New York still has five 3-Star Michelin restaurants – but one fell, one rose

New York still leads all U.S. cities with five three-star Michelin restaurnts (DC now has none). But it lost Masa, which was demoted to two stars, and gained a new member of this elite club: Sushi Sho, the Midtown omakase spot by Edomae master Keiji Nakazawa.

What’s wild is that Sushi Sho only opened in 2024…it had already gotten to two stars and just earned the third!

You won’t be seeing these restaurants on Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives…these five are the highest of the high in dining achievement.

A Historic Arrival

At its 2025 Northeast Guide ceremony, the Michelin Guide confirmed that Sushi Sho was promoted to three stars. Its rise represents not only a stunning culinary achievement but also a significant shift for New York’s sushi landscape: it’s the first three-star sushi restaurant in the city since Eleven Madison Park Masa earned the distinction over a decade ago.

The Michelin release paints a vivid picture of what makes Sushi Sho worthy of its new status: nestled near the New York Public Library, its dining area features a Hinoki (a Japanese cypress) counter framed by towering ice boxes with carved wood doors. The tasting journey unfolds with precision and elegance, weaving together traditional Edomae techniques and the subtle power of fermentation.

The Power Five of NYC Dining

With Sushi Sho’s elevation, New York’s roster of three-star Michelin restaurants now includes:

1. Eleven Madison Park — Contemporary / Vegan
2. Le Bernardin — Seafood
3. Per Se — Contemporary American / French
4. Jungsik — Korean (which earned its third star in late 2024)
5. Sushi Sho — Japanese / Edomae omakase, the newly promoted star

What It Means for the Scene

• Renewed Prestige for Omakase: Sushi Sho’s recognition underscores how seriously Michelin now considers high-end sushi in New York—an area long dominated by Masa.
• A Competitive Renaissance: With five three-star restaurants, NYC recaptures even more of its reputation as a global dining capital.
• A High Bar for Innovation: Sushi Sho’s balanced approach—honoring tradition with room for creativity—demonstrates that even in the world’s most scrutinized dining city, excellence can still evolve.

Bottom line: This isn’t just another star — it’s a statement. New York’s fine-dining world grows richer, more diverse, and more dynamic, and Sushi Sho’s ascension marks a milestone in that journey.

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