Skaneateles isn’t the first place you’d expect to find exceptional sushi. But that’s kind of the point with Hidden Fish. It sits tucked away on Fennell Street just off the main village. And it’s a genuinely surprising find — a sleek, modern Japanese restaurant that would feel right at home in a major city, but happens to be sitting in one of the prettiest small towns in Upstate New York.
Adam Weitsman — who appears throughout Skaneateles’s dining scene with a knack for reinventing beloved local institutions — brought Hidden Fish to the village with a clear sense of purpose. The goal was simple: bring elevated sushi to Skaneateles and do it properly. The team of chefs delivers on that promise with a menu that balances the familiar with the inventive. Traditional nigiri and sashimi sit alongside signature rolls and creative small plates. Furthermore, the sourcing is excellent — the seafood is super fresh, and you can taste the difference.
Start with the seared scallop crudo or the spicy cucumber octopus salad. Then move into the rolls, and make sure you pay attention to whatever the kitchen is doing as a special that evening. For the sushi purists, meanwhile, the omakase option puts the whole meal in the chef’s hands. That’s always a good idea when the kitchen clearly knows what it’s doing.
The bar is also a strong supporting act — hot and cold sake, craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Additionally, the atmosphere strikes that tricky balance between cool and comfortable. It’s therefore an equally good fit for a date night, a group dinner, or just treating yourself on a Friday afternoon.
Find them at 7 Fennell Street. They’re open Wednesday from 5pm, and Thursday through Saturday from noon to 9pm, with Sunday lunch service too. Reservations are recommended.
Looking for the perfect base to explore everything Skaneateles has to offer? Our vacation rental The Cattails puts it all within reach — browse, eat, and explore at your own pace.