there for a solo dinner on a Saturday. The server was really friendly and welcoming, made me feel accompanied, and did a great job on explaining the ingredients.Unlike some other places I’ve tried, the chef was really creative with the sushi by mixing and matching different kinds of fish. He was also really generous with the caviar lol. The flavor was a little strong like others say however, but overall the food was impeccable. Their secret menu (the one with a quailed egg on top) is a must try!! Will definitely bring friends and family there next time!
August 24 · Amanda WuHonest review after dining in Christmas Eve: Food was alright, nothing special. I found it to not match its price point, it was similar to the $100 range omakases. The slices of the fish were quite thin, so it felt like we weren’t getting much. Also, on the night that we went they didn’t let us use apply pay when clearly that is suppose to be an option on any other night. Definitely bring a physical card if want to secure those cash backs. Overall 6.5/10 given the fact that I didn’t feel like it matched its price point.
January 03 · TerriThe freshness and precise cuts of the sushi were commendable. However, the size of the sushi pieces was slightly smaller compared to the standard omakase portions. While some of the sushi offerings were well-received, there were instances where the combination of ingredients overpowered the delicate flavors of the fish. This resulted in a loss of the distinct taste that is expected from high-quality sushi. Despite this, the service provided was exceptional, with the staff demonstrating a thorough understanding of each dish and providing detailed explanations. The attentiveness and thoughtfulness of the servers further enhanced the overall dining experience.
August 20 · Nam Nguyen
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