THE GALLERY by odo Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking a dining experience that truly stimulates all the senses, THE GALLERY by odo offers a unique and captivating fusion of culinary artistry and visual aesthetics. Located at 17 W 20th St in the Flatiron District, this Japanese restaurant, conceived by the renowned Michelin-starred Chef Hiroki Odo, isn't just about delicious food; it's a dynamic space where an exquisite meal is enjoyed amidst rotating art exhibitions. It's the kind of place that captures your imagination, offering an experience that's both refined and thoughtfully engaging.
THE GALLERY by odo is the more casual, yet still exceptionally high-quality, sister restaurant to Chef Odo's two-Michelin-starred Odo. It embodies a philosophy of "interfacing between food and art," creating an ever-evolving dining environment where both culinary and artistic expressions thrive. This commitment to both deliciousness and discovery makes it a compelling destination. From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the minimalist Japanese aesthetic, featuring natural materials and decor that create a quiet and peaceful setting. Whether you're drawn by the promise of exceptional udon, intrigued by the inventive small plates, or simply looking for a serene escape from the city's hustle, THE GALLERY by odo provides a truly distinctive experience for discerning New Yorkers.
THE GALLERY by odo is conveniently situated at 17 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011, USA, placing it in the heart of Manhattan's vibrant Flatiron District. This central location makes it highly accessible for residents, professionals, and visitors from across New York City. The Flatiron area is known for its iconic architecture, bustling business community, and a diverse array of dining and cultural attractions, providing a fitting backdrop for THE GALLERY's unique concept.
Accessing THE GALLERY by odo is straightforward thanks to New York City's extensive public transportation system. The restaurant is within easy walking distance of several major subway lines, including the F, M, R, W, and 1 trains, with nearby stations like 23rd Street and 18th Street ensuring convenient travel from various parts of Manhattan and other boroughs. Numerous bus routes also traverse the Flatiron District, further enhancing its accessibility. While the interior provides a "quiet and peaceful setting," its central location means it’s ideal for a casual lunch meeting or a tranquil escape from the bustling city outside. For those seeking a high-quality Japanese meal with artistic flair, its prime position offers seamless convenience.
THE GALLERY by odo offers a diverse range of Japanese culinary experiences, designed to be both high-quality and engaging:
- Seasonal Menus with Innovative Small Plates (Kozara): The revamped menu focuses on an array of small dishes, known as "kozara," providing guests with a unique experience through a "harmonious blend of traditional techniques and innovative flavors." Seasonality and freshness are central to their offerings.
- Signature Udon Dishes: Highly celebrated, their udon menu features housemade noodles served in hotpots with various toppings. Options include Kitsune Udon (tofu skin, scallion), Kinoko Udon (medley of mushrooms), and the luxurious A5 Wagyu Udon.
- High-Quality Japanese Tapas (Kushiage and Appetizers): They offer a selection of pan-fried dumplings (Housemade Gyoza), various Kushiage (panko-fried skewers with options like Jidori chicken, lotus root, sweet potato), and popular appetizers like Chicken Nanban (Japanese fried chicken with tartar sauce).
- Sushi and Sashimi Selections: Patrons can enjoy high-quality fish through offerings like Chirashi (assorted sashimi over rice) and various sushi options, maintaining the standard expected from Chef Odo's culinary background.
- Specialty Burgers: In a unique fusion, THE GALLERY also serves HALL's Signature Wagyu Burger, a double Wagyu patty on a brioche bun with fries, infusing classic American flavors with Japanese influence.
- Desserts: A selection of refined desserts is available, such as their housemade milk soft serve with various fruit sauces.
- Beverage Program: They offer a selection of beer, cocktails, and wine to complement the dining experience.
- Lunch and Dinner Service: THE GALLERY by odo is open for both lunch (typically 11:45 AM - 2:30 PM) and dinner (5:00 PM - 10:30 PM), Tuesday through Sunday.
- Reservations: Reservations are available and recommended, especially during peak hours.
- Art Exhibitions and Events: As its name suggests, THE GALLERY hosts rotating art exhibitions, workshops, and live performances, creating an "ever-evolving dining experience" where culinary and artistic expression thrive together. Special menus are often crafted by Chef Odo for art openings.
THE GALLERY by odo offers a compelling array of features and highlights that make it a distinctive dining destination in New York City:
- Culinary Expertise of Chef Hiroki Odo: The restaurant is led by two-Michelin-starred Chef Hiroki Odo, ensuring a consistently high standard of Japanese cuisine that blends traditional techniques with innovative approaches.
