DISH OF THE WEEK

DISH OF THE WEEK in New York: Sushi at SENDO

Thanks to inflation and the crazy prices at high-end sushi restaurants, my omakase days are mostly behind me. Which is so sad because it is by far my favorite food experience. High quality sushi made by a master and with surprises just can’t be beat. But since most non-gimmicky omakase meals are hundreds of dollars per person, I’ve been pretty much priced out.

That’s why I was so excited by Sendo.

We found a short line at the barely marked entrance a few minutes before they opened. But since they only have ten seats and don’t take reservations, we just missed the first seating. Thankfully, the seatings are only 30 minutes each so we didn’t have to wait too long until I received a text saying our spot was ready.

The dining room, which is modeled after Tokyo-style sushi bars, is hidden on the second floor of a walk-up in one of the least attractive parts of town (just outside of Herald Square). The most expensive set on the menu is less than $50, which is a steal for this type of experience and high quality food.

We did the middle option (Tokyo) which garnered us 2 tasty handrolls, 9 pieces of nigiri sushi ranging from King Salmon to Hamachi to Sea Bream, and 1 mini rice bowl mixed with salmon and ikura.

Pieces came out as a pair and were excitedly described by the sushi chefs who were cheerful and passionate. I’m still dreaming about the sweet, luscious Hokkaido Scallop.

There’s also the opportunity to add on additional pieces, including three different Uni (Maine, Santa Barbara, and Hokkaido) and a number of prawn varieties.

The quality was definitely better than it needed to be at this price and I felt like I was living the life once again. I guess I can dream – or just come back to Sendo when I get the craving. Price: $32-$47

SENDO
876 Sixth Avenue (between West 31st and West 32nd Street),
2nd Floor
Midtown West
(646) 943-4548
sendo.nyc

AboutBrian Hoffman

Brian Hoffman is a classically trained actor who is now a full-time tour guide, blogger, and food obsessive. He leads food and drink tours around New York City, which not only introduce tour-goers to delicious food, but gives them a historical context. He has written food articles for Gothamist and Midtown Lunch in addition to overseeing this blog and a few food video series, including Eat This, Locals Know, and Around the World in One City. His latest series is an international cooking show with his son which can be found on this site.