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    Sushi Lab Rooftop

    4.1 (995 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    Sushi Lab Rooftop Photos

    SUSHI LAB ROOFTOP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

    Recommended Reviews - Sushi Lab Rooftop

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    Aji, sweet shrimp, salmon belly
    Anissa A.

    We had a wonderful meal here while visiting the city. Cute rooftop with clear line of sight to the sushi chefs. Service was thoughtful, knowledgeable, and the meal was more prompt than expected. Nice variety of bites (salmon belly and poached pear with radish sprouts), well curated rolls (yellowtail jalapeño roll) , and of course the star is the quality of fish. $45 for 6 pieces of rich sashimi, 5 perfect pieces of nigiri, and a small maki served with miso soup must be the best deal in the city. We were celebrating 2 college graduates, and they brought a complimentary dessert to share, which was a wonderful touch. I would be back in a heartbeat.

    Tuna roll - meh
    Genna G.

    Located in the roof top of a hotel this sushi place was quite good. Not the best iv had but good enough to recommend for a pre theater dinner outing in close proximity to the shows .We shared a few rolls and the tuna with crispy rice and a tartare . All good .

    Sushi counter
    Tamie F.

    Man, I love this place! If I could go back on this trip, I would. I'll definitely be back in the future. Mind you, there are plenty of Michelin star restaurants in NYC, and I'd still come back to the Sushi Lab anytime! First of all, 15 course omakase experience for $100 per person is so much less expensive than you can find anywhere worth eating. Secondly, the fish is so fresh and high quality. Add in the fact that they are so generous with their caviar and truffle portions and it's a fantastic value! Then look around and enjoy the garden-like rooftop enclosure space you're hanging out in, and you've got paradise. We sat at the sushi counter an Yong made our experience so memorable. He deftly navigated our dietary restrictions without decreasing the value of our meal at all. He made an effort to understand what we loved and give us more of that when making substitutions. He also didn't make it seem like we were frustrating or a problem at all. That was very sweet and made our experience comfortable and fully enjoyable. Impressively, there was nothing in the 15 course omakase experience that we did not enjoy! It was better than Uchi (in Austin) which is almost double the price! Don't take my word for it; try the Sushi Lab for yourself!

    Michelle T.

    I came here for the promo BOGO omakase and it's definitely worth the price for BOGO. The fish is nice and fresh but I do feel like a lot of the toppings overshadowed the actual flavor of the fish. I go to omakase to eat the freshest fish and it gets drowned out by the toppings. Overall everything was very tasty and the service was super good! The actual dining area is very cutely decorated too!

    Tessa B.

    Incredible! The fish was fresh and the service was attentive. I loved the interior and the rooftop setting, I will say it was a bit chilly by the window in the winter so be warned. But I had a jacket so no big deal. The Crispy rice would definitely be what I ordered again! And I liked the matcha crunch roll, it was unique.

    Alexis B.

    I had dinner at Sushi Lab Rooftop last weekend before a Broadway play. It's one of the many omakase options in the Sanctuary Hotel Building (I've also been to the Chemistry Room, Sushi by Bou, and Omakaseed Vegan by Sushi by Bou). You walk in, check in at the desk to the right, and are taken to the elevator that takes you to the 6th floor. From there, you walk up a flight or two of stairs to reach Sushi Lab Rooftop. The restaurant itself is nice. Even if fake flowers are a pet peeve of mine, their fake flower canopy does make you feel like you're on a rooftop even on a cloudy or rainy day. They offer a full menu of sushi, but they also have two omakase options - the chef's selection (12 courses for $69) and the lab experiment (15 courses for $100). I went with the Lab Experiment omakase. I thought the food was on par with most of the express omakase experiences I've had. However, I felt the service and experience was below average compared to the same. The service was way too fast - I think I was served 14 pieces (all but the dessert) in about 25 minutes. I wasn't told much about the piece I was served and barely had time to chew and think about it before the next one was served. I also had two cocktails, which I thought were both a little too sweet. It's in the Theater District, so it's a convenient spot for a pre-theater dinner, but I think there are better express omakase options (especially since I left for about $180 after 2 drinks and the tip). Not a bad dinner by any means, but I think I'd return to other similar concepts before coming back to Sushi Lab Rooftop.

