MIFUNE New York

Helmed by two Japanese chefs by way of Paris' Michelin-starred circuit, MIFUNE is a breath of fresh air. Yes, they serve delicious sushi and sashimi, but if you turn your attention to the rest of the menu, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
The food is a unique take on Japanese with dishes like foie gras terrine served with hacho miso and corn chips or the straw-­smoked lamb chop in black garlic miso sauce.
Our vote? Opt for the tasting menu and let the geniuses in the kitchen perform magic with the menu. Another option: If you have three others in tow, book the semi-private downstairs dining room for the shabu-shabu (Japanese hot pot) tasting menu, featuring fish flown in daily from Japan's Tsukiji fish market, washugyu beef, and MIFUNE's unique Japanese risotto.