Hidden on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Noz Market is a gastronomic gem that captures the dynamic spirit of Japan’s world-famous fish markets in the heart of New York City. As an offshoot of the Michelin-starred Sushi Noz, Noz Market combines upscale seafood, conventional Edomae sushi methods, and sophisticated casual dining. As a walk-in-only space when it opened in October 2020, it has since grown to become a full-service restaurant at 1374 3rd Avenue, featuring everything from walk-in hand rolls to secluded omakase counters. In 2025, Noz Market continues to fascinate food enthusiasts with its farm-fresh ingredients, masterful preparation, and eclectic ambiance. This guide dives into what makes Noz Market a must-visit, its menu offerings, visitor tips, and its place in NYC’s competitive dining scene.
What is Noz Market?
Noz Market is a specialty seafood restaurant and market inspired by Japan’s legendary Toyosu Market. Created by restaurateur brothers Joshua and David Foulquier, and Chef Nozomu “Noz” Abe, it is built on the same dedication to quality as sister restaurants Sushi Noz and Noz 17. Originally introduced as a market featuring upscale seafood and prepped sushi, Noz Market was totally renovated to be a more dimensional dining destination. Now, it offers:
- A Market and Butcher: Daily deliveries of fresh, flown-in fish from Japan and around the world, prepared according to Edomae aging and curing methods.
- A Hand Roll Bar: A walk-in temaki bar providing value hand rolls, perfect for quick, high-quality bites.
- An Omakase Counter: A small 10-seat sushi counter offering traditional and chef’s menu omakase experiences.
- Table Seating: A two-table back room for larger groups or special occasions, featuring an à la carte menu.
Situated alongside Sushi Noz, Noz Market provides the same superior seafood procurement at more reasonable prices, a gem in NYC’s sushi world. Its site, www.nozmarket.com, is committed to accessibility, with regular efforts at Section 508 and W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 compliance.
Why Go to Noz Market?
1. Unrivaled Seafood Quality
Noz Market sources its fish daily from Japan and other global markets, ensuring freshness unmatched by most NYC restaurants. Offerings include wild-caught salmon, tuna, Hokkaido uni, and scallops, all prepared by chefs trained under Chef Noz. Social media buzz on Reddit praises the “fantastic” omakase lunch, with users highlighting the pristine fish and kombu-flavored rice.
2. Affordable Luxury
Unlike Sushi Noz’s $495 omakase or Noz 17’s $400–$435 menus, Noz Market provides quality sushi at more affordable prices. Lunch omakase ($90) has 8 nigiri, miso soup, and tamago, and hand rolls are $8–$25. Yelp reviewers say it’s a “fairly-priced high-quality sushi spot,” addressing Manhattan’s dining void.
3. Flexible Dining Options
Whether you’re grabbing a $10 hand roll during happy hour (Monday–Friday, 2–5 p.m.) or savoring a $155 Chef’s Menu omakase, Noz Market accommodates various preferences. The à la carte menu at table seating includes donburi, maki rolls, and bara-chirashi, while outdoor tables offer a full-service experience with a calming ambiance.
4. Authentic Edomae Experience
Noz Market utilizes classic Edomae methods, including aging fish for added flavor and vinegar-seasoned rice. This authenticity combined with Chef Noz’s proficiency receives acclaim from publications like The Infatuation, noting the “exquisitely prepared” nigiri and well-informed chefs.
5. Welcoming Atmosphere
The refreshed venue has a bamboo-clad corridor serving as an entrance to a small sushi bar and a warm café section. World of Mouth calls it a “laid-back extension of Sushi Noz,” providing an unpretentious yet lively environment aside from the high-end omakase restaurants.
Menu Standouts at Noz Market
Noz Market’s menu is a culmination of Japanese gastronomic creativity, with each having something for everyone. Standouts include:
- Hand Roll Bar: Reasonably priced temaki such as anchovy, grilled salmon paté, and uni (market price), with sets offered. Happy hour specials make it an affordable indulgence.
- Lunch Omakase ($90): Friday–Sunday, 8 nigiri, miso soup, and tamago, with à la carte options such as adding uni.
- Classic Menu ($90): 8 nigiri and a maki roll, good for a light omakase.
- Chef’s Menu ($155): A more substantial omakase with one otsumami, 10 nigiri, a course of uni, maki roll, miso soup, tamago, and dessert.
- À La Carte Table Menu: Features hand rolls, maki, donburi, and sushi plates, along with drinks such as matcha lattes or sake.
- Market Offerings: Cut fish, Japanese trimmings, and prepared foods such as sashimi for home preparation.
OpenTable reviewers rate Noz Market 4.7 stars, praising Chef Eli’s “excellent food and service” and the “authentic Japanese experience.”
Tips for Visiting Noz Market
- Book Reservations: Omakase counter and table seating reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling (646) 669-7435. Walk-ins are welcome for the hand roll bar, but counter seats fill quickly.
- Check Dietary Limitations: Noz Market is unable to provide rice-free or vegan options, and dietary limitations should be notified at reservation.
- Arrive Early: To ensure walk-in hand roll bar entry, get there shortly after the 12 p.m. opening to beat the crowds, particularly on weekends.
- Bring Money for Tipping: Although card payment is accepted, cash comes in useful for tipping staff.
- Explore Nearby: Found along Lexington Avenue between 3rd Avenues, Noz Market is within walking distance of the 77th Street subway stop and nearby Upper East Side landmarks such as Central Park or the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Follow Social Media: Look for updates on menu items, happy hour specials, and special events on Instagram @nozmarket.
Noz Market’s Role in NYC’s Culinary Scene
Noz Market occupies a special space in the New York sushi scene by providing Michelin-star quality at affordable prices. Unlike other places such as Sushi Nakazawa or Ishikawa, which some Reddit commenters criticize for “New York-style” additions such as caviar, Noz Market remains faithful to Edomae traditions. Its $90 omakase is a bargain compared to Sushi Noz’s $495 or Noz 17’s $400+, and it is a popular choice for budget-conscious traditional sushi enthusiasts.
The evolution of the market from a fish counter to a full-fledged restaurant is a testament to its ability to evolve. Time Out points out that Noz Market “shares fish sourcing with its spendier predecessors for hundreds less,” sentiment echoed by customers who value it. Although there are occasional Yelp complaints about higher à la carte table prices compared to takeout, the omakase counter reliably rakes up rave reviews for quality and atmosphere.
The Legacy of Chef Noz
Japanese-born Hokkaido native Chef Nozomu Abe is able to share a lifelong passion for seafood with customers at Noz Market. Inspired by his grandfather’s seafood business, Noz trained at New York’s Sushiden before opening Sushi Noz in 2018. His dedication to Edomae methods—aging fish and employing traditional rice preparation—sets Noz Market apart. Hall PR points out that the market is a “specialty store for high-quality fish,” with Noz’s expertise taking every dish to the next level.
Conclusion
Noz Market is a food haven for sushi and seafood enthusiasts, combining accessibility, authenticity, and excellence. Whether it’s enjoying a $10 hand roll, splurging on a $155 omakase, or purchasing fresh uni to prepare at home, it provides a taste of Japan in the midst of NYC. Its Upper East Side location, lively atmosphere, and Chef Noz’s creativity make it a gem in 2025’s dining landscape. Plan your experience at www.nozmarket.com or (646) 669-7435, and check out @nozmarket on Instagram for the latest news. Immerse yourself in Noz Market’s universe of flavors and find out why it’s a favorite among foodies.