    2 pieces of sea bream (we ordered 2 omakases, hence the 4 pieces shown here)
    Vanessa A.

    A must-try spot we visit every time we're in NY! Perfect for date night or special occasions with the cute rooftop ambiance. The sushi was incredibly fresh and delicious, and we felt the pricing was fair--we loved our meal today. Lastly the staff was very friendly and gave us complimentary champagne for the anniversary dinner. Note: The 12-piece omakase includes 2 pieces of sea bream, which count as separate pieces. We would've preferred more variety instead of a duplicate, which is the only reason I'd technically rate it 4.5 stars instead of 5.

    Miranda G.

    Stopped by NYC for a few hours to watch a musical nearby and was looking for a place to have omakase! We got the 12 course omakase for ~$65pp. Everything was tasty and they created interesting combinations of garnish on top of each fish. My favorite was the ocean trout and eel. Would definitely recommend this place as a cheap omakase option if you're nearby. This location is also in an enclosed rooftop garden area which can get kind of hot, but the aesthetic is very cute. The only thing to note is that it's in a hotel so you take the elevator to a floor and then need to take the stairs the rest of the way up. All the servers were nice and quick with our order and we got to watch them make our food as we sat at the bar.

    Blue Crab Taco
    Pratima M.

    A nice rooftop vibe, although you can occasionally near the cars honking below -- the ambiance is lovely and the staff is nice. Rolls were yummy, except for the Yellowtail one which mostly just tasted like the onion crunch on top. The most popular ones were my favorites -- Matcha Crunch, Spicy Hotate!

    Lauren S.

    Sushi Lab Rooftop in New York, NY. Sushi? Rooftop? Perfect combo! Located on the rooftop of the Sanctuary Hotel, Sushi Lab has the traditional omakase and plenty of a la carte menu items. Delicious cocktails on a beautiful rooftop in the heart of Manhattan is a perfect setting for any date, girls night or celebrating something special. Sushi Lab Rooftop is open all year round and the service is excellent! MIKAN SUNRISE- rum, triple sec, orange juice, mango puree. LYCHEE MARTINI- Grey Goose Pear Vodka, elderflower, lychee. SALMON BELLY & POACHED ASIAN PEAR TRUFFLE SEARED SALMON SPECIAL ROLL OMAKASE CHEF'S SELECTION WASHUGYU BEEF

    Avocado roll & tarro chips
    Anusha M.

    A very pretty restaurant in the heart of city close to times Square! The vibe was great .Nothing to fault in the food and service . I sincerely do hope they add more vegan/ vegetarian options because veg handroll & taro chips were the only 2 items on the menu and I ordered both of them. They were delicious though!

    Martini
    Liz S.

    I took my daughter and her friend to the Sushi Lab rooftop it did not disappoint. The girls also loved the ambiance and the look. The sushi was fresh and the rolls were flavorful. Will definitely come back next time we are in New York

    Kelly L.

    Sushi Lab delivers a solid rooftop sushi experience with clean flavors and polished presentation in a sleek rooftop space. The fish is fresh and well-cut. The omakase highlights consistency and technique. This place is an easy crowd pleaser, worth it for the atmosphere especially if you value vibe as much as the food. What we ordered : - The Lab Experiment Omakase (15 signature course) - Truffle Shrimp Pasta - Crab Maki - Salmon Belly & Poached Asian Pear - Cheese Cake

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    2 years ago

    Such a fun ambiance, however service was poor and i have had better sushi for the price. Would not personally return

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    8 months ago

    Amazing food service and atmosphere will definitely go back! Love the secret entrance made it that much better!

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    Page 3 of 25

    Sushi Lab Rooftop Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sushi Lab Rooftop

    Can you do a mix of omakese for a few people and regular menu at the garden table?

