TLDR
Two Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki experience; refined, balanced flavors, but some find it too restrained.
Details
Odo, a distinguished Japanese restaurant, has earned two Michelin stars for its exquisitely curated kaiseki meals [1]. While many commend its clean, balanced flavors reminiscent of Kyoto, some diners find the food to be intentionally under-seasoned, leading to a perception of blandness [2]. The dining experience is often described as safe and consistent, with a unique approach that may not appeal to everyone seeking traditional sushi.
Food Overview
Odo offers a unique kaiseki omakase experience, distinct from traditional sushi omakase, and is noted for its balanced flavors, drawing comparisons to Kyoto cuisine [1]. While generally lauded for its refined approach and consistency, some diners have found the intentional under-seasoning to result in blandness [2]. The adventurous dishes are described as very contained, which is seen as a positive by some [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The kaiseki meal is described as wonderful, offering clean and balanced flavors [1]. Lunch at Odo is also recommended as a particularly good value."
Caveats
Some diners find the food at Odo to be intentionally under-seasoned, which can lead to a perception of blandness and dissatisfaction, especially given the high price point for a two-star Michelin experience [1]. There are also suggestions that the restaurant may have changed since Chef Odo was personally managing the counter, potentially affecting the dining experience [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HALL / ODO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Recommendation For Celebratory Dinner 800 Omakase
"The commenter described Odo as one of the most memorable meals they have had in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Tasting Menufine Dining With Minimal
"Odo is suggested as an option that avoids French/Western influence and might be suitable for dairy-free dining."
NeutralFrom post: Lunch Omakase Recommendations Should We Try Mitani
"The commenter enthusiastically recommends Odo for lunch, describing it as different and worth the price (under $300/h with drinks). They indicated it was a 'ripper' of a deal for lunch."
PositiveFrom post: Lunch Omakase Recommendations Should We Try Mitani
"After receiving helpful advice, the original poster decided to remove Odo from their list as they are more interested in sushi. They noted that Odo is around $150 for lunch."
NegativeFrom post: Lunch Omakase Recommendations Should We Try Mitani
"The commenter describes Odo as a kaiseki omakase, different from traditional sushi omakase. Their experience was solid but not mind-blowing, and while the food was good, it didn't fully meet expectations for a Michelin 2-star. The lunch included 4 courses and dessert."
NeutralFrom post: Best Kaiseki In The City
"This user expresses affection for Odo but does not believe kaiseki will become a widespread trend like omakase in NYC, citing economic reasons."
PositiveFrom post: Michelin Recs
"This commenter recommended Odo, describing it as a two-star Japanese kaiseki restaurant that is somewhat under the radar."
PositiveFrom post: Odo
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Odo
"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."
NeutralFrom post: Odo
"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."
NeutralFrom post: Odo
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Odo
"The commenter cynically suggested that Michelin, known for selling tires, might have influenced perceptions of the restaurant through a 'tourist brochure'."
NegativeFrom post: Odo
"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."
NeutralFrom post: Odo
"The commenter felt the restaurant was good but agreed that its two-star rating might have been excessive."
NeutralFrom post: Odo
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Odo
"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."
NeutralFrom post: I Received A 100 Gift Card Eligible For Any Of
"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."
PositiveFrom post: I Received A 100 Gift Card Eligible For Any Of
"Odo has been awarded two Michelin stars and offers a fantastically curated meal."
Positive