Two Michelin-starred kaiseki experience with refined, pure flavors and understated elegance.
This intimate, two-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant offers a serene dining experience focused on kaiseki. Chef Hiroki Odo masterfully blends traditional techniques with creative flair, resulting in refined dishes characterized by pure, vibrant flavors from exceptional ingredients. Highlights include savory broths and exquisite house-made soba noodles.
Odo specializes in Japanese kaiseki cuisine, with some patrons recommending the lunch kaiseki for its understated yet perfectly executed dishes. The flavors are often described as clean and balanced. While many appreciate the focus on seasonal ingredients, a portion of customers found the food to be bland, which they attributed to intentional under-seasoning.
"The lunch kaiseki is frequently recommended for its expertly executed, understated dishes with clean and balanced flavors."
Customers generally have a positive view of Odo, with many recommending its kaiseki experience. However, some find the food to be bland, possibly due to intentional under-seasoning to highlight ingredients, and a few feel the two-star rating might be excessive.
Important Note
Some diners find the food intentionally under-seasoned and bland, and there are differing opinions on whether the two-star Michelin rating is fully justified.
"This commenter recommended Odo, describing it as a two-star Japanese kaiseki restaurant that is somewhat under the radar."
Positive"The commenter found the food generally bland, attributing it to intentional under-seasoning for historical reasons and to highlight seasonal ingredients. They expressed reluctance to spend over $300 for such an experience, though they enjoy omakase sushi."
Negative"In response to a query about recent visits, this commenter noted that if Chef Odo was personally preparing the food, there should be no excuses. They mentioned the menu style has changed and while dinners are good, it might not differ from prior experiences."
Neutral"Following up on a previous comment, this diner clarified that their experiences were for dinner, with the most recent visit being about a year ago. They acknowledged that their experience might differ if they were to visit now."
Neutral"This diner had a lunch experience three months prior and described it as a wonderful kaiseki meal with clean, balanced flavors, reminiscent of food in Kyoto. They acknowledged that some find kaiseki generally bland, which might affect overall opinions."
Positive"The commenter cynically suggested that Michelin, known for selling tires, might have influenced perceptions of the restaurant through a 'tourist brochure'."
Negative"The commenter shared that Odo is expanding its operations and testing new chefs, suggesting it may not be the same as before. They noted the two stars were awarded when Chef Odo was personally managing the counter."
Neutral"The commenter felt the restaurant was good but agreed that its two-star rating might have been excessive."
Neutral"The commenter stated that Odo was their most unsatisfying two-star experience in the city and elsewhere. They noted that Odo has been an exception to their generally positive experiences with two-star or higher rated restaurants."
Negative"The commenter found Odo to be a safe, clean, and consistent dining experience. They noted that any adventurous dishes were very contained and restrained, which they considered a positive aspect."
Neutral"Odo is considered one of the best one-star Michelin restaurants on the list and the $100 gift card would cover most of the food and beverage costs."
Positive"Odo has been awarded two Michelin stars and offers a fantastically curated meal."
Positive"A commenter identified Odo as one of the 'best picks' from the list of restaurants, suggesting it is a worthwhile establishment for a high-end credit card partnership."
Positive"The user recommends looking towards a kaiseki or kappo experience like Odo, suggesting it as an alternative to a traditional omakase."
Neutral"The user suggests Odo as a potential Kaiseki option to diversify from pure sushi omakase."
Neutral"The commenter suggests odo as a recommendation that fits the budget, including taxes and tips."
Neutral"This user recommends odo for Japanese Kaiseki in a charmingly rustic dining room."
Positive"Odo is recommended as an upscale Japanese kaiseki restaurant that often includes sushi as part of its dining experience."
Positive"The author experienced the lunch kaiseki at Odo (9.5/10), describing it as understated cooking that was perfectly executed, and expressed a desire to try the dinner menu."
Positive"Suggests having lunch kaiseki at Odo as part of a potentially solid day of NYC eating."
Positive