    Yes! You absolutely can.

    How long does it take for the omakase?

    Approximately an hour for their Lab Experiment Omakase. We arrived at 5pm and ended around 6pm. They were not very busy when we went.

    Rooftop in winter?

    Yes! It's enclosed and has heaters inside!

    Is the rooftop air conditioned in the summer? Update: No AC but the air is moving nicely with fans.…

    No it is not.

    What's the on-street parking situation? If there is, after 6pm or 7pm?

    i would say don't count on street parking and find a close garage

    Are children welcome? Are high chairs available?

    It looked to be kid friendly, but I did not see any high chairs when I was there.

    If we have tickets to a nearby (6 min walk) Broadway show at 8pm, will a 6:30pm reservation give us enough time to dine and not have to rush to the show?

    I get a 6pm reservation to be on the safe side

    Do you need a reservation?

    Strongly recommended

    Do they take American express?

    Yes we do take American Express

    Is your sushi rice made with sugar or do you use monk fruit sweetener?

    Does the rooftop have heat for winter?

    Yes they have heat

    Is there availability for walk ins?

    yes, call ahead to secure a seat just incase. we got same day next seating reservations when we called at 5pm for a 6pm seating for 5 people on a saturday/sunday

    Is outdoor open to unvaccinated patrons?

    Unfortunately the rooftop is on top of the hotel. In order to enter the building to dine, you have to show your vaccination card or at least show that you received your first dose.

    Are dogs allowed on the rooftop?

    No. It is not pet friendly.

    Is the outdoor dining area on the rooftop totally enclosed or are there openings to allow sufficient cross-ventilation?

    There are openings but it's relatively well enclosed

    Do I want to sit omakase or garden table?

    Omakase at the bar is a nice slow experience. Garden table the sushi is brought out as a platter and is more 'efficient'

    Are there heaters outside?

    Yes, there are heaters on the rooftop.

    Wheres the entrance to the rooftop?

    You'll enter from Sanctuary Hotel and then someone should be there to direct you. If not, you'll walk to the end, turn left, walk to the end, then turn right and take the elevator up to the top floor. Note that this is not the elevator right inside… 

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    Tensai

    Tensai

    4.3
    (59 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    I had stopped by this little hole in the wall a handful of times before stopping in several months…read moreago during a cold winter day. The place was pretty quiet, and the staff was friendly. To drink, I had a Hot Organic Super Matcha Tea for 4.95. It was alright tea, and I wish teas were included in the price point, as otherwise, this place feels pretty traditional. In terms of food, I only ordered from the seasonal menu, so I'm not sure how the rest of the dishes are, but from what I had, I would go back for a light traditional meal. My appetizer was the Dashimaki Tamago/だし巻まき卵たま, or sweet savory omelet with daikon for $6.98. This came with three pieces along with a little dollop of grated radish. The pieces had a light sweetness to them along with a bit of savoriness. They were juicy and a bit bouncy while maintaining some softness. This was standard and good. My main dish was the $19.98 Beef Tan Tan Udon, or ground sirloin beef, spicy broth, baby bok choy, kikurage mushroom, scallions, and sesame seeds. While I have preferred udon from spots like Raku, the udon had a mild chew to it, and they were still good. The broth had a mix of sweetness and spiciness with a nice depth of flavor. The vegetables inside tasted fresh, and the meat added some richness. This was good as well. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to go here, but the food was good. If you're in the area and looking for no frills Japanese dining in a more comfortable atmosphere at pretty decent Midtown East prices, I would recommend this place.

    I recently tried Tensai for dinner during the weekday and enjoyed a nice authentic Japanese udon…read more The restaurant is nestled in Midtown East NY and has several two-seater tables, but only one or two larger tables that can seat a party of 4. Very cozy restaurant and the staff were attentive and friendly. Luckily their service is very fast so my family and I didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for a table in the back. I really enjoyed their niku udon. The broth was flavorful but not too salty. The menu offered a variety of options, all reasonably priced between $10-20, ensuring great value for the quality provided. I would come back to Tensai for some comforting Japanese udon noodles!

