Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar Introduce
For a truly unique and intimate dining experience in New York City, look no further than Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar. Tucked away on Essex Street on the border of the Lower East Side and Chinatown, this restaurant offers a creative and compelling blend of Japanese-style tapas with European influences. It's a place that prides itself on being more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for food and drink connoisseurs who appreciate a curated, multi-sensory journey. The establishment is also proudly women-owned, with Chef Yoshiko Sakuma at the helm, bringing her extensive culinary background to the forefront of this small, yet remarkable, establishment.
Rabbit House is renowned for its signature omakase experience, where the chef takes you on a six-course culinary adventure that changes with the seasons. Beyond the prix-fixe menus, guests can also enjoy a la carte options, from delectable bar snacks to full entrees. The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, romantic, and trendy, making it an ideal spot for a special dinner or a relaxed evening of solo dining. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and a fantastic selection of sake and wine, Rabbit House is a hidden gem that promises a memorable and distinctive meal in the city.
---Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar is located at 41 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, USA. Its position on the cusp of the Lower East Side and Chinatown places it in one of Manhattan's most dynamic and culturally rich neighborhoods. The area is a hub of activity, with a mix of historic charm and modern vibrancy, drawing a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with the Delancey Street/Essex Street station (F, J, M, and Z lines) just a short walk away. This convenient location makes it a great spot to visit whether you're coming from across town or just exploring the neighborhood.
For those requiring accessible facilities, Rabbit House offers a wheelchair accessible restroom and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that all guests can dine comfortably and with ease. While paid street parking is available in the area, the restaurant’s proximity to major subway lines often makes public transport the most convenient way to arrive.
---Rabbit House provides a range of services to accommodate different dining preferences, all while maintaining a high standard of quality and customer care.
- Dine-in: The primary service is a full dine-in experience, where guests can enjoy the intimate and romantic atmosphere. Reservations are required or highly recommended for dinner, particularly for the omakase courses, to ensure the best possible experience.
- Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the restaurant offers a takeout service.
- Delivery: You can also have Rabbit House's delicious food delivered to your door through their delivery service, with a no-contact delivery option available for added safety and convenience.
- Outdoor Seating: On nice evenings, guests have the option to dine outside and enjoy the lively Essex Street atmosphere.
- Catering: While their focus is on the in-house experience, the restaurant also provides catering services for special events.
- Brunch and Lunch: In addition to dinner, Rabbit House also serves brunch and lunch, offering a variety of daily specials and unique dishes like the "Eel Egg Benedict" and "Japanese Poke Chazuke."
What sets Rabbit House apart is its unique approach to Japanese cuisine and its dedication to a high-quality experience.
- Unique Culinary Style: The food is a creative fusion of Japanese-style tapas with European influences. Chef Yoshiko Sakuma, who trained in Michelin-starred restaurants, creates a menu that is both innovative and rooted in authentic Japanese flavors. This results in dishes that are truly unique and unlike anything else you'll find in the city.
- Exceptional Beverage Selection: Rabbit House is known for its impressive drink offerings. It boasts a great beer selection, a fantastic wine list, and a wide array of sake. They offer a variety of Japanese sakes, from sparkling to aged, and even have an on-site bar for a full cocktail experience.
- Curated Omakase Experience: The omakase is a signature feature of the restaurant, providing a six-course meal that showcases the chef's skill and passion for seasonal ingredients. This is a great choice for those who want to be surprised and delighted by a carefully crafted menu.
- Happy Hour: Rabbit House offers happy hour drinks and food, making it a great spot to unwind after work. You can enjoy small plates and beverages at a special price.
- Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is often described as intimate and perfect for a date night. The small space and thoughtful decor create a cozy, romantic, and trendy setting that feels special.
- Woman-Owned: The restaurant identifies as women-owned, adding to its unique and welcoming character in the New York City dining scene.
