We’re no strangers to New York’s plethora of secretive omakase counters, but we’ve yet to come across one hidden inside the basement of a luxury shopping mall. Introducing Hōseki, an exclusive sushi counter tucked beneath the fine jewelry floor at Saks Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
Elevating the department store dining experience, restaurateur Maxwell Weiss and sushi chef and business partner Daniel Kim conceptualized Hōseki after successfully operating Ten Homakase, an at-home omakase service, during the pandemic. With their newfound gastronomic brainchild, Weiss and Kim challenge the standardized food court options of yesteryear’s maze-like marketplaces.
A glossy white marble six-seat countertop is revealed behind the deluxe curtain separating the intimate dining space from the gilded Vault downstairs. Classic New York style blends with traditional omakase restaurant elements: walls clad in vintage New Yorker magazine covers, nautical-themed trappings, and Japanese artworks come together in gallery wall fashion. Posh emerald-colored bar stools, wavy water glassware, and custom edamame-shaped ceramic chopstick holders add unique touches to the upscale yet casual dining ambiance.
Within the one-hour tasting, guests indulge in 12 courses, comprising 11 nigiri bites and one hand roll, that are elegantly crafted and plated on understated sushi slates. Chef Daniel Kim and Chef Morgan Adamson whip together each piece of sushi in the most delicate manner with fresh fish flown in from Hokkaido: seared albacore, yellowfin tuna, sea bream, and sake salmon topped with yuzu, to name a few. A torched slice of Japanese Wagyu beef leads to the final course—a handroll containing salmon roe, ocean trout and truffle, or amberjack and shishito.
Since the restaurant is still securing its liquor license, current drink offerings highlight a curated list of non-alcoholic seltzers and teas as refreshing libations between each course. Sip the sparkling Sanzo Seltzer infused with citrus notes of Calamansi and lychee or a hot Wakaba Matcha that’s traditionally prepared, fragrant, and naturally sweet. The Yama Black Tea Spritz mixed with black tea, honey, orange, and soda water is also intriguing.
Hōseki is only open for lunch from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays for $95 per person, making this a decently difficult reservation to snag.
Top Takeaways
Location: Midtown Manhattan, New York City
Address: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Cuisine: Omakase
Price Point: $$$$
Takes Reservations: Yes – Resy
The vibe: An intimate omakase establishment in an unusual location below Saks Fifth Avenue’s fine jewelry floor.
Our favorite thing on the menu: We loved the salmon roe handroll as the final nibble to round out the 12-course meal.
The attire based on the vibe: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Lunch: Wednesdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
