It feels like just last week we were talking about the $270,000 tuna on Sushi Ginza Onodera’s menu, but now we’re unfortunately saying our goodbyes to the Michelin-starred omakase spot altogether.
According to a statement from the team, the restaurant will close next month on Saturday, August 19th.
Sushi Ginza Onodera was one of the first imports of high-end omakase sushi restaurants hailing from Tokyo, where they first opened in 2013. They opened in May, 2016 at 461 Fifth Avenue, and in their first year open were awarded two Michelin stars for the 2017 guide. In 2020 they were then downgraded to a one-star rating, which they’ve held since.
The sushi counter was well-known for their 20-course omakase that started at $450 plus tax.
Over the years, however, NYC’s high-end sushi scene has gotten increasingly competitive.
General manager Yoko Yamaguchi stated that “the New York dining scene, particularly the sushi omakase scene, has undergone significant transformations during the past seven years” and that they’re reassessing “the manner in which we cater to our guests,” according to GrubStreet.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. We are deeply honored to have had the opportunity to serve you and the wonderful community of New York for a fulfilling seven years,” reads a statement.
The good news is the close may not be permanent, as their statement mentions the fact that they’re “actively exploring the possibility of relocating and continuing [their] services in the future.”
With the motto of “Ginza to the World”, together with our Master Chef Sakagami, Sushi Ginza Onodera New York team has always strived to create a place to be truly enjoyed by our guests, not only from New York but from all over the world. Since our opening in May 2016, we have shared countless memories together and are proud to have become one of the icons of the sushi scene in New York…While we brought an upscale Edomae omakase sushi experience straight from Ginza, we hope we were always a welcoming establishment to you, and have served you with a friendly and approachable atmosphere.
Sushi Ginza Onodera still has locations in Tokyo, Shanghai, Honolulu, and Los Angeles.
In the meantime, while we await their possible reopening, at least NYC is full of some other delicious sushi spots to check out.