To make a reservation or for more information, you can use the following contact details:
- Address: 41 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, USA
- Phone: (646) 448-4022
Rabbit House is an experience that is worth choosing for its sheer creativity and unique offerings. The most compelling reason to visit is to immerse yourself in the culinary vision of Chef Yoshiko Sakuma. Her European-influenced Japanese tapas are a rarity in New York, and the rotating, seasonal menu ensures that there's always something new and exciting to try. While the omakase may not be traditional sushi, it offers a distinct and high-quality journey through various dishes, including their famous "Addicted Spare Ribs," seasonal fish, and signature rabbit dishes.
The exceptional beverage program is another significant draw. Whether you're a sake aficionado or a novice, the extensive list provides a wide range of options to pair with your meal. The staff, including the chef herself, are often praised for being knowledgeable and attentive, helping you navigate the selections and find the perfect pairing. This expertise elevates the entire dining experience.
For those looking for a different kind of night out, the atmosphere is a major plus. It’s not a bustling, loud restaurant but a cozy, romantic space that's perfect for intimate conversation and savoring each bite. Rabbit House is a place for the discerning diner who is open to a new kind of Japanese cuisine and appreciates the thought and artistry that goes into every dish and every pour. It's a truly special find in the city's vibrant dining landscape.
Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar Food & drink
Sparkling Wine
- Pol Roger Reserve, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier Champagne, France $120.00
Other
- Famous Rabbit House Rolling Glass $20.00
It’s perfect for your gift and souvenir!
Sweet Sake
- Sawanotsuru, Koshu Jikomi Umeshu (Plum Wine), Hyogo $76.00
- Kurosawa Nigori $30.00
- Gozenshu Junmai Usu Nigori, Bodai Moto $72.00
- Kitaya Ai No Hime (Red Sparkling Sake), Yamadanisiki, Fukuoka $22.00
Japanese Whisky, Gin, Rum, Shochu
- Yamasemi(Kingfisher) Rice Shochu 25% $11.00
- Akashi, Single Malt Whisky, 45% $20.00
- Teeda, Japanese Rum, Okinawa, 40% $12.00
- Ki No Bi, Sei, Kyoto Dry Gin, 54.5% $16.00
White Wine
- 29Benoit Daridan, Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Loire Valley Frane $50.00
- 30Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis 1er Cru 2014, Chardonnay, Biodaynamic, France $90.00
- 28Foris, Pinot Gris, Oregon $20.00
Beer & Cider
- 35Orion Beer, Lager, 5.0%, Japan $6.00
- 39 Rootstock Cider, 6.9% $6.00
- 36Sapporo Premium 4.9% $6.00
Dessert
- 3 Kinds Cheese Plate Dessert $14.00
European cheese, apple cider jelly, and Italian honey.
- Jun Komekoji Vintage Sake $50.00
- Seasonal Dessert $5.00
Sake Poached Persimmon with Tofu Custard Cream
Entree
- Seasonal Rabbit $24.00
Signature: Trapped Rabbit, roasted in Pork Caul fat with Shiitake and Shiso. Please check our website for more details!
- Seasonal Fish $24.00
Please check our website for more details!
- Seasonal Pasta $24.00
Home made Gluten-Free Pasta. Please check our website for more details!
- Vegan Pasta $22.00
Home made Gluten-Free Pasta with four kind of mushroom. Please check our website for more details!
Bar Snack/Appetizer
- Addicted Spare Rib (L) $22.00
Over-night marinated pork with sake and soy sauce.
- Artichoke Dip $14.00
Vegan, gluten-free option, tortilla chips, paprika, garlic, miso, green tea.
- Tuna Tartare $16.00
Prickly pear sauce, dragon fruits, crostini.
- Ponzu Mashroom $16.00
4 kinds of mushroom, tofu sauce, and tempura crisp. Vegan.
- Taco Marinade Salad $15.00
Octopus is "tako" in Japanese. Chickpea, tomato, dandelion, olive-bell pepper dressing.
- Addicted Spare Rib ( S ) $15.00
Over-night marinated pork with sake and soy sauce.
- Black Chicken Skewers $14.00
6pcs. With black sesame sauce, side of rainbow carrots.
- Spare Rib $13.00
Over-night marinated pork with sake and soy sauce.
- Seasonal Appetizer $18.00
Foie gras with grated daikon radish, kinako powder, balsamic reduction.
