odo
New York, USA
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
A serene atmosphere awaits in-the-know diners at this secluded counter, closed off from the cocktail bar in front to foster a mood of intimacy. The service, like the ambience, is warm but unobtrusive, allowing focus to fall on the singular kaiseki menu on offer. Under the assured hand of namesake Chef Hiroki Odo, the cuisine skillfully blends tradition and creative personal touches for a meal that is anything but stuffy. Flavors are both vibrant and precise, with a depth and purity that attests to superbly sourced ingredients and careful preparation. From a savory broth with impeccably cooked tilefish, lifted with locally grown yuzu, to springy house-made soba noodles with indulgently rich salmon roe, this is cooking that will linger in the memory.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Hidden Speakeasy Setting for Traditional Kaiseki
Odo offers a unique dining experience by serving traditional Kaiseki cuisine in a sophisticated, hidden speakeasy environment, blending exclusivity with cultural tradition.Use of Artisanal and Locally Sourced Utsuwa (Serving Vessels)
Chef Hiroki Odo pairs each dish with artisanal Japanese utsuwa (ceramics/porcelain), often changing them monthly, and aims to incorporate locally made American utsuwa to complement the seasonal ingredients and presentation.Serene, Music-Free Ambiance with Kitchen Visibility
The restaurant features a quiet, dark, and mysterious atmosphere without music, where guests can observe the kitchen’s intimate preparation process, enhancing the immersive Kaiseki experience.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant odo, New York include:
- 100% Wagyu beef: Used in high-quality patties for their signature burger, highlighting the rich, tender, and decadent qualities of this premium Japanese beef.
- Sansho pepper: Incorporated into a special soy sauce and sake-based reduction, adding a distinctive citrusy and slightly numbing spice that complements the umami-rich flavors in dishes like their burger sauce.
- Koikuchi soy sauce and Tamari: These traditional Japanese soy sauces form the base of their signature sauce, providing depth, richness, and balance to their dishes.
- Premium Japanese ingredients for kushiage: Their signature menu features classic panko-fried skewers using carefully selected Japanese ingredients, emphasizing texture and authentic flavors.
- Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients: Chef Hiroki Odo emphasizes fresh, seasonal produce and seafood sourced from local fishermen and farmers to maintain the high standards of Kaiseki cuisine, which is central to the restaurant's philosophy.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Japanese culinary techniques, high-quality sourcing, and a balance of rich umami flavors with refined seasoning and textures. The use of Wagyu beef and the carefully crafted soy-based sauce with sansho pepper are particularly emblematic of odo’s innovative yet traditional approach.
In The Media
Kaiseki, Straight Up With a Twist - The New York Times
Mar 19, 2019 ... ... dining/odo-restaurant-review.html. Share full article. 26 ... Odo came to New York as the chef of Kajitsu, the extraordinary restaurant ...
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Annoyed by Restaurant Playlists, a Master Musician Made His Own ...
Jul 23, 2018 ... Odo's next venture, a bar named Hall and a restaurant named Odo, is ... Restaurants in New York City that Times readers and local chefs prefer.
nytimes.com