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Mojo East: Affordable $55 Omakase in NYC,13-Course Sushi with No Tip Policy

"No Tip 13-course omakase in NYC’s Lower East Side for just $55: High-quality sushi, wagyu, uni, and foie gras at a price that beats most NYC omakase spots."

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By Food and Spot, August 4, 2025

Mojo East: Affordable $55 Omakase in NYC,13-Course Sushi with No Tip Policy

Affordable $55 13 - Course Omakase in NYC With No Tip, Sushi That Surpasses Expectations

If you’ve ever scrolled past a viral NYC omakase experience on Instagram or TikTok and wondered if it’s worth the hype, here’s one you don’t want to miss. A $55 13-course omakase in Lower East Side, New York, recently blew up in popularity, and we finally got to try it.

Located at 85 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002, this spot is a game-changer in a city where sushi omakase usually starts at $100 and easily climbs to $300+ per person. With no tipping required, high-quality cuts, and a consistently satisfying lineup of sushi, this was a dining experience we knew we had to share.

Mojo east outside

sake at Mojo east

Why This Omakase, Mojo east Experience Stands Out in NYC

New York City is no stranger to premium sushi spots. From Michelin-starred counters to trendy basement hideaways, there’s no shortage of omakase experiences here. But this $55 set-menu omakase breaks the mold by offering:

  • 13 courses for just $55 per person
  • No tipping policy – rare and refreshing in NYC
  • Consistent, generous portions
  • A bright, spacious, and clean interior
  • A crowd of younger diners and couples
  • Quick service in a casual but efficient setting

We went for a 9:00 PM Saturday night reservation, and the place was absolutely packed. The next seating was already full. It’s clear this place has built a solid fan base, and once we finished our meal, we understood why.

Location and Ambiance

85 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002

Situated right in the heart of the Lower East Side, this omakase bar is surrounded by some of the trendiest spots in Manhattan. Yet, once inside, you’re met with a surprisingly spacious and minimalist modern interior that feels far more refined than you’d expect at this price point.

Clean, bright, and simple, the space doesn’t try to be overly fancy. Instead, it puts the focus on what matters: the food. Seating is bar-style, and you’ll find groups of friends, couples on dates, and even solo diners enjoying the streamlined experience.

Mojo east chef counter 1

Mojo east chef counter 2

No Tip Policy: What You See Is What You Pay

One of the standout features of this omakase spot is its no tipping policy. In a city where you’re often expected to tip at least 18-20%, this pricing model is a breath of fresh air.

$55 flat, no surprise fees, no tip needed. This makes it especially attractive to:

  • Young professionals
  • Budget-conscious foodies
  • Couples on casual date nights
  • Groups of friends looking to try omakase without breaking the bank

Mojo east sign, no tip policy


Special Beer at Mojo east

Lucky chicken IPA - $4 tasted like coffee.

Lucky chicken IPA $4

lucky chicken IPA in the glasses

The 13-Course Sushi Lineup

The courses are served in a consistent order, though some items may shift slightly depending on your time slot. Here’s the full breakdown of the 13 dishes we enjoyed:

  1. Madai (Sea Bream) - Clean, subtle, with great texture.

Madai

  1. Suzuki (Sea Bass) - Fresh and lightly seasoned.

Suzuki

  1. Akami (Lean Tuna) - A traditional favorite with satisfying.

Akami

  1. Chu-Toro / O-Toro (Medium/Fatty Tuna) - Rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth with gold dust.

Chu-toro

Cuh-toro with gold dust

  1. Kinmedai / Gindara (Goldeneye Snapper / Black Cod) - Smooth and savory.

Gindara

  1. Orata (Bream) - Clean flavor, not too heavy.

Orata

  1. Ikura (Salmon Roe) - Served on rice, cold and bursting with umami.

Ikura

  1. Ebi-Uni (Shrimp with Sea Urchin) - Generously topped uni with sweet shrimp one of our favorites.

Ebi-uni

  1. Salmon with Foie Gras - Unexpectedly luxurious with creamy texture.

Salmon with Foie gras

  1. Hotate - Hokkaido scallop

Hotate

  1. A5 Wagyu - Grilled and served warm; juicy and indulgent with truffle.

A5 Wagyu

  1. Unagi (Eel) - Sweet glaze, slightly crispy skin, perfect end with homemade avocado sauce.

Unagi

  1. Today’s Hand Roll - It was salmon-toro when we visited.

Salmon toro hand roll

Each piece was served with precision and speed. While it’s clear the chefs work in a factory-style rhythm, the quality of each bite was never compromised. It’s a great balance of efficiency and excellence.


Standout Highlights from the Course

While every piece had its merits, a few items left a lasting impression:

  • Ebi-Uni: The sea urchin was fresh, creamy, and not stingy. It paired beautifully with the sweet shrimp.
  • Chu-Toro and O-Toro: These fatty tuna cuts rivaled those found at much higher-end omakase bars.
  • Wagyu and Foie Gras Salmon: Both were indulgent, giving a rich break from the lighter fish items.
  • Unagi: A classic closer, sweet and savory with great texture.

Compared to other omakase spots we’ve visited, including Uka Omakase, which was nearly twice the price- we felt the quality here was more consistent and certainly more cost-effective.

Drinks and Pricing

Unlike many omakase places where drink prices are sky-high, this spot kept things reasonable. We ordered a couple of drinks from the menu and were surprised that:

Mojo east menu

Mojo east drink menu

  • Drink prices were similar to standard NYC bars
  • The wine and sake list wasn’t extensive, but enough for pairing
  • Beers, basic cocktails, and soft drinks were also available

This made the overall value even better. We didn’t feel upsold or pressured to add extras.

Who’s Dining Here?

Because of the affordable price and central location, this place has become a favorite among:

  • Young couples on date night
  • Groups of friends grabbing dinner before a night out
  • Sushi lovers curious about affordable omakase
  • Budget-conscious foodies

Chef making sushi

Chef making sushi

Most of the diners were in their 20s or 30s, dressed casually but stylishly. It had a social, energetic vibe, but without feeling chaotic.


Final Thoughts: Would We Go Back?

Absolutely. In fact, we all agreed that if it were easier to book, this would become a regular go-to.

You know, NO TIP POLICY in NYC, is absolutely surprising.

What made this omakase special wasn’t just the price, it was the overall balance of quality, speed, simplicity, and comfort. The no-tip model also added to the stress-free experience, and the food exceeded expectations at every turn.

If you’ve been curious about omakase but hesitant due to the usual $100+ price tags, this is your chance to try a truly excellent version at a price that won’t give you sticker shock. Is there any affordable omakase or susie spot, please let us know!!

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