"Takumi is a sub-$100 omakase on the Lower East Side that's somewhere between an upscale sushiya experience, and an unstuffy neighborhood joint. The interior is the same shade of blonde wood as those Super Serious sushi restaurants, but there are also Christmas lights across the window. There’s a $200 bottle of sake on the menu, but you can also BYOB. You’ll get skillfully sliced chutoro, but they aren’t afraid to break out the blow torch. The $89 omakase comes with three appetizers, 11 nigiri, and a hand roll, and any daily specials are usually worthwhile adds. If you’re looking for a low-key birthday spot, Takumi is it. You’ll have an excuse to order extra A5 wagyu, and Takumi’s been known to offer complimentary sake to the person celebrating." - Neha Talreja
