Compare a Quiet Omakase Counter and a Turkish Kebab Room Uptown

Sushi Sasabune at 401 E 73rd St serves traditional sushi with warm rice and fresh fish in a simple, low-key setting with a hole-in-the-wall feel. Diners choose chef's choice omakase or order a la carte, and the dining room plays no background music at all, a peaceful oasis for some and uncomfortable for others. Service is attentive, though set menus may be introduced without pricing unless asked. Reviews highlight thick cuts of fish, while some mention under-salted pieces or soft rice. It holds a 4.5 rating from 198 reviews.

A la Turka at 1417 2nd Ave serves Turkish classics like Adana kebab and lahmacun in a warm space with inviting window seats. The menu also covers grilled fish, grape leaves, shakshuka, artichokes and burgers, with cacao baklava and a latte for dessert. The interior centers on a beautiful bar with open windows that suit warm summer days, and a fixed-price lunch is offered. Staff are praised as welcoming, though a few guests report minor service and billing issues. It opens daily from 11:15 AM to 10:45 PM and holds a 4.3 rating from 1,208 reviews.

These two Upper East Side restaurants suit different moods. Sushi Sasabune is a focused, quiet meal built around the chef's selection, with lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner from 5:30 PM. A la Turka is a relaxed, all-day room where kebabs, lahmacun and baklava fill a broad casual menu. Choose Sasabune for omakase in a hushed room, and ask about pricing before agreeing to a set menu. Choose A la Turka for a fixed-price lunch or a late dinner, with hours until 10:45 PM daily.