- Three-Kind Cheese Plate $14.00
European cheese, crostini. Recommend with sake.
Set & Course
- Appetizer Combo $80.00
(For 4people+ group) two x black edamame, two x artichoke dip, two x tuna tartar eight pc. Chicken skewers, large spire rib.
- Three Course Prix Fixe $50.00
Tuna tartar or pork spare rib, fish or pasta, dessert.
- 3 Course Prix-Fixe $50.00
Tuna tartar or pork spare rib, fish or pasta and dessert.
- Beat Virus Japanese Curry Lunch $12.00
This is special curry lunch which we deliver to local hospital! Choice: codfish, pork or chicken. Served with ginger hijiki miso soup.
- Beat Virus Japanese Vegetarian Curry Lunch $10.50
This is special Japanese curry lunch which we deliver to local hospital! Eggplant, broccoli, carrot, onion, potato with miso soup.
Non-Alcohol Others
- Decaffeinated Organic Earl Grey, Tea $4.00
- Japanese Gyokuro Green Tea $3.00
- Soda $2.50
- 40 San Pellegrino Sparkling Water $7.00
- 41 San Pellegrino Orange, Sparkling $5.00
- Dripped Coffee "Round K Café" $3.00
- Johnny's Special Jasmine Tea $3.00
Japanese Sake
- Toyo Bujin (Asian Beauty), Junmai Ginjyo, Yamada Nishiki, Yamaguchi, Super Dry $75.00
- Nito (Two Rabbit), Junmai Daiginjo, Aichi $84.00
- Brooklyn Kura Blue Door, Nama Junmai $70.00
- Souden, Tokubetsu Junmai, Yamahai $66.00
- Itami Onigoroshi, Hyogo, Super Dry $25.00
- Kimurashiki Kiseki No Osake, Junmai Ginjyo, Okayama, Semi Dry $95.00
- Nambu Bijin (Southern Beauty), Daiginjo $115.00
- Kagatobi, Yamahai Junmai, Yamada&Gohyaku, Isikawa, SuperDry $68.00
- KID Junmai $59.00
- Dassai 45, Junmai Daiginjyo, Yamadanishiki, Yamaguchi, Semi Dry $76.00
- Kamaya Kyuzaemon, Cedar Cask Aged $62.00
Rose&Sparkling
- 31(Rose) Triennes Provence, France Merlot $20.00
Lunch 11:30-2:30pm (Thursday-Sunday)
- Wrapped Chicken Sandwiches $16.00
Carrot Soy Sauce Coleslaw. with Side Salad
- Daily Special-Thursday:Seasonal Pasta $16.00
-Thursday:Seasonal Pasta -Friday:Chicken & Egg on Rice -Saturday:Shrimp Omurice -Sunday:Eel Egg Benedict *Daily Special come with Miso Soup
- Daily Special-Friday:Chicken & Egg Over Rice (Oyako Don) $16.00
-Thursday:Seasonal Pasta -Friday:Chicken & Egg over Rice (Oyako Don) -Saturday:Shrimp Omurice -Sunday:Eel Egg Benedict *Daily Special come with Miso Soup
- Our Famous Addicted Spare Rib $16.00
Marinated Pork with Sake & Soy Sauce. with Side Salad
- Daily Special -Sunday:Eel Egg Benedict $16.00
-Thursday:Seasonal Pasta -Friday:Chicken & Egg on Rice -Saturday:Shrimp Omurice -Sunday:Eel Egg Benedict *Daily Special come with Miso Soup
- Japanese Poke Chazuke $16.00
Tuna, Salmon, Horse Mackerel, Avocado, Egg Over Rice with Kelp Broth. with Side Salad
- Black Tan Tan Men $16.00
Black Noodle with Black Sesame Soup, Ground Wagyu Beef. with Side Salad
- Daily Special -Saturday:Shrimp Omurice $16.00
-Thursday:Seasonal Pasta -Friday:Chicken & Egg on Rice -Saturday:Shrimp Omurice -Sunday:Eel Egg Benedict *Daily Special come with Miso Soup
Red Wine
- Vina Cobos Felino, Malbec 2014, Argentina $57.00
- Bodegas Reserva Rioja 2010 Tempranillo, Spain $63.00
- Louis M. Martini, Cabernet Sauvignon, California 2013 $25.00
- Benoit Cantin, Irancy, Burgundy, 2015 $70.00
Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar Photos










Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar Location
Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar
41 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar Reviews
Seriously it’s the worst Japanese food I have ever had! And also the worst omakase experience! They don’t know what omakase means? They serve horrible food during the restaurant week! I have never given bad reviews like this in my whole life, but this time I can’t bear with it anymore! Except for the appetizers, all the other dishes are absolutely horrible, the beef tartar has so much tender that you can’t chew or swallow, the cod has weird texture and taste, it’s probably not fresh, and the last dish was a weird lamb pasta, the pasta was huge and all stuck together, also they only give the chopsticks which were not able to pick up pasta, and the lamb has a weird… at last the dessert… I can’t even describe my disappointment when I had the first bite! One of the worst restaurant experience…
