Seemor
Omakase Shihou - Upper East Side (Lunch Available)A-Worth Trying
1586 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
· Japanese restaurant, Sushi restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (145 reviews)
Reservations
High-quality, chef-led omakase with excellent fish and strong value at lunch; dinner is pricier but still competitive, with minor consistency and ambiance critiques.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Omakase Shihou delivers exceptional food quality with pristine fish and thoughtful preparation, supported by attentive service that guides diners through each course. Mostly consistent execution and strong lunch value ($49) make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood omakase spots, though modest ambiance and occasional thawing concerns prevent it from reaching grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room reads calm and minimalist rather than flashy, with guests leaning in at the counter as chefs describe each bite. One diner put it best: "The fish tasted pristine and every course felt intentional." Service comes across as warm and attentive, with staff accommodating preferences and pacing the meal thoughtfully. The cooking skews classic omakase with premium touches—think buttery toro, sweet scallop, and occasional wagyu with roe or uni. It favors precision over theatrics, so the draw is freshness, rice seasoning, and clean cuts rather than fusion fireworks. Lunch is a standout value, while dinner remains fairly priced for the quality on the UES; a handful of guests wished for a touch more ambiance polish. Families should know this is a focused omakase format with raw seafood front and center. There is no kids menu, and portions are curated rather than mix-and-match. Adventurous older kids or teens who enjoy sushi could do well here, but picky eaters may struggle; staff can sometimes torch pieces or swap uni on request.
At a Glance
- Excellent fish quality with standout salmon, toro, scallop, and uni
- Strong lunch value at $49 for a full omakase set
- Occasional reports of icy or poorly thawed pieces
- Ambiance/readability of lighting feels awkward to some
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- high_value_lunch_omakase
- chef_guided_counter_experience
- premium_ingredients_showcase
What People Love
- Melt-in-mouth texture on top cuts
- Chef explanations that elevate the experience
- Thoughtful pacing and substitutions when requested
- Pricing that undercuts many Manhattan omakase peers
Points of Concern
- A few diners reported icy or poorly thawed fish on isolated visits
- Ambiance can feel bright or awkward; tables miss some counter magic
- One miscommunication on no-wasabi/no-roe request
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$65-95 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Aim for the $49 lunch Niwa set for best value; dinner Hikari at $65 is still competitive. Add one premium bite (wagyu or extra scallop) if budget allows.
Perfect For
- Counter-seat date night with chef interaction
- Celebratory dinners without ultra-luxe prices
- Sushi-focused lunches with strong value
- Small-group special occasions
Location Insights
Area: Dense, affluent residential corridor with steady foot traffic and neighborhood dining focus.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with active evening foot traffic typical of the UES.
Nearby: Near residential blocks, casual bars, cafes, and other sushi spots along 2nd Ave.
YorkvilleYorkville offers a more relaxed and residential dining atmosphere compared to the busier parts of the Upper East Side, with a variety of casual eateries, neighborhood bistros, and some upscale dining options. The area is known for its safe, community-oriented vibe and accessibility to parks and local shops.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:30–21:30
Tuesday12:30–21:30
Wednesday12:30–21:30
Thursday12:30–21:30
Friday12:30–21:30
Saturday12:30–21:30
Sunday12:30–21:30
Available: Reservations
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