Seemor
Sushi W - UESB+Worth Trying
1513 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029
· Sushi restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (276 reviews)
Reservations
Fast-paced, affordable omakase with fresh fish and no-tipping pricing; great value if you accept a one-hour, no-frills format and variable chef interaction.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Sushi W delivers competitive neighborhood omakase through strong food quality featuring standout pieces like chutoro and torched sablefish, paired with attentive service and impressive operational speed. However, inconsistent execution—variable seasoning, rushed pacing at busy seatings, and mixed chef explanations—prevents grade A territory. The no-frills counter setting and excellent value proposition make this a solid choice for diners prioritizing fresh fish and efficiency over ceremony, though isolated food safety concerns warrant awareness.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels no-frills and intimate, more focused on the counter than the decor. Service moves briskly by design, with refills and friendly check-ins as pieces arrive in a tight rhythm. As one diner put it, "Great quality for the price and I left full," though a few felt the hourly turnover rushed the mood. The cooking leans classic nigiri with light creative touches—a torched sablefish here, a basil-accented kampachi there—prioritizing freshness and pacing over ceremony. Expect consistent hits like chutoro and gindara, plus optional extras from a short specials list. It is best for guests who value clean flavors and speed over lengthy storytelling from the chef. Families can make this work thanks to the set pricing and familiar fish like salmon, tuna, and eel. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the pieces are approachable and the one-hour format suits patient school-age kids; picky eaters or those avoiding seafood will have limited options.
At a Glance
- Strong value with service-included pricing
- Fresh fish with standout chutoro and torched sablefish
- Fast pacing can feel rushed at busy seatings
- Limited vegetarian options and variable explanation of pieces
- Isolated food safety and cleanliness complaints noted
What Sets It Apart
- no_tipping_pricing
- fast_omakase_format
- value_forward_counter_experience
What People Love
- Feeling full without overspending
- Clean, fresh nigiri sequences
- Friendly, efficient staff and refills
- Service-included pricing that simplifies costs
Points of Concern
- Pacing can feel rushed with pieces stacking during peak turnover
- Occasional heavy soy/seasoning masks fish for some diners
- Inconsistent chef explanations; servers sometimes identify pieces after serving
- Review patterns show isolated safety/cleanliness incidents including a pest sighting and two food poisoning claims
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$68-75 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pick Premium Omakase for best value-to-variety ratio
- Add one special (e.g., Uni & Ikura) if you want a richer bite
- Keep extras modest; à la carte quickly adds cost
Perfect For
- Fast, quality sushi lunch under an hour
- Casual date night at the counter
- Solo sushi fix without a big splurge
- Value-focused omakase seekers
Location Insights
Area: Mixed Upper East Side/East Harlem corridor with residential blocks, local shops, and steady neighborhood foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe with typical urban caveats; bright avenue frontage and consistent pedestrian activity.
Nearby: Near Lexington Ave retail, schools, and transit; convenient to 4/5/6 subway and crosstown buses.
East HarlemEast Harlem offers a vibrant and culturally rich dining scene with a mix of traditional Latin American eateries and newer, trendy restaurants. The area is known for its community-oriented atmosphere and evolving culinary landscape, balancing affordability with emerging upscale options.
El BarrioEl Barrio is characterized by its strong Latino cultural identity, colorful street art, and authentic ethnic dining options. It maintains a lively, community-focused vibe with a growing interest from visitors seeking genuine cultural experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations
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