Bessou

New York City's culinary landscape is a dynamic tapestry, constantly evolving and offering an incredible array of global flavors. For those seeking a taste of modern Japanese comfort food in a unique setting, **Bessou** at Market 57 stands out as an intriguing option. Located within a vibrant food hall curated by the esteemed James Beard Foundation, Bessou aims to bring the warmth and spirit of Japanese home cooking to a contemporary urban environment.

Bessou, which loosely translates to "second home" or "holiday villa" in Japanese, is founded on the principle of offering familiar, comforting Japanese dishes with a fresh perspective. While some diners may have varied experiences, with a few finding certain items "bland" or "forgettable," others rave about the "legitimately delicious" quality of their food, particularly praising the "crispy" fried rice and "amazingly enhanced" flavors of their seafood toppings, or the "crispy outside and tender inside" chicken karaage. This indicates that while it might not be a traditional fine-dining establishment, it holds its own as a solid choice for specific, well-executed comfort food items.

This article will provide an in-depth look at Bessou at Market 57, exploring its distinctive location within Pier 57, the diverse range of Japanese-inspired offerings on its menu, and the unique features that make it a notable stop for New Yorkers. We'll also cover practical information on accessibility, contact details, and why this spot is particularly suitable for locals looking for a casual yet flavorful Japanese meal with the added bonus of stunning waterfront views.

Bessou is uniquely situated at **25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA**, specifically within Market 57 at Pier 57. This location is a significant draw, as Market 57 is a modern food hall on the Hudson River, offering breathtaking views of the waterfront, Little Island, and the Manhattan skyline.

For New Yorkers utilizing public transportation, Bessou at Pier 57 is highly accessible. While it's located on the far west side of Manhattan, several subway lines are within a reasonable walking distance. The A, C, E, and L trains at 14th Street and 8th Avenue are a convenient walk away, bringing you close to the Hudson River Greenway. From there, a pleasant stroll north along the pier or through the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood will lead you directly to Market 57. The M12 and M14 buses also provide direct access to the area, with stops along 11th Avenue. The scenic walk along the Hudson River waterfront is often considered part of the experience, especially on pleasant days.

For those who prefer to drive, Pier 57 offers on-site parking, which is a notable convenience in New York City. This makes Bessou a practical choice for visitors from outside Manhattan or for those who simply prefer the ease of driving. The location within a larger food hall like Market 57 also means there's ample communal seating and a lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for groups or families. The proximity to popular attractions like the High Line and Little Island further enhances its appeal, allowing for a full day of exploration and enjoyment.

Bessou at Market 57 offers a focused menu of modern Japanese comfort food designed for a casual and efficient dining experience within a food hall setting.

• Counter Service Dining: As part of a food hall, Bessou operates primarily as a counter service establishment. Customers order at the counter and can then find seating within the communal dining areas of Market 57, including seating near the water with impressive views. This casual format is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal without the formality of a full-service restaurant.

• Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage): This is a core offering and a highly praised item. Bessou features Original Chicken Karaage and Hot Honey Nanban Chicken Karaage, available in various piece counts (3, 5, 7, 9, or 12 pieces). For the Original Karaage, various dipping sauces like Sweet Miso BBQ, Spicy Mayo, Scallion Mayo, Shiso Verde, and Wasabi Mayo are offered.

• Sushi Crispy Rice: A popular and innovative item on their menu, Bessou offers several varieties of crispy rice, including:

  • Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

  • Salmon Sashimi Crispy Rice

  • Black Garlic Mushroom Crispy Rice (vegan)

  • Shrimp Crispy Rice

  • Scallop Ceviche Crispy Rice

  These can also be ordered as a Crispy Rice Trio for variety.

• Sandos: Japanese-style sandwiches, often featuring their popular karaage. Options include:

  • Sando - Hot Honey Nanban Chicken

  • Sando - Bessou's Chicken Club (with bacon)

  • Original Chicken Sando

  • Mushroom Sando (vegan)

• Sushi Rice Bowl (Chirashi): A fresh and colorful bowl featuring assorted sushi toppings over sushi rice, including salmon, scallops, ikura, spicy tuna, and yuzu tobiko.

• Snacks and Sides: A selection of smaller bites such as Nori Fries, French Fries, Corn Ribs, and salads (Chopped Salad) are available.

• Beverages: Bessou offers a selection of Japanese beers (like Orion), sake (Little Sumo Sake), wines, and non-alcoholic drinks (including Kimino Yuzu Soda).

• Catering: Bessou provides catering services with packages designed for 10 people, requiring 48-hour advance notice. Options include Karaage Sandwiches, Chopped Chicken Salad, Chicken Club Sandwiches, Bessou's Bento Boxes, and a Japanese Karaage Picnic.

Bessou at Market 57 boasts several distinctive features and highlights that draw in New Yorkers looking for a specific type of Japanese culinary experience.

• Prime Waterfront Location within Market 57: One of Bessou's strongest assets is its placement within Market 57 at Pier 57. This means diners can enjoy their meal with stunning views of the Hudson River, Little Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The overall atmosphere of a James Beard Foundation-curated food hall elevates the casual dining experience. Dining "near the water" is a significant draw.