- Unique Art Gallery Concept: Fusing a dining experience with a rotating art gallery is a major highlight. Guests can enjoy their meal while appreciating contemporary art, creating a multi-sensory and culturally enriching experience. The table in the center often features ceramic pieces, sometimes for sale.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Reviews consistently praise the "high quality fish" and ingredients used across the menu. Dishes like Chicken Nanban feature "very tender" chicken with a "lovely and unique egg/tartar sauce," and Kushiage vegetables taste "really fresh."
- Peaceful and Simplistic Atmosphere: The interior boasts a "beautiful yet simplistic atmosphere," heavily influenced by Japanese minimalist aesthetics. It's described as a "quiet and peaceful setting," ideal for those "not looking to sit in a bustling restaurant for lunch" and perfect for meetings or tranquility.
- Inventive and Delectable Dishes: Beyond quality, the food is noted for being "simple yet delectable." Specific highlights include the satisfying Salmon Bowl, and the perfectly fried, non-oily Kushiage skewers. The "A5 Wagyu Udon" is a luxurious and popular choice.
- NYC Restaurant Week Participation: THE GALLERY by odo has actively participated in NYC Restaurant Week, offering specially curated, multi-course menus at attractive price points (e.g., $60 for a four-course lunch/dinner menu), allowing more New Yorkers to experience their offerings.
- Variety and Accessibility: While a high-quality establishment, the menu offers a wide variety of dishes beyond a strict omakase, including bowls, lunch boxes, and the unexpected Wagyu burger, making it more accessible for different dining preferences.
- Attentive Service: Despite some notes on pacing, the service is generally described as "good," with staff providing detailed explanations and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
THE GALLERY by odo, while a refined establishment, makes its exquisite cuisine more accessible through participation in major city-wide events and structured menus:
- NYC Restaurant Week Menus: THE GALLERY by odo is a recurring participant in the highly anticipated NYC Restaurant Week (both Winter and Summer editions). During these periods, they offer special prix-fixe menus for both lunch and dinner at attractive price points (e.g., $60 for a four-course menu). These menus often feature signature dishes like A5 Wagyu Udon, fresh Chirashi, and HALL's Wagyu burger, providing an excellent opportunity to experience their culinary artistry at a set, more approachable cost.
- Special Events and Pop-ups: As part of its "gallery" concept, the restaurant frequently hosts unique culinary events and collaborations, such as "Obanzai Night" (celebrating Kyoto's home-style cuisine) or "SWEETS by odo" pop-ups. These events often feature special limited-time menus or tasting experiences at specific ticketed prices, offering unique culinary journeys.
- Curated Lunch Box Sets and Bowls: While not a "promotion," their dedicated lunch menu featuring "bento box" options, sushi bowls (like the Salmon Bowl), and udon dishes provides high-quality Japanese fare at price points suitable for a casual yet elevated midday meal, representing strong value for the caliber of the restaurant.
To stay informed about their upcoming art exhibitions, special culinary events, or their participation in future NYC Restaurant Week initiatives, it is highly recommended to visit THE GALLERY by odo's official website (odogallery.nyc) and their news/events section. These are the primary avenues through which they offer unique experiences and value to their patrons.
To plan your visit or inquire about the unique culinary and artistic experience at THE GALLERY by odo, please use the following contact details:
- Address: 17 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
- Phone: (646) 870-0383
- Mobile Phone: +1 646-870-0383
- Email: info@odogallery.nyc (for general inquiries and private events)
THE GALLERY by odo operates on the following schedule:
- Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday: 11:45 AM - 2:30 PM
- Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Closed: Mondays
Reservations are available and recommended, especially during peak dining times or for special events, and can often be made via platforms like OpenTable. It's always advisable to check their official website for the most current hours and any specific event details.
For New Yorkers seeking a sophisticated yet approachable Japanese dining experience that transcends the ordinary, THE GALLERY by odo is an exceptional choice. It’s perfectly suited for locals who appreciate not just high-quality food but also a unique atmosphere that fosters creativity and tranquility. Whether you're looking for a peaceful lunch away from the city's buzz, a casual meeting spot, or an engaging dinner where culinary art meets visual art, this restaurant delivers.
The culinary prowess of Michelin-starred Chef Hiroki Odo ensures that every dish, from the inventive small plates and flavorful udon to the high-quality sushi and unique Wagyu burger, is prepared with precision and exceptional ingredients. The rotating art exhibitions add an intellectual and aesthetic layer to the dining experience, making each visit feel fresh and inspiring. Moreover, its participation in NYC Restaurant Week makes this elevated experience more accessible to a broader audience. For locals, THE GALLERY by odo offers a consistent blend of delicious food, beautiful ambiance, and cultural enrichment, establishing itself as a cherished and distinctive fixture in the New York dining landscape.
