Seemor
MarumiA-Worth Trying
546 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012
· Japanese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (310 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Authentic, long-running Village sushi spot with fresh fish, friendly service, and strong lunch value; a few isolated complaints about freshness and one safety scare warrant caution.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Marumi delivers exceptional food quality with fresh, traditional sushi that earns consistent praise, supported by strong service attentiveness and reliable execution. The pleasant neighborhood setting near Washington Square and solid lunch value make it competitive with the area's better dining destinations, though an isolated 2024 safety incident and occasional freshness concerns prevent grade A territory. A decades-long loyal following underscores its standing as a trusted local institution.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked near Washington Square, Marumi feels like a longtime neighborhood refuge: cozy and unpretentious, with warm wood and staff who keep things moving. Diners praise the fish for tasting clean and bright, one remarking, "the salmon and mackerel were the kind you keep thinking about on the walk home." However, there were some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking stays traditional and focused: nigiri, chirashi, and set platters that highlight freshness over flash. It is the kind of place where a sushi-and-sashimi for two feels generous and fair for the area, and the lunch specials are a clear win if you want quality without omakase prices. Expect clean flavors and restraint rather than fusion detours. For families, the menu is approachable: kids who like simple flavors may gravitate to chicken katsu, broiled salmon miso, or basic rolls. There is no advertised kids menu, but portions and straightforward preparations make ordering easy. If your crew avoids raw fish entirely, stick to cooked staples and miso soup.
At a Glance
- Fresh, traditional sushi with consistent praise for nigiri and chirashi
- Strong lunch value at $20 including soup
- Cozy setting with backyard seating and friendly service
- One reported food safety incident in late 2024
- Occasional critiques of freshness and rice-heavy rolls
What Sets It Apart
- decades-long neighborhood staple
- excellent lunch sushi value
- peaceful backyard seating
What People Love
- Feeling of an authentic, long-running Japanese spot
- Clean-tasting fish and generous set platters
- Fast, friendly service that keeps meals easy
- Backyard seating that feels tucked away
Points of Concern
- Isolated but serious food safety report (worms) in 2024; staff comped bill
- A few reviews cite less-than-ideal freshness on some visits
- One complaint about aggressive tipping expectation
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some short generic praises alongside detailed narratives) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$36-$50 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean on the $20 lunch sets for best value; for cooked options, choose Chicken Katsu or Broiled Salmon Miso; Unadon suits diners who like sweeter sauces.
Perfect For
- Weekday sushi lunch on a budget
- Casual date night without fuss
- Solo sushi fix near Washington Square
- Returning regulars seeking a familiar spot
Location Insights
Area: Lively, student-and-local mix near NYU; casual spots and long-timers share blocks with boutiques.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Close to NYU, Washington Square Park, NoHo retail, and Soho galleries; steady neighborhood flow.
Greenwich VillageThe dining scene in Greenwich Village is eclectic, ranging from casual cafes and pizza joints to upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The neighborhood has a relaxed, creative atmosphere with a strong emphasis on independent and diverse culinary offerings, attracting both locals and tourists.
West VillageWest Village, a sub-area within Greenwich Village, is known for its charming tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and a high concentration of boutique eateries and artisanal food shops. It offers a more intimate and upscale dining experience compared to the broader Village.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Tuesday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Wednesday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Thursday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Friday12:00–14:30, 17:00–22:15
Saturday17:00–22:15
Sunday17:00–21:45
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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