Sushi Lab Rooftop — Restaurant in New York

Tl;dr fancy omakase experience that won't break the bank.

I have been wanting to try Sushi Lab since pre-Covid. I am still not comfortable doing indoor dining so when I found out they had a rooftop, I was looking for the perfect time to try it. And what better time to try it than my wedding day! We had a mini ceremony in the morning, a photo shoot at the Empire State Building in the afternoon, and Sushi Lab was the perfect way to end the day (especially since it was within walking distance). I remembered randomly looking at Resy a few times before for reservations for two people but could never find anything. So I figured I would try my luck by calling, and they had open reservations (so always call)! We chose the 5 pm seating for a Saturday and we got to sit by the sushi bar.

First, you get your temperature taken and then you wait for an elevator (with your party only) and go up a set of stairs to the rooftop. The space is beautiful. It looks very modern yet minimalistic. It's a tented rooftop but it's open on the sides. We were one of the first groups to arrive, so we were sat in a cozy corner by the window, away from everyone else. The tables and seats by the bar are socially distanced and they also have a plexiglass between each party. They also give out one-time use paper menus. We felt really safe dining here.

For drinks, we did a whiskey flight and a sake mojito. The whiskey was Toki, Hibiki Harmony, and Yamakazi. You definitely want to start from left to right because it gets smokier and more intense by the time you get to the Yamakazi. The mojito was nice and refreshing. I normally don't love cocktails because they're too sweet, but this one was perfect.

For food, we decided to splurge and go with the Lab Experiment. It has 15 courses (as opposed to the Chef's selection of 10) and this is what we were served: amberjack, Kumamoto oysters, toro tartare toast, squid and uni with finger lime, arctic char, striped jack, seared toro with beluga caviar, golden eye snapper, fried oyster with tuna/dried roe, uni-corn (crab/uni with popcorn dust), scallop/uni/truffle, wagyu/uni/foie gras, anagori with real nori, tamago, miso soup, and cherry blossom jelly. The highlights were the toro toast, seared toro with beluga caviar, fried oyster, the wagyu/uni/foie gras, scallop/uni/truffle, and anagori (but more because I've never had real nori before, so it was interesting). I had high expectations for the uni-corn but it was just okay. Also, I know you'd normally start the meal with soup, but the miso at the end was just chef's kiss, the perfect way to end it and trick your body into thinking it has been cleansed. The duds were probably the golden eye snapper (mine was veiny), the tamago (not a fan in general), and the cherry blossom jelly (reminiscent of a water drop 'cake'). I must warn you that they do love using shiso leaves here, so if you're like me and it's not your thing, make sure you tell them ahead of time (they'll ask you if you're allergic or don't like anything and it was my fault that I forgot to tell them about the shiso).

For dessert, we went with the brown sugar boba flan. The boba was a bit hard, and it's not really a flan, but more of soy bean pudding, texture-wise. The flavor was good though - not too sweet.

I'll admit that it's not the best sushi I've had (still amazing) but the reason for the 5 stars was the overall experience. I must give a shoutout to the host, Julio and our server, Nicki. Julio had asked if we were celebrating a special occasion (since we were dressed up, and I was wearing white) and we told him that we had just gotten married that day. They both made our experience very special and memorable from beginning to end, and even gave us complimentary champagne/dessert to celebrate. So if you're looking for a place to celebrate anything, or if you want to have a fancy sushi experience at a very reasonable price, Sushi Lab is it. Even if omakase isn't your vibe, they've got a la carte items too. I can't wait to come back and try the...

A Flawless Fusion of Ambiance, Artistry, and Omakase Excellence

Stepping through the opulent, statue-adorned lobby of The Sanctuary Hotel in NYC is an experience in itself, setting a dramatic stage for the culinary theater that awaits at Sushi Lab, its stunning rooftop restaurant. On a recent Thursday evening, my wife and I were transported from the bustle of the city into a world of chic sophistication. The restaurant’s ambiance strikes a perfect balance between intimate and energetic, reminiscent of a trendy Las Vegas hotspot like Vanderpump, yet entirely its own.

