Tucked away on West 47th Street, smack dap in midtown, is a hidden sushi spot that should not be missed. But you can if you don’t know the secret entrance. Sushi by Bou at 132 West 47th Street, is an intimate hideaway that feels worlds away from the chaos of Times Square. Look for the door and staircase, next to the Sanctuary hotel. You may walk right past it, but please make sure you find it!
My dining partner and I went for a lunch and tried the traditional 12-course Signature Omakase, a chef’s-choice experience featuring some of the freshest fish of the season, sourced from Japan and Mexico.
Our chef, Jaimie was knowledgeable, engaging and clearly loved what he was doing and loved feeding people. As you may know, omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you,” essentially putting the meal in the chef’s hands.
At Sushi by Bou, the experience is, a carefully timed progression of sushi, with each piece prepared and served in sequence. The restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced seafood selected for freshness and flavor, plus a flair for theatrical presentation for the patrons.
We made our way through all 12 courses, but several stood out as favorites. The Chopped Tuna was a delight, the Spotted Prawn had an unexpected wasabi kick, and the Miso Black Cod was so tender it melted in your mouth. Each piece offered something different, and part of the fun was not knowing what would come next. The last piece of BBQ eel turned out to be the unsung hero, but a burst of flavor from the sauce.. delish!
The other patrons dining alongside us were from Israel and were equally enthusiastic about the food, calling it some of the best sushi they had experienced in the city.
What makes Sushi by Bou particularly special is the intimate setting. The Times Square location combines the artistry of traditional sushi with an “in the know” type of atmosphere. It is a great choice for a pre-theater dinner, a business meal, a celebration, or an after-Broadway bite. Impress your friends with being an insider in this foodie’s delight.
Sushi by Bou has locations throughout the country, but the Times Square location is the only one that serves lunch, making it an especially convenient option for a midday business meeting or client lunch.
For those looking for an even more indulgent experience, Sushi by Bou also offers its 17-course Bougie Omakase and 17-course Bou Reserve Omakase, which feature premium ingredients and special additions.
With its intimate counter, talented chefs and excellent fish, Sushi by Bou Times Square is a little bit of Japan in one of the busiest parts of Manhattan.
Be sure to make reservations ahead of time.
132 West 47th Street, NYC