    Photos
    Tensai
    Karaage
    Karaage
    Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)

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    Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)
    Sakagura

    Sakagura

    4.2
    (1.9k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$$

    This is one of the best izakaya restaurants in Manhattan, and it keeps bringing me back time after…read moretime. The moment you walk in, you're instantly transported to Japan. The décor features light natural wood and bamboo, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere, with an impressive collection of sake lining the wall. The food is outstanding. We started with the seasonal soft-shell crab, which was incredibly fresh and fried to perfection. The daily sashimi special was exceptionally fresh, and the salad was light and refreshing. The must-order Wagyu beef, served on a hot stone, simply melted in our mouths and was unforgettable. Every dish was beautifully prepared, and I enjoyed every single bite. The impeccable service was the icing on the cake. The staff was attentive throughout our meal, making sure we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. I absolutely loved the entire dining experience and can't wait to come back again!

    We had a really delicious dinner at Sakagura. Some of the real highlights were:…read more- the cucumber salad - the eggplant, which was absolutely to die for - the black cod The Otoro sashimi was also really good. Definitely melt-in-your-mouth quality. The hot udon soup was fine but nothing too special. The hamachi was very good but be aware that it is the hamachi shoulder on the bone, not hamachi sashimi. I tried a sake that is made from red rice, which was really delicious, and my wife had a sauvignon blanc, which was also really good. This is a fun place to try a bunch of Japanese small plates in a nice setting where the tables are not too crowded and the noise level is very reasonable.

    Photos
    Lunch Time. Happy Friday!
    Lunch Time. Happy Friday!
    Hot "Inaniwa" Udon
    Hot "Inaniwa" Udon
    Agedashi Tofu

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    Agedashi Tofu
    Izakaya Futago

    Izakaya Futago

    4.3
    (15 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Food: Average Service: Hurried…read more Ambiance: too dim The price of green tea at $8 each! I don't think this restaurant deserves a standing at this location which offers many authentic Japanese restaurant choices.

    Visited Izakaya Futago on a weekday evening with a friend after a nearby event. It's pretty far…read moreeast (between 2nd and 3rd off Lexington), so it is easy to miss if you are not specifically looking for it. We walked in around 7pm and there were plenty of tables available, but we decided to sit in the separate bar room near the entrance. That space was more intimate, with a couple of larger high-top tables, a small bar (about 4-5 seats), and additional seating along the wall, and there was also a TV. They have a good happy hour with both drink and food options. We both ordered margaritas, which needed a slight adjustment as they were made too sour, and I also tried some sake, which was a good selection. For food, I ordered the fried chicken, which was very good, crispy, flavorful, and a generous portion, served with tartar sauce ($20). We also shared edamame and a couple of yakitori skewers: the shiitake mushrooms ($6) and pork belly ($8). The mushrooms were quite bland and I did not finish them, but the pork belly looked great and my friend enjoyed it. Overall, this is a good Midtown East spot for happy hour or a casual lunch and I would return.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Age Dashi Tofu and marinated quail eggs
    Age Dashi Tofu and marinated quail eggs
    Sushi Spoons