After an emotionally profound day at the 9/11 Memorial, the experience at Sushi Lab was the perfect antidote. From the moment we arrived for our 8:00 PM reservation, the hospitality was nothing short of phenomenal. The staff, from the welcoming hostess to our incredible server, Peter, created an atmosphere of relaxed indulgence that felt like a warm embrace. We were encouraged multiple times to take our time and savor the evening—a refreshing departure from the often-rushed omakase experiences found elsewhere in the city, and exactly the kind of calm we needed.

We began with a selection of appetizers that immediately showcased the kitchen's creativity and commitment to quality. The Tuna Tacos were a delight, with fresh, spicy tuna nestled in crisp jicama shells. However, the true star of the starters was the Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll. The delicate yellowtail, paired with the sharp kick of jalapeño, a savory chili soy glaze, and the crunch of crispy garlic, was an absolute masterpiece of texture and flavor.

My wife, not overly hungry after a classic New York hot dog detour earlier, chose the appetizers and the incredible Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll for her meal, which proved to be a showstopper in its own right. Meanwhile, I embarked on what can only be described as a culinary odyssey: "The Lab Experiment." This 15-course signature omakase is a journey for the senses, a meticulously curated procession of the finest ingredients, including buttery fresh truffle and exquisite caviar flown in directly from Japan. The absolute highlight was the Hotate (Scallop). Naturally sweet yet subtly flavored, Sushi Lab's preparation was ingenious, serving it with shiitake mushrooms and generous shavings of fresh truffle that elevated the delicate scallop to an unforgettable level. There wasn't a single course I didn't thoroughly enjoy.

What truly elevates Sushi Lab is the seamless execution. The pacing was impeccable; dishes arrived promptly without ever making us feel hurried. The manager graciously visited our table to ensure our experience was perfect, her attentiveness underscoring the team's genuine passion. This is the ideal spot for both omakase newcomers and seasoned aficionados, offering a relaxed environment perfect for catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion, just as we were for our anniversary.

In a city saturated with sushi options, Sushi Lab stands in a class of its own. It delivered, without exaggeration, the best sushi I have ever had. The combination of an enchanting atmosphere, world-class service led by professionals that care about you enjoying your experience, and an unforgettable omakase menu makes it a must-visit destination. We are already...

One of my closest friends made a reservation here for me to celebrate my birthday during the week. Located inside the Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown, upon entering the dim lobby, you check in at the reception area, where they check your temperature (love the covid safety measures). We came about 15 minutes early and waited about 5-10 minutes in the empty lobby, as they prepared our table (chef's counter). We were then directed to take the elevator to the 6th floor and take the stairs til we reached the restaurant. Upon entering, it was beautiful as though we were taken to an enchanted forest. Initially, we both ordered the 10pc omakase for $60, along with drinks (I ordered the Blu- Shu Margarita, and she ordered the Strawberry Geisha) and an appetizer (Bluefin Toro Tartare). My margarita was delicious (def a little creeper as it tasted like juice), and my friend really enjoyed the strawberry geisha (highly recommend if you love sweet, fruity drinks). The appetizer was also delicious, I literally can snack on that all day. The tartare was set on a bed of guacamole (that wasn't overpowering in lime and salt) and you dip the nori cracker into the blue fin tartare, you can taste the freshness of the bluefin tuna, finished off with a creamy layer of guacamole. It was also surprisingly light. The 10 pc omakase was delicious. Each of the fish was fresh with a unique flavor combination that worked... a hint of umami in every bite. The only course I did have trouble eating was the raw shrimp, I personally found it a little too slimy and tough. When our omakase was done, I was still a little hungry so we opted for the 15 course omakase. That completely filled me up. Much of this course contained uni and caviar. If you are an uni fan, I definitely recommend this omakase. To me, I found it okay, but a little overwhelming as I normally am not an uni fan. The highlight of this course was definitely the tamago. It was white and light, with the perfect amount of sweetness. I can literally snack on that for days. Overall, we definitely had a great time. The waiter was attentive to us and even refilled our water. We also had a chance to speak with one of the workers, who was surprised that we were able to eat a total of 25 courses, his limit was around 15 lol! I left the restaurant feeling full, but not to the point where I was like "ughh I can't move", but a level of "I gotta walk this off for a few". Would definitely recommend this place, if you are a sushi fan and are intrigued at how the chef's prepare the food. The omakase prices are $60 for 10 signature sushi pieces, $120 signature courses (various sushi pieces, appetizers and dessert). The a la carte rolls range from $18-25, where as individual sushi pieces range...