January 30 · Xi HeTerrible. First course was a half-filled bowl of broken Tostitos tortilla chips, like from the bottom of the bag, served unironically. See the picture if you don't believe me.After a very long wait, they brought out a course of: The most overcooked scrambled eggs you've ever had, served in an eggshell, a chewy and leathery fatty tuna, and an oyster shot with a mignardise of cheapest Prosecco.The next course arrived about a year later. It was a sludgy mass of flavorless ground beef which they called "tartare" (note: I strongly suspect that this was pre-packaged D'artagnan-brand wagyu ground beef from the nearby grocery), served of course with another tortilla chip and small slice of baguette.Looking around the restaurant at this point at the sheer boredom of other diners, I could see the writing on the wall and left.The chef explained that they offer a "unique cuisine", implying that I simply didn't understand what she was trying to achieve, instead of the fact that her kitchen is churning out raw sewage, not fit for consumption.Would you eat raw beef from a place that served you Tostitos a few courses earlier?
February 18 · Marc MillerVery tiny place that offers Omakase tasting experience. To be fair, I had quite great experiences lately with other places, so my expectations were high. Well, all of the courses that we have prior to Rabbit and Lamb were okay. But! These two dishes were just off the hook! Really really good!!!! Pretty much was worth the whole experience. The other thing, they really need to beef up their dessert game, especially after such experience as I have mentioned with their hot dishes. All in all, it's a nice cozy place that I recommend visiting.
May 23 · Alex SerebrovWhat a love love lovely place. I was impressed by the dishes here. Mean to try their restaurant week menu, but we were told they were not serving the set on weekends. Initially, I was a little bit upset since they didn’t mentioned it anywhere online. However, they caught my heart back after the night.. and I think they are a small team..You could tell how the chef cared about each dish, with creative flavors. They seemed familiar but always had a twist, making it new.❤️🔥Highly recommend the rabbit! The menu changes each season but I believe it will always be tasty.The cold udon was delicious as well, the duck was cooked perfectly.
August 23 · Julia HsiaMe and my partner came here on a weekday( with reservations). We had the 6 course omakase with a wine pairing. We were first served the 3 snacks which came with oyster, foie gras and an egg thing! I loved the presentation, however it was not my favorite only because I don’t like oyster or foie gras in general but I can see why some people like it! Second course was the wagyu tartar with bread! Absolutely loved it, the wagyu was so tender and with the crunchiness of the bread it was the perfect pairing. Third course was cod with calm broth, I love fish so it was one of my favorite courses. The broth part was just a tad bit salty but still good nonetheless. Fourth course was corn bread with rabbit and shimeji mushrooms. First time trying rabbit and it was super good and tender, the mushroom with it added an umami flavor. Fifth course was the lamb parpadelle, lamb was tender and flavorful (no gamey flavor either!) and I love the bouncy texture of the pasta too! Last course was the dessert which was the matcha, I don’t prefer the taste of matcha however my partner really liked it! Overall I had a good experience, loved the ambience and choice of music!
February 23 · Ives
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