Zest Sushi
A lively Japanese-American izakaya and sushi counter on Broome Street, known for happy hour roll deals, wagyu nigiri, and a room that stays busy from lunch through late seating.
A Broome Street sushi spot built for regulars
Zest Sushi sits on Broome Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side, a stretch of the neighborhood known for its mix of casual eateries and late-night energy. The restaurant blends traditional Japanese sushi technique with modern, sauce-forward specialty rolls — a style commonly found across New York's Japanese-American sushi scene.
Guests frequently point to the restaurant's happy hour as its biggest draw, with discounted wine, beer, and roll pricing that draws a steady crowd on weekday evenings. Beyond sushi, the menu extends into izakaya-style small plates, noodle dishes, and hot soups, giving it a broader range than a typical roll-focused counter.
Seating includes an outdoor section that tends to fill up on weekends, plus a compact, no-frills dining room. Service is generally described as fast-paced, which fits the restaurant's high-turnover, casual dining format.
Quick Facts
- Cuisine
- Japanese, Sushi, Asian Fusion
- Neighborhood
- Lower East Side, Manhattan
- Seating
- Indoor + Outdoor
- Service
- Dine-in, Takeout
- Good For
- Happy Hour, Casual Dinner
- Rating
- 4.6 / 5 (765 reviews)
When Zest Sushi is open
Hours are gathered from public listing data and may change for holidays or special events — call ahead to confirm.
What people are saying
Summarized highlights from publicly posted customer reviews.
Reviewers consistently call out the happy hour as excellent value, highlighting generously filled rolls, quick service, and short or nonexistent wait times even on weekday evenings.
Several guests describe the sushi quality as surprisingly high for the price point, with fresh ingredients that make it a reliable happy hour destination they plan to return to.
One longtime reviewer frames Zest as dependable rather than adventurous — solid, unpretentious sushi with a lively outdoor patio and a green tea that earns particular praise.
Dinner guests note a busy, energetic room with steady table turnover, fast service under pressure, and a menu that mixes traditional technique with modern specialty rolls.
Find Zest Sushi on Broome Street
249 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, within walking distance of the Bowery and Delancey Street subway corridor. Street parking is limited; subway or rideshare is recommended on weekend evenings.
Get DirectionsCommon questions about Zest Sushi
What are Zest Sushi's hours?
Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from noon to 10:30 PM, and Friday–Saturday from noon to 11:00 PM.
Does Zest Sushi take reservations?
The restaurant operates primarily as a walk-in, fast-turnover spot; calling ahead at +1 (212) 677-3158 is recommended for larger groups.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, Zest Sushi offers outdoor seating that is popular on weekends, in addition to its indoor dining room.
What type of sushi does Zest Sushi serve?
A mix of traditional nigiri and sashimi alongside modern, sauce-driven specialty rolls, plus izakaya-style small plates and noodle dishes.