The art of sushi is one of the oldest, most respected culinary techniques that has been practiced by chefs around the globe. 

Over the years, sushi has evolved from a way to preserve fish using fermented rice to combat bacterial formation in fish, to the delicious, fresh form of sushi that we eat today. 

Though we appreciate the history behind this ancient craft, we're digging the fact that the Japanese chose to switch from decomposing fish to fresh fish for protein. 

Because, well, fresh fish is much more appetizing if we're being totally honest. 

Luckily for us, many talented chefs well-versed in the art of sushi have taken up residency in New York City. While the Department of Health has been cracking down on sushi spots recently, many have adapted to fit the requirements of the DOH. 

Regardless, we're adding to our first list, and put together some spots for the most creative, freshest, delectable sushi in (in no particular order) NYC. 

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1. Sushi Dojo NYC (110 1st Avenue)

This spot is a must for any devoted sushi lover. It's a small spot that features a 14-seat counter to allow for engagement with your sushi chef, which is traditional in many sushi restaurants in Japan. 

Despite finding themselves in the news recently for parting ways with their chef, Chef David Bouhadana, they still have the same amazing food. If you're anything of a sushi connoisseur, you need to try Sushi Dojo.   

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2. Umi Sushi (118 East 31st Street)

Some spots have taken on a bit more of an Americanized form of sushi, and that's okay for those who are looking for it. This is one of the spots for you. If you like spicy, fresh, creative food, the "Chef's Special Rolls" at Umi Sushi are unbeatable. 

Try the "Tiger" roll with black pepper salmon, tuna and avocado with honey wasabi sauce inside and salmon, tuna, and eel crunchy tobiko on top with eel sauce. Not a fan of eel? Try the "Mermaid" with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, tobiko, avocado, and cucumber wrapped with marble seaweed. 

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3. Zest (249 Broome Street)

There's pretty much nothing better than $3.50 cold sake to sip during happy hour with some sushi rolls. That's why you need to eat at Zest during their happy hour (which ends at 7 p.m.). 

If you aren't a fan of sake, they are a BYOB eatery with free corkage for your bottle. Make sure you try the "Thai Spring Rolls" with shrimp and crab in a crispy wrap served with Thai sweet chili sauce. Then try the "Samurai" with spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, and avocado. 

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4. MOMOYA (185 7th Avenue)

This spot is a favorite for any sushi lover in Chelsea. Though it's usually crowded, it's worth the wait. Their creativity knows no bounds, for example, their "Squid Ravioli" is made using squid as the traditional pasta and filled with uni. 

We recommend their "Nakamura" roll with yellowtail and cucumber wrapped in tuna and salmon with spicy scallops. Their "Crispy Rice" is also a crowd favorite, with spicy tuna, shitake, and jalapeño. 

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5. Ootoya (various locations)

Even though they're a chain with three restaurants in NYC, each of them are worthy of a spot on this list. Ootoya focuses on providing a unique, authentic Japanese experience with high quality ingredients and with their respect for traditional preparation. 

We recommend their "Salmon Sushi Set" with pressed Scottish salmon sushi served as two pieces of raw, two pieces seared, and two pieces seared with a mayonnaise and basil sauce. 

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6. New York Sushi Ko (91 Clinton Street)

First things first, do not eat here if you are so attached to your phone that you cannot put it down during a meal. You will get scorned. They have a strict no phone calls/no pictures rule, which we find pretty amazing in this day and age. 

Their food is stunning and incredible. If you're looking for a delicious, slightly more expensive celebration meal, this is the spot you need to try. 

Check out 6 Upscale NYC Restaurants That Won't Break the Bank for Your Holiday Dinner. 

[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]