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    Sushi Spoons
    Sozai

    Sozai

    4.3
    (169 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    On our very first day in New York, we had some time before taking the Statue of Liberty cruise…read more We originally had another restaurant in mind, but the timing did not work out, so we searched on Google and found Sozai Japanese Restaurant, which was supposed to be close to our hotel. Google said it was a 10-minute walk. But honestly... was that 10 minutes measured by someone running? It was an extremely hot day in New York, and my family and I were walking there, sweating like we were on a small survival mission. It felt more like 20 minutes or more. By the time we arrived, we were hot, tired, and very hungry. But the moment we opened the door, everything changed. The manager welcomed us with such a bright and warm smile. We told him we did not have a reservation, and he kindly said it was okay and seated us right away. That alone made us feel so much better. As soon as we sat down, we ordered cold beer and highballs. After walking in that heat, that first sip felt like pure happiness. It was exactly what we needed. My sister, my mom, and I each ordered different kinds of donburi, and my daughter ordered tonkatsu. When the food came out, I almost fainted -- in the best way possible. The rice was absolutely amazing. It was perfectly sticky, nutty, soft, and full of flavor. I know this may sound dramatic, but every grain of rice felt like it was dancing gently in my mouth. That was the moment I thought, "This is what good rice should taste like." A good donburi is not only about the toppings. The rice has to be right, and here, it was perfect. The sashimi was incredibly fresh. The texture, the flavor, the quality -- everything was excellent. Every bite made me think, "This place really knows what they are doing." My daughter's tonkatsu was also wonderful. She is a very picky eater, but she kept saying how soft, juicy, and delicious it was, especially with the sauce. When a picky child finishes everything quietly, that is the most honest review you can get. In the end, all four of us completely finished our bowls. Not a little bit. Completely. Clean. Empty. Happy. We told the manager how much we enjoyed the food, and our server was also very kind and explained everything so nicely. The food was excellent, but the warm service made the experience even more memorable. At first, we came here simply because the timing was awkward and it was near our hotel. But by the time we left, we knew we had found a place we would want to visit again. The long, hot walk was absolutely worth it. Sozai Japanese Restaurant gave our family a delicious and happy memory on our first day in New York. If I visit New York again, I will definitely come back.

    Sozai is one of our favorite Japanese restaurants in Manhattan. The food is always fresh,…read moreflavorful, and beautifully prepared, and the drinks are just as good. The service is fast and friendly, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner. It does get a bit loud during peak hours, but that's because it's such a popular place. If you're looking for delicious Japanese food in Manhattan, Sozai is definitely worth a visit!

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Sake Clam Miso
    Sake Clam Miso
    Black sesame ice cream and red bean

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    Black sesame ice cream and red bean
    Yezo Thai Isankaya

    Yezo Thai Isankaya

    4.8
    (165 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Never even knew this place existed. As soon as we walked in, to my surprise, we were greeted with…read morecute decor, cozy atmosphere, and even live jazz band. For appetizer, We went adventurous and got the monkfish liver salad - first thought the portion is very small. But to my shock, the sauce is so delicious-- strong, vinegar-y, and spicy - my favorite flavors. Monkfish liver is fishy but very good. I ended up drinking the sauce Entrees: Braised rib massaman, as everyone recommends - best massaman I've ever had so far. Roti is crispy, perfect to go with the curry. seasonal mango branzino - fillets come off of the spine. surprisingly delicious! A little but not too sweet and also savory; again, strong flavor but it works. Better than I expected. E-san hotpot - light in consistency but flavorful dashi. Soup is very nice. Pad thai with salmon - only OK. Service was helpful too: constantly filling our waters, timely clearing dishes, even cooking the hotpot for us. Excellent thai restaurant. Will be back for sure.

    The food quality is OK, but the dining space is quite compact. As for service, it's seemingly…read moretypical of New York's local hospitality standard--yet I found the staff unwelcoming and off-putting. As a tourist traveling with my young child, my kid was severely jet-lagged and briefly closed his eyes to rest mid-meal. Unexpectedly, a server approached to tell us sleeping was not permitted inside the restaurant. I was confused by this remark, though I chose not to engage in any debate or explanation; as a Japanese visitor, I preferred to avoid confrontation. Another point of contention: the restaurant automatically adds a 20% service surcharge to every check, regardless of the quality of service received. This may simply be standard practice for dining establishments in New York, yet I personally cannot accept or agree with this policy.

    Photos
    Decorations
    Decorations
    Pad mee yazo (Pat Thai)
    Pad mee yazo (Pat Thai)
    Pat Thai Yezo

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    Pat Thai Yezo

    Sushi Lab Rooftop - japanese - Updated July 2026

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