Gouie at Essex Market serves up affordable, high-quality sushi in a casual setting, perfect for a quick bite and sake tasting amidst the bustling Lower East Side.
"There are always new sushi options in NYC, but it’s hard to find spots that focus on high quality without requiring deep pockets. This casual place in The Market Line with a large U-shaped counter has a $45 seven-piece special that’s just that: special (and not only because of the price point). All the fish here is buttery, and the rice is seasoned with just a kiss of vinegar. There are also more expensive sushi plates if you want premium pieces like sea urchin and fatty tuna." - Team Infatuation
"There are always new omakase options in NYC, but it’s harder to find sushi spots that focus on high-quality, relatively affordable stuff. Gouie falls into this bucket, and it’s a spot anybody should try if they like raw fish. Their sweeping counter in The Market Line not only fills a large, sushi-related hole in said market, but they also have a $45, seven-piece special that’s just that: special (and not only because of the price point). All the fish you’ll try here is buttery, the rice is seasoned with just a kiss of vinegar, and the half-roll that accompanies the special comes filled with a crunchy, funky braised gourd. The service here is excellent as well—you might even get an impromptu sake tasting while you wait for a seat." - Carlo Mantuano
"There are always new omakase options in NYC, but it’s harder to find sushi openings that focus on high-quality, relatively affordable stuff (read: under $50 per person). Gouie falls into this bucket, and it’s a spot anybody should try if they like raw fish. Their sweeping counter in The Market Line on the LES not only fills a large, sushi-related hole in said market, but they also have a $30, seven-piece special that’s just that: special (and not only because of the price point). All the fish you’ll try here is buttery, the rice is seasoned with just a kiss of vinegar, and the roll that accompanies the special comes filled with a crunchy braised gourd that tastes kind of funky and sweet. The service here is excellent as well—you might even get an impromptu sake tasting while you wait for a seat." - Carlo Mantuano
"15-seat restaurant modeled after Tomoe Sushi, offering eight pieces of sushi for $30 and a variety of sakes." - Erika Adams
"The old high school acquaintance that you only hang out with when you're home for Christmas is in town and wants you to take them somewhere New York-y. At Gouie, you can get a $30 seven-piece-and-half-roll special that’s just that: special (and not just because of the price.) This place feels fitting for a visitor even though it's in a food hall on the Lower East Side, and you might even get an impromptu tasting consisting of locally-made sake while you wait for your nigiri. " - Hannah Albertine, Bryan Kim, Neha Talreja
