Set the scene.
Hidden away on the lower level of an office building in Midtown East, Atto Sushi is an unexpected yet tantalizing Edomae-style omakase experience. Despite its unassuming location, the restaurant boasts an unfussy approachability, making it a casual lunch or dinner hideaway for the neighborhood’s most discerning diners.
In keeping with Japanese interior design teachings, the omakase portion of the space is minimalistic, with warm wood tones and soft lighting–a sharp yet welcomed contrast to the bustling Manhattan streets above.
Yellow–regarded as the color of cheerfulness, nature, and sunshine in the Far East–is the primary color, from the menus to the napkins and even the mustardy hues of the high-top chair cushions.
Adjacent to Atto Sushi is Café Hatou: by day, a specialty coffee bar serving brews exclusively from Onyx Coffee alongside Japanese pastries. Once the sun goes down, it transforms into a vibrant lounge for imbibing and catching up with friends or colleagues.
What can we expect from the food?
Atto Sushi is revered for its Edomae-style omakase, with nearly half of either set including dry-aged sashimi to bring out intense, umami-packed flavors. The meticulous dry-aging process is one of the restaurant’s standout features, a rare technique often reserved for higher-end omakase spots.
Popular dry-aged selections include O Toro (fatty tuna), Shima Aji (striped jack), Chu Toro (medium fatty tuna), and Kanpachi (amberjack). Each possesses a depth of flavor as rich as it is unique. Beyond these crowd favorites, Atto Sushi also showcases a variety of fish that change based on seasonality.
For dinner, guests can choose between the 17-course set, which features a lavish spread of two appetizers, 12 pieces of nigiri, a hand roll, miso soup, and dessert, or the 13-course set, which delivers a slightly more concise but equally refined journey.
For lunch, the ATTO Style 50 provides 10 nigiri with a soup or salad.
No meal is complete without dessert. The confections change daily; expect anything from Yuzu Cheesecake to Sweet Mochi with Matcha tea to Pound Cake topped with Peach Mochi, mint, and fresh berries.
Whether you indulge in the full affair or choose from the a la carte options, Atto Sushi consistently delivers bold flavors and precise skill.
Tell us about the drinks.
Just as thoughtfully crafted as its food is the beverage program, which spotlights a unique array of cocktails made with shochu, a Japanese spirit that adds a new layer of depth to each.
Signature creations like the Kohi–an espresso martini made with vanilla-infused shochu and Onyx Coffee’s Monarch Espresso–and Raiche, a lychee martini with lemon-infused shochu, provide fresh takes on classic American drinks.
The extensive sake list spans a range of tasting profiles, from “light and crisp” to “earthy and savory.” There’s even a curated list of shochu for sipping. Japanese beer enthusiasts will appreciate the options available.
Final thoughts?
Atto Sushi is a hidden gem in Midtown Manhattan, serving exquisite sushi and innovative drinks within a laidback setting–an exciting and memorable escape from the neighborhood’s everyday locales.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Midtown East
Address: 875 Third Ave, Lower Level, New York, NY
Cuisine: Omakase Sushi
The vibe: This sleek yet approachable Edomae-style omakase counter within a bustling Midtown East office building features minimalistic interiors with pops of yellow, and specializes in dry-aged sashimi.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes–Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: Try the 17-course omakase set and be sure to leave room for dessert.
The attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Lunch: Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM; Dinner: Tastings are offered Monday through Friday at 5:15 PM and on Saturday at 7:30 PM and 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:30 PM.