THE GALLERY by odo Photos










THE GALLERY by odo Location
THE GALLERY by odo
17 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
THE GALLERY by odo Reviews
I actually first heard about the Gallery from an interview with Lucy Liu in the NYT, and it seemed she was very excited about the udon here -- so of course I had to come try it out!I stopped by with a friend on a gloomy Saturday; we had reservations for 12:30, and while the place was pretty empty when we got there, it did fill up over the next hour or so. The interior is so lovely, definitely heavily influenced by the Japanese strain of minimalist aesthetic, with lots of natural materials (our chopsticks were literally sticks) and colours and similar decor, plants, etc. The table in the centre was even filled with ceramic pieces (that might have been for sale? not sure).We ordered everything to share, starting with an order of the chicken nanban. Very yummy, the chicken was fried to a nice crisp while the meat was still very tender, and I really enjoyed the lovely and unique egg/tartar sauce that came on top. We also had some kushikatsu (edit: called kushiage on the menu, but same thing) - jidori chicken was a delight, and I also really loved the lotus root and sweet potato skewers. The breading was not too heavy or oily, and the veggies in particular tasted really fresh.Finally, we ordered the kitsune udon and the cold zaru soba. The udon (I fear) looked much better than it tasted - there certainly wasn't anything bad about it, but the broth and the noodles just... tasted pretty average? Portion size is also a bit small but that was ofc more expected. The soba was similarly... OK? Noodles were well-cooked and chewy, which I liked, but the dashi to dip the noodles in felt a bit bland, even with all the herbs/garnish inside.I would say that the biggest issue during our meal was that service tended to be on the slow side; I'm sure the pacing of the various dishes was intentional, but we spent a lot of time waiting around for our "next" course (and generally getting the attention of our server), and ultimately spent over 2 hours for our meal. (which is not inherently a problem, I love chatting the afternoon away, but just an important heads up!)Still a lovely experience overall, and I'd recommend a visit. The quality of the food was very good, and the price point, while definitely on the high side, was fair considering that calibre -- good for an occasional splurge.
Mar 09, 2025 · Matthew Ho⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯 SUMMARYHigh quality fish, beautiful yet simplistic atmosphere, good service. Quiet and peaceful setting ✨. Good for meetings and when you’re not looking to sit in a bustling restaurant for lunch. Tranquility.😋 FOODI had their salmon bowl and edamame, here and it was simple yet delectable. Perfectly satisfying yet not overly filling.OVERALLCome for a casual lunch for a bowl or for their lunch box set. The food is high quality ingredients and attention to the details is certainly notice here. Loved the peaceful nature of the restaurant in the bustling vanity that never sleeps. 💗You’re welcome. Xx
Mar 15, 2025 · Michele GuoTried the restaurant week menu. Everything was great from start to finish.The tuna sashimi in the appetizer was very high quality. Think I'll go back to try more sashimi dishes next time.The skewers came with different sauces. I was really impressed by the chicken one - super tender and juicy. The eggplant and green beans were refreshing. The salmon one wasn't particularly enjoyable... It has a bit of a fishy smell that can't be covered even by the tomato paste and lemon.Udon with wagyu beef was also great. Tips for other people who order the same thing though - do not put the crunchy crispy rice in the soup pot!!! The waiter told me to do so, and I was a bit skeptical but decided to follow his advice, thinking maybe their crispy rice has some magic to stay crispy in the soup. It doesn't... The entire broth was turning into a congee. But I enjoyed it anyways.Dessert was an ordinary milk ice cream, as you'd expect from a good japanese restaurant - creamy, nutty and not overly sweet.I also like the atmosphere and the decorations in the restaurant. The overall vibe was soothing.
Feb 03, 2025 · Joyce ZhouCool zen vibe Japanese spot. Their lunch bento box was great, but the tasting menu was a bit disappointing and overpriced. They only gave three thinly sliced beef for shabu shabu - overall portion was small and not feeling satisfied after finishing the course. The place and chopsticks are aesthetically beautiful, but not functional like other people mentioned.
Jan 02, 2025 · Koda KoWent for weekend lunch. As a more casual brother restaurant of Odo, food didn't disappoint. We ordered the bento box and Muse chirasi. The shashimi quality... Just Wow😘Bento box was alright for me (which is on me, because I know I don't like certain things such as udon or fish tempura). If you want variety, I would definitely recommend.They also sell the plates by the entrance - they are antique 100+ yrs old plates and are gorgeous. You can buy as individual plates or sets.
Mar 02, 2025 · A. K.
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