Chef Hiroki Odo, the talent behind a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, is set to open his latest venture, Odo East Village, in Manhattan on February 1. The venue, located at 536 East 5th Street, will introduce a ‘kaiseki izakaya’ concept, blending the refined, seasonal pacing of kaiseki dining with the relaxed atmosphere of a Japanese izakaya.
New 24-Seat Spot Rooted in Traditional Japanese Cuisine
Odo East Village is offering a fresh interpretation of Japanese dining in New York City. The intimate, 24-seat restaurant draws inspiration from traditional Japanese culinary techniques and seasonal dining. The menu reflects Chef Odo’s culinary roots, with naturally gluten-free dishes prepared with meticulous technique and balanced flavors.
The restaurant will be open from Tuesday through Sunday, starting from 5:30 PM until late. While reservations are recommended, the restaurant says walk-ins will also be welcome.
Seasonal Japanese Flavors Shine at Odo East Village
Odo East Village‘s menu highlights high-quality, seasonal ingredients and evolves throughout the year, ranging from small plates to composed main dishes. At the restaurant, rice is the key element of every dish.
The menu will begin with ‘Today’s Kamameshi,” which is a traditional rice dish prepared in an iron pot with select seasonal ingredients. As it simmers, the rice absorbs the aromas of the seasonal ingredients, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish. It can be enjoyed as ochazuke with tea, or crisped into a fragrant yaki-onigiri.
Other offerings, such as “Grilled Wagyu with Rice Koji,” are designed to complement the signature kamameshi. It uses high-quality Wagyu beef, which is marinated in white miso and rice koji and grilled, giving it a savory flavor. The dessert menu will feature rice-flour salted chiffon cake, served with three toppings: whole-grain mustard, yuzu-pepper paste with cheese, and roasted miso.
Another highlight is the “Champon-Style Rice Noodles,” which are thicker than ramen and cooked in flavorful broth with toppings. The menu is paired with a curated beverage program, including sake sourced from Japan.
It also offers rice-based libations and rice shochu. Odo East Village adds a refined new dining option to the East Village, contributing to the neighborhood’s steadily evolving Japanese and fine-dining scene.
