Imagine a quaint North Shore village on Long Island bursting with more sushi spots than you can shake a chopstick at—could this be the ultimate haven for raw fish lovers? Dive into this delicious trend with me as we explore how Great Neck is evolving from its eclectic Chinese food roots into a sushi paradise, boasting nearly a dozen Japanese eateries. Block by block, it stands as one of the densest concentrations of fresh sushi on the island, promising endless culinary adventures for those willing to embark on a 'sushi crawl.'
But here's where it gets controversial—how does this sushi boom impact local food diversity, or is it just a sign of evolving tastes? As chef Benny Tong puts it, 'The young people, they like omakase,' referring to that personalized dining experience where the chef selects and prepares each course based on the freshest fish available. You only need a compact counter to operate efficiently, and the markup on prices can be significant, allowing for lucrative business despite the growing competition. Yet, this hasn't deterred two fresh concepts from launching recently, each bringing their own flavor to the table.
First up is Benny's Sushi, tucked inside the Inn at Great Neck at 30 Cutter Mill Rd. Picture this: loyal patrons were heartbroken when their beloved standby, Matsuya, shut its doors in Great Neck this spring due to a lease expiration, relocating to Roslyn (check out the full story at https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/matsuya-roslyn-fcrhsd3p). For 30 years, people built a deep bond with Benny Tong, the affable sushi chef and original owner who stuck around even under new management. Now, this summer, Tong has revived his passion in a cozy, out-of-the-way spot by teaming up with Marco Polo's restaurant at the Inn, reimagining the menu under an 'East meets West' theme.
And this is the part most people miss—the seamless blend of classic hotel fare with innovative sushi that could redefine dining expectations. Alongside traditional options like French onion soup and steak Diane, there's a dedicated section featuring specialty rolls and nigiri. Tong himself mans the sushi bar, engaging with regulars and unveiling creations such as yellowtail adorned with jalapeño and drizzled in truffled ponzu sauce for $18.50. While the rolls are solid, the nigiri truly stands out—especially a piece of rich chutoro tuna on rice that's pure bliss. For beginners curious about sushi, think of nigiri as the stripped-down essence: just fresh fish atop seasoned rice, highlighting quality over embellishment. It's an intimate spot where tradition meets creativity, making every visit feel like a personal journey.
Then there's Chiyoda, located at 20 S. Station Plaza in Great Neck Plaza, occupying the space formerly known as Mi Casa es Tu Casa. This certified kosher restaurant offers a laid-back vibe as an alternative to pricier kosher sushi spots like Tiger Sushi. With a much larger footprint than typical sushi joints, it's perfect for hosting parties or big groups—imagine celebrating a birthday with friends while enjoying expertly crafted rolls.
Here's a potential flashpoint: is kosher sushi a game-changer for dietary-restricted diners, or does it dilute the authentic Japanese experience? The menu focuses heavily on rolls priced between $10 and $18, each one meticulously built without skimping on the fish. Take the Edelman roll ($18), for instance—a hearty concoction packed with spicy tuna and avocado, crowned with generous chunks of fatty bluefin tuna. For those not in the mood for sushi, there's a small selection of Chinese American stir-fries to round out the offerings. Overall, it's a welcoming neighborhood gem with standout execution that keeps crowds coming back, proving that great food doesn't always require a fancy price tag.
What do you think—does the rise of so many sushi places in Great Neck signal exciting innovation or an oversaturated market? Is the emphasis on high-end omakase pricing fair, or should sushi remain accessible to all? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you side with tradition, or are you intrigued by these East-meets-West fusions? I'd love to hear if you've tried kosher sushi and whether it lives up to the hype!
Andi Berlin hails from Arizona and admits she's not sure where her path will lead next. But wherever she ends up, she's on a mission to discover something stunning and scrumptious that the world simply must experience.
