LUYA Omakase & Wine Bar — Restaurant in New York

I visited this place with my partner on a very special occasion in May. I wish I could give this place a 5 because you could tell that the people at this place put in the effort but unfortunately our experience makes it hard to do so.

Despite arriving first to the place, the hostess seated us at the very end of the table where the view was a wall and some utensils. And we had to stretch our heads to see what’s happening at the chef’s counter. We inquired about being seated in different chairs but the hostess said that there was a party of 6 coming and offered another end of the counter instead. This just didn’t make sense because overall there were 10 chairs, I think. On top of that, there was actually no party of 6 and instead there was two separate parties, one of two people and one of 4. So, it just soured our experience, which was the very first one and we made sure to leave a note of this and that this was a special occasion for us in the note when making the reservation. My partner and I would’ve understood the situation if we were offered a proper and truthful explanation on why we can’t pick where to sit.

Lastly, while the sushi and rolls were delicious, you could tell that the fish isn’t 100% fresh but considering the asked price for omakase in NYC it was somewhat justified—you get what you pay for. I still would recommend this place but I wish that the hostess would’ve put a little more thought into the seating...

I've now gone here three times (twice for dinner and one for lunch), and I'm ready to call this my favorite omakase spot in the neighborhood. I love how thoughtful Chef Wei is about the menu. It's clear he puts in a lot of effort into the ingredients and flavors of the meal. He aims to change things up with the season and I was shocked (in a positive way) with how different the menu was between each visit. On top of that, he's incorporated ingredients that I've never had at other places, and I love that creativity.

I've had both Chef Wei and Chef Jordan as the chef for my meal and both of them are absolutely wonderful. They'll be happy to talk more more about a piece if I'm curious. And if I end up ordering extra pieces, they will give me recommendations on different flavors or ways to switch it up so I can try it in a new way.

The bartenders are also pretty excellent here. I'm not a wine drinker I can't speak to that as much, but they have always been very attentive and informative about the menu (I usually eye the sakes but end up with a cocktail which are yummy).

Overall, I strongly...

Tonight my husband and I went to Luya for my birthday dinner. We live 2 doors away on 5th Ave and have been watching the construction. Even got a tour of the restaurant before the opening. So to say we are thrilled to have this restaurant as a neighbor is an understatement for sure.

Wei, the sushi master prepared dishes that were not only delicious and unique but beautiful as well. The atmosphere is beautiful and laid back at the same time; they have definitely thought through “ the vibe” of the space. Our waitress Ravin was adorable; it was her first night working but she was still spot on. They haven’t gotten their liquor license yet ( so we brought a bottle of wine) but expect it with in the next month or so. Without question it is an asset in the neighborhood and I highly...