Next Door by Wegmans – NoHo

AAA Diamond Inspector Notes

Lower Manhattan has no shortage of Japanese dining options, but Next Door by Wegman's, at Astor Place, stands out for its savvy in fitting into the trendy area. Located near to the NYU campus and dormitories, this contemporary restaurant delivers stylish decor and engaging service with a variety of sushi and sashimi selections which make every effort to hit the "like" button. Plush velvet booths, warm lighting and an inviting atmosphere feel worlds away from, but still a part of the busy crossroads where the East Village meets NoHo. Before or after dinner, there is the opportunity to pick up flowers, gourmet groceries or the essentials at the food hall. This is a convenient, clever, and thoroughly modern urban destination where it is best to enjoy the fashionable setting and sample the well-presented standard rolls for a simple casual meal. For the sushi aficionado, the highly authentic Little Tokyo district establishments on East Ninth and Stuyvesant streets are a short walk from Astor Place, across Third Avenue.