• Exceptional Chicken Karaage: Despite mixed reviews on some items, the chicken karaage consistently receives high praise. It's described as "crispy outside and tender inside," and "moderately salty," highlighting a well-executed Japanese fried chicken. The "Hot Honey Nanban Chicken" is particularly noted by a critic as "an unquestionable hit" and "one of the best bites in the entire market," offering a "tangy, spicy sauce."

• Innovative Crispy Rice Dishes: Bessou offers a variety of "legitimately delicious" crispy rice dishes. The fried rice itself is lauded for being "crispy," and the toppings like "scallops and shrimps on top with sauce amazingly enhanced each other’s flavor." These unique flavor combinations and textures make the crispy rice a standout.

• Modern Take on Japanese Comfort Food: Bessou aims to offer a "modern take on everyday Japanese comfort food." This approach, influenced by the owner's Japanese heritage and New York upbringing, leads to creative dishes like their sandos and elevated snack items, providing a fresh perspective on familiar flavors.

• Inclusivity with Vegan Options: The menu includes thoughtful vegan options, such as the "Black Garlic Mushroom Crispy Rice" and "Mushroom Sando." This demonstrates a commitment to catering to diverse dietary preferences, making it accessible to a wider range of diners.

• Reliable and Kind Service: Despite operating within a busy food hall, customers appreciate the staff, noting the "registrar was kind" and the overall service was pleasant. This contributes to a positive and welcoming experience.

• Curated Food Hall Experience: Being part of Market 57, which is curated by the James Beard Foundation, lends a certain level of credibility and quality assurance to the offerings. It ensures a selection of independent, high-quality food vendors.

As a vendor within a food hall, Bessou's promotions might be integrated with Market 57 or focused on specific value propositions inherent in their menu. While extensive, ongoing discounts might not be the primary focus, New Yorkers can consider the following:

• Combos and Sets: Bessou offers various combo options that provide value, such as the "Crispy Rice Trio" which allows customers to sample three different crispy rice varieties, or "The Double" combo (any 2 crispy rice + 2 PC. chicken karaage). They also have a "Karaage Make-it-a-Meal" which includes 3 pieces of karaage and a crispy rice of your choice.

• Lunch Options: While not explicitly a "special," items like their sandos or sushi rice bowls offer a complete and satisfying meal for lunch, providing good value for a quick, quality bite in the area.

• Catering Packages: For larger gatherings, Bessou offers structured catering packages designed for 10 people, which can provide cost savings compared to ordering individual items in bulk. These packages feature popular items like karaage sandwiches and bento boxes.

• Delivery Platform Promotions: Bessou is available on popular food delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Seamless. These platforms frequently offer their own promotions, such as discounts for first-time users, free delivery for subscribers, or seasonal deals, which could apply to orders from Bessou.

• Market 57 Events/Promotions: Being part of Market 57, Bessou might occasionally participate in broader food hall events or promotions. It's advisable for locals to check the Market 57 or Pier 57 websites for any upcoming events or special offerings that might include participating vendors.

For the most current information on any promotions or unique offerings, New Yorkers should check Bessou's official website, their listings on food delivery apps, or inquire directly at their counter in Market 57.

To connect with Bessou at Market 57, please use the following information:

• Address: 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA (within Market 57 at Pier 57)

• Phone: While a specific direct phone number for Bessou's counter at Market 57 isn't typically listed as a primary contact for walk-up food hall vendors, you can often find general contact information for Market 57 or order online through popular delivery platforms. For specific inquiries, it's best to check their official website, bessou.nyc.

Bessou's operating hours are generally in line with Market 57's hours, which are typically daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is always recommended to verify hours on their official website or Market 57's site before visiting.

For New Yorkers seeking a casual, yet distinctly flavorful Japanese dining experience with an added bonus of scenic beauty, Bessou at Market 57 offers a compelling choice. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its unique location, its focus on well-executed comfort food, and its adaptability to various dining needs.

Firstly, the location within Market 57 at Pier 57 is a significant draw. It provides locals with a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious Japanese fare while taking in stunning Hudson River views. This isn't just about the food; it's about the entire experience of dining in a modern, James Beard Foundation-curated food hall, which feels both contemporary and distinctly New York. It's a perfect spot for a casual lunch, an afternoon snack, or an early dinner before enjoying the pier or nearby attractions like Little Island.

Secondly, Bessou's strengths lie in its perfected comfort food items. While some items may be less consistent, the "unquestionable hit" of their chicken karaage, lauded for its crispiness and tenderness, makes it a must-try. Similarly, their innovative crispy rice dishes, praised for their "crispy" texture and "amazingly enhanced" flavors, offer a fresh and satisfying take on Japanese staples. This focus on getting key items right ensures that patrons seeking specific cravings will not be disappointed. The menu's blend of traditional Japanese elements with modern twists, such as the various sandos, also caters to the adventurous yet comfort-seeking New York palate.

Finally, the casual food hall setting makes Bessou incredibly versatile for locals. It's ideal for a quick, high-quality bite during a workday lunch, a relaxed weekend outing with family and friends, or a convenient grab-and-go option via delivery platforms. The availability of various vegan options further enhances its appeal to a diverse local population. Bessou offers an accessible, delicious, and scenic Japanese culinary stop that perfectly fits into the New York lifestyle, making it a worthy addition to any local's dining rotation.

Bessou

25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA