Underground NYC Omakase
Bar Miller, Alphabet City - just enough of the all that but not too much
A few weeks ago I asked my twin brother what he wanted to do for our 25th birthday. I was leaning toward an experience and suggested going to a jazz show (Fasano or Aman Jazz Club), NYC Ballet (under-30 tickets are inexpensive!), or a wellness night (Othership, Remedy Place, Q2, or a hotel spa like Fouquet’s).
All ideas were well received, but he immediately said “Omakase,” and then his job was done. Now mine began, and I ultimately went straight to ~ Food Bitch ~ because there is no one else I would trust for this type of meal…
Helena gave me five thorough options, varying by location, type (sushi, kaiseki, etc.), and price point. She sent her top three along with two additional options for consideration, which is always helpful. I went through each one, but after reading the first sentence of her top recommendation — “Omakase spot from the Rosella team” — it was pretty much game over for the other four contenders.
To begin, Rosella is a sushi spot in Alphabet City that is more than just somewhere to stop in. It’s an intimate space with all bar seating, except for a lucky four-top in the front. Reservations are hard to come by, but befriending the team is easy - everyone is incredibly friendly and genuinely excited for you to be there. I highly recommend going with one other person and having the team curate a menu from start to finish. They give a great synopsis of the wines, fish, rice, vegetables, bowls, and just about everything else you could wonder about in terms of origin or story so have your questions ready. Truly, the best avocado roll I’ve ever had is from there. It’s a place I’m hesitant to tell people about because it’s that good and so community-forward. I told my brother this is a spot that if you took someone on a date then they’d be 10+ points ahead before you meet them…
That brings me to my meal at Bar Miller — ta da. It’s their omakase counter around the block, with eight seats and two 2.5-hour seatings per night, and it comes at a price worrrrth it. Book a reservation and you’ll find out - you prepay, so it feels “free” by the time you arrive.
We chose the 6:00 PM seating, which began with a cozy greeting from TJ (MVP of the night). You can reserve the wine pairing so absolutely no decisions are required, or you can order from a drink menu of wine, sake, and beer. We started with a glass of wine and transitioned to sake for the final dishes.
The chef was engaging, easy to talk to, and clearly excited for the oohs and aahs (from me, lol). That’s something omakase can sometimes lack, which can make you feel slightly out of your element. The meal began with seafood-forward, cooked dishes — soups and warm plates — and then transitioned into the sushi portion, ending with an incredible dessert topped with caviar (???). I watched him mix the sushi rice with a delicious sauce beforehand, and you could taste that soaked rice in every bite — such an incredible flavor addition.
At the end, you can add any extra pieces of sushi or simply cruise through to dessert. Each guest leaves with a bag containing the menu and a travel-sized soy sauce (I am preserving mine forever). I can confidently say it was one of the best experiences — and meals — I’ve had. It’s competing with an auberge experience I had in Japan, which is hard to beat (especially when I tried Bear for the first time).
They also have a Rosella in Kennebunk, Maine, so I might be headed there next. I’m slightly concerned about my new interest in tasting menus — it may only go downhill (for my wallet) from here.
Other restaurants on my radar:
Blue Hill — They have a farm in Westchester where I once planned a wedding, but there’s also a smaller restaurant in Greenwich Village serving fresh produce nightly.
Frevo — A very cool concept in Greenwich Village, hidden behind an art installation, for a special-occasion tasting menu night.
Musket Room — I love the badass sisters behind Musket Room, Raf’s, and Cafe Zaffri, so this is overdue.
XO!
Only downside is they don’t pour shots