Iron Sushi

The East Village is no stranger to Japanese cuisine. In fact, the block that's home to the third Iron Sushi location is awash in Japanese-inflected edibles, including Rai Rai Ken, Shabu-Tatsu and Teriyaki Boy. But this newcomer has more than a few things going for it. First, the menu is more diverse than your average sushi-centric restaurant, branching out into a long list of Japanese small plates: fried oysters with katsu sauce, miso eggplant, a dozen teriyaki offerings, tempura, donburi and udon. Certainly a worthy spot to bring your sushi-phobic friends without feeling guilty. Plus, the serene, tasteful dining room captures the Japanese spirit without any kitsch, making this a great place to enjoy the huge range of rolls and sashimi in a refined, understated atmosphere. Only time will tell if Iron Sushi will stand out among the neighborhood's best, but they're certainly on the right track.

See more: East Village restaurants, Japanese restaurants, Sushi restaurants