Blue Ribbon Sushi

"This is the original Blue Ribbon, a semi-underground den known when it was founded two decades ago as a late-night chef’s retreat. Yes, high rollers can easily blow $150 on some of the more obscure finfish and shellfish, but $36 and $44 buys you, respectively, the regular and deluxe sushi assortments, both of which are impressive at the price. If you’re a high-volume sushi eater, $52 gets you a whopping 18 pieces." - Robert Sietsema

"Soho has fewer sushi options than you might think considering it's a neighborhood where hundred dollar bills outnumber public restrooms. There’s the LA-import with long lines you’ve probably heard of before and the tiny omakase spots you might have wrongly assumed were minimalist watch stores all along. But if you’re looking for a place to order à la carte nigiri, maki, and sashimi, there’s really only one restaurant around to call you by your name. That’s what makes Blue Ribbon Sushi worth remembering. This place might have the volume level of a sushi restaurant where everything is topped with mayo and fried stuff, but the nigiri here is all pretty straightforward and traditional. Start with something from the zensai section like a plate of kanpachi usuzukuri dotted with green yuzu kosho and citrus ponzu, then build your meal around sushi bar specials and rolls. (We’ve had great pieces of cherry seabream and seared salmon belly before.) We typically order the $42 sushi deluxe, which comes with 10 pieces of sushi as well as your choice of spicy tuna or salmon maki. You’ll probably spend noticeably more here than you would at your average neighborhood sushi joint, but that’s what happens when you choose to eat raw fish in Soho. The room is livelier than most casual sushi spots, too. Blue Ribbon Sushi's vibe hasn’t really changed since the era when Leo Dicaprio used to eat here. It’s all concrete and wood, with plenty of people eating after 10pm and a 10-seat sushi bar up front. Just don’t expect to see Leo anymore. He’s probably vegan now anyway." - Hannah Albertine

"Blue Ribbon Sushi is a family favorite for Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Known for amazing sushi and sake, it is a regular spot for family dinners." - Nancy DePalma

"One reason the Roman Empire fell is because it spread itself too thin trying to do too many different things. Caesar should’ve taken a note from Blue Ribbon. Despite running places ranging from a fast-casual fried chicken spot to a live music and bowling venue, they’re all great. And their sushi restaurant in Soho is no exception. Order softshell crab tempura rolls, kanpachi sashimi with yuzu, or a 15-piece combination platter for delivery any day but Monday." - matt tervooren

"I have been coming to Blue Ribbon Sushi for many, many years. I’m actually a big fan of all of their establishments - every year for Super Bowl, I host people at my house, and we order Blue Ribbon fried chicken! Blue Ribbon Sushi is my family’s go-to restaurant for family dinner." - Nancy DePalma