Blue Ribbon Sushi

Tucked away on Sullivan Street in Soho, Blue Ribbon Sushi stands as one of the neighborhood’s enduring institutions for quality raw fish. While the surrounding blocks have transformed over the decades, this spot maintains its original character—concrete and wood interiors, a lively atmosphere, and that sought-after ten-seat sushi bar up front where regulars claim their usual perches. It’s the kind of place that feels genuinely New York, unpretentious despite the neighborhood’s upscale reputation.

The menu here takes a refreshingly straightforward approach to sushi. Rather than drowning everything in spicy mayo or tempura flakes, Blue Ribbon focuses on traditional preparations done well. The kanpachi usuzukuri makes an excellent starting point—paper-thin slices of yellowtail brightened with yuzu kosho and ponzu. From there, the sushi bar specials change with what’s freshest, though the cherry seabream and seared salmon belly have developed devoted followings. The $42 sushi deluxe delivers solid value, offering ten pieces of sushi plus a roll of your choosing.

This is very much a scene as much as a meal. The energy level runs higher than your typical serene sushi spot, with tables filling up well past 10pm and conversation buzzing throughout the dining room. It’s perfect for impressing visitors from out of town, celebrating on someone else’s expense account, or simply satisfying a late-night craving for quality fish. Walk-ins are welcome, which makes it an easy choice when dinner plans materialize spontaneously.

Expect to spend more here than at your neighborhood sushi joint—this is Soho, after all. But for a reliable, traditional sushi experience in a downtown setting with actual personality, Blue Ribbon Sushi continues to deliver exactly what it has for years. Just don’t expect any celebrity sightings these days; the era of spotting Leo at the bar has long since passed.