It’s easy to find under-$100 omakase spots in NYC. But there are a few we like more than the rest—places like Thirteen Water and Shinn East, where you can get a relatively affordable sushi dinner that still feels special. Nori Shinn, a handroll spot in the East Village, is from the same team behind those two spots. The khaki-colored space has a big sushi bar in the center, where chefs in bucket hats make your handrolls, and it feels better suited to a casual lunch catch-up than dinner. The handrolls are very good, with brittle nori that shatters in a satisfying crunch, and often an added element of texture from fried shallots or tempura bits. For an impressive under-$45 lunch, this is a great choice.
photo credit: Will Hartman
photo credit: Will Hartman
photo credit: Will Hartman
Food Rundown
Nori Shinn Set
This $34 set comes with five handrolls: salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna, crab, and eel avocado. Some were better than others—we particularly liked the yellowtail and spicy tuna rolls—but overall, it’s a filling set. If you feel like having a little fun and there’s $9 burning a hole in your pocket, add on the scallop handroll, which was our favorite.
photo credit: Will Hartman
