look no further...sushi samba. however, just a note...the service there is good but "over the top". that is, they are very intense at the table, and try to sell you other things, even if you've ordered something in particular. often, a second person (manager? trainee?) is with the waiter/waitress at the table. it could be overbearing, just hold your own!

Agreed that Sushi Samba is your best bet. It's not really a chain. Would skip Morimoto (the space was cool, but service and food were not up to par, IMO). Have heard MUCH better things about Buddakan, but not sure if they have sushi.

Also take a look at Matsuri. Stay away from Ono.

None of these places are going to be cheap.

BUT... this is a 21st birthday party. Do you anticipate the usual debauchery? (When I hear "21" and "sushi", I immediately think "sake bombing.") If so, I would consider Mizu on 20th and Park. It's a little bit more neighborhood-ish, and very cozy and cute, and will certainly be cheaper. But it's also somewhat trendy (and will be filled with 20-somethings on their way out), and in the Flatiron district, which is fun in its own right, and an easy cab to Meatpacking/LES/etc. And they won't mind a little drunken revelry...

Another vote for the 7th ave Sushi Samba (rooftop garden area would be nice for a group party!)
Otherwise, I'd say Blue Fin in the W Times Square.

I thought of Morimoto but it is very expensive. A Chinese banquet, by the way, is not a buffet. You work with the restaurant on developing a menu of many courses based on your tastes and budget and then you sit at large round tables and are served the courses. This is the way many Chinese entertain; I realize it is not what you have in mind but for anyone looking for an interesting an inexpensive dinner idea in New York it bears thinking about.

I second Yama!!! Also, I agree that Tao is a great alternative with a larger group, although not a known as a sushi restaurant, an overall experiance that you will never forget.

http://www.taorestaurant.com/

You all are the best!

Thanks so much for all the tips.

Keep them coming!

FYI, I've been in touch with Sushi Samba 7, and they seem very helpful. They have three party menus, which they require for a group of ten. The menus look interesting, and rooftop seating would be guaranteed on certain weeknights. The party manager will work with me to keep the party within my budget, including drinks and gratuity. So it looks like a winner, from a long-distance perspective anyway. Anyone been there lately?

Glad it's working out for you!

I've only been to the other location (Park Ave) and only for drinks recently.

I was actually at SS7 late last night. Great, as usual.

I figured that was the best spot for your party.

Enjoy!

I will also throw my vote in for the Sushi Samba on 7th Avenue. This also puts you in a good location for going out in the Village or Meatpacking District.

The sushi is good, but the cooked dishes and special ceviches are more of the specialty there. Also, the restaurant has a sexy fun vibe that is great for groups. Try to book upstairs if you can or they also have huge rounded booths downstairs lining the back walls, the one in the corner is great.

I second the idea of Minado. It is one of my favorite in the city and we always do birthday parties there, so they can certainly handle a large group and the food is really very good with lots of choices from sushi, sashimi, salads, hot food, desert and more. They will also make hand rolls for you when requested.

Minado is on E32nd ST just east of 5th Ave. If you call let them know it's a birthday and they will even do a cake for you.

The other suggestion I have is a well known place on the east side called "East". It is on 3rd Ave and 26th and excellent. There are 2 levels and upstairs is more tradtional, you take off your shoes and sit on the floor. Alot of fun for a party.

Honestly for a group, go to Minado it's alot of fun and the food is really wonderful.

I am quite sure that Mindao is no longer......perhaps just a name change but I would check it out.....Todai appears to be in that space.

Sorry for the typo..Minado.

Definetly Sushi Samba- the food is very good, and the atmosphere is perfect for your age group. The place is a blast!

If you truly know good food and don't want to deal with a pretentious staff and equally pretentious customers, you'll avoid Tao like the plague. We dined there two weeks ago and couldn't wait to get out of there...awful in every way. We also dined at Nobu and loved it. However, it is expensive and probably wouldn't be well-suited for your party. Sushi Samba sounds like the perfect spot.

Monica at SushiSamba 7 has been extremely helpful with our party planning. We are reserved on the rooftop for a Monday night, and she said she'll be there to manage the service and handle the billing. I gave her a budget and she's worked it out perfectly. My daughter is really excited for her upcoming 21st B-Day party in NYC. I'll post after the event, too. Thanks!

My wife and I who live in NYC went to Sushi Samba on Park last night (we have never been to any of their locations before). We went because of how so many people raved about it on this post but I will tell you that we were both rather disapointed. The food was at best average, the prices were high and music loud. Perhaps some people find these qualities appealing but we will not return.

I was just informed today that Yama opened a new location in my neighbourhood (Midtown). Other sushi establishements could learn a lot from Yama, large reasonably priced portions.

Maureen, I am sure that your party will be a big hit as that locations roof-top patio looks great. I drive by it almost daily.

Perhaps I am just getting old but I look for different this in my late 30's than I did in my 20's.

Cheers,

Sharkdiver

Thanks, sharkdiver, for your review. I hope Sushi Samba 7 has better food than your experience at the Park.
Her party will be at SS7, for many reasons, like the location is perfect. More importantly, the party coordinator at SS7 has been fantastic to work with, and she will be there during the party, to see all goes as planned. She has given the server specific instructions for the party, too. The set menu is really perfect for the party (including calamari, sea bass, sushi, sashimi, and edamame-- all favorites). And, the guarantee of a rooftop table is a big bonus.
So, I think it will be a big hit. Even if the food isn't absolute perfection, the girls won't even notice for all the fun they'll be having. (And I have the peace of mind that the party planner, Monica, is there to ensure the bill is as agreed.)
I'll report back after the event.

The party was last night at Sushi Samba 7, overseen by their Rooftop Manager, Monica. It was a complete success. Better even than we expected. The SS7 staff members went out of their way to see the girls enjoyed their dinner and cocktails. The food was more than plentiful, and very good. I think SS7 even comped some extra appetizers and champagne cocktails. I recommend Sushi Samba 7 highly for private parties like my daughter's 21st Birthday.

Glad it was a success! SS7 is great for groups. Different restaurants get recommended for different reasons and though I wouldn't go there for the best sushi in NYC, it is a perfect place for a sexy fun 21st birthday party. Congratulations to your daughter.