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Rosella

137 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Sushi Bars, Noodles, Soup, Sushi

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

Rosella 8.1
Alphabet City
A seafood-leaning sushi bar that plays best as a paced, order-in-waves dinner—start with something cold, move into nigiri, then finish with a small sweet. It rewards restraint and balance more than over-ordering, especially if you catch the earlier specials.
Must-Try Dishes: Nigiri set, Hand rolls, Ceviche-style seafood starter
Scores:
Value: 6.7 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Sushi bar that blends seafood starters and nigiri in a social, polished room.
Who should go: Couples and friends who like ordering in waves
When to visit: Early seating to maximize specials and pacing
What to order: Nigiri set, hand rolls, one seafood starter
Insider tip: Start cold, go nigiri-heavy, and add dessert only if you’re still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive in the evenings—plan on walking a few blocks or using a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; nice jeans are fine, but the room skews polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—energetic buzz, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Limited lunch availability; when open, typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-forward starters, rolls, and a few composed plates.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering, but not the focus of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Some nigiri and seafood options can work; soy-based sauces are common, so ask the server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—stylish without being stiff, and the shared-plates pacing makes conversation feel natural rather than rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are tight—aim for an early seating or the bar if you walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—best for adults or older teens comfortable with seafood-focused menus and a lively room.
Best For
Better for: A balanced sushi-and-seafood dinner with a social, stylish atmosphere and thoughtful pacing.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional sushi counter or a budget-friendly, fish-only omakase experience.
Rosella 8.6
Alphabet City
A polished, ingredient-forward sushi bar where rolls and hand rolls feel curated rather than menu-filler, with careful rice, sharp seasoning, and seafood sourcing that shows. Go here when you want a roll night that reads more like a modern sushi experience than takeout comfort.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy scallop hand roll, Salmon & avocado roll, Uni-topped roll special (when available)
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 8.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A modern sushi bar where sourcing and rice work drive the roll quality.
Who should go: Dates and sushi fans who care about detail
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating
What to order: Hand roll set, one signature roll, seasonal special
Insider tip: Build the meal around hand rolls, then add one composed roll.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and difficult after 6pm—plan for walking or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual; jeans are fine, but polished shoes and a put-together look fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-focused rolls and sides available, though not a full vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly vegetable rolls; best to ask about daily options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many sashimi and roll options can be adapted; request tamari and confirm preparation with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it feels elevated and intentional without being stiff, making it ideal for a polished but relaxed first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are competitive—arrive early or expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—better suited for adults or older teens who appreciate sushi and a calmer, date-forward atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Ingredient-driven rolls, thoughtful seasoning, and a modern sushi-bar experience that feels curated rather than casual.
Skip if: You want inexpensive takeout-style sushi, oversized rolls, or a loud, high-energy group scene.
Rosella 8.3
East Village
A modern, fish-forward room that works well as a full buyout when you want a clean, curated seafood night with a bar-driven energy. Best for private dinners that want a guided menu and a focused experience rather than a long, lingering banquet.
Must-Try Dishes: Hand roll set, Crudo selection, Omakase-style nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A buyout-ready seafood room built for a curated, modern menu.
Who should go: Milestone dinners and seafood-loving groups
When to visit: Early evening for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Hand rolls, crudo, nigiri selection
Insider tip: Keep the event menu seafood-forward—skip heavy add-ons that blur the point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; expect to circle after 6pm. Rideshare or public transit is the easiest option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—polished outfits fit the room; jeans are fine if styled intentionally.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—energetic bar-driven buzz, but conversation at the table is still comfortable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; buyouts and private events book in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not offered—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable-forward small plates available, but the menu is seafood-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to check ahead or consider alternatives if the group is primarily vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many crudo and fish preparations are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide selections.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for polished and intentional. It’s stylish, intimate, and conversation-friendly, but best for dates who enjoy seafood and a curated experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are tough. For groups or special nights, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The menu, pacing, and vibe are designed for adults; better suited to date nights and milestone dinners than families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Guided, seafood-forward private dinners with a refined, modern feel and strong bar energy.
Skip if: You want a flexible, mixed-diet group menu, a quieter banquet-style room, or a long, leisurely family-style feast.
Rosella 8.4
Alphabet City
A candlelit, bar-forward sushi counter that leans into creative, smoke-kissed seafood and a tasting-menu mindset without turning the night into a stiff production. It’s best for couples who want to linger over a few standout bites and let the staff steer the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes: Smoked steelhead trout nigiri, Smoked uni, Spicy avocado hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.2 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A chef-driven sushi menu with distinctive smoked fish preparations in an intimate room.
Who should go: Couples who like creative nigiri
When to visit: Weeknight prime time for the best vibe
What to order: Smoked steelhead, smoked uni, spicy avocado hand roll
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and let the staff sequence your order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive in the evening, rideshare or subway recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish—jeans are fine, but this is a good excuse to dress a little sharper.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy but still easy to hear your date at the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short one; dinner fills faster than lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable-forward small plates and hand rolls, but the menu is seafood-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited—best for vegans only if they’re comfortable with a small selection.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; nigiri and sashimi work well, but soy-based sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate without being stiff, with enough creativity on the menu to spark conversation and keep things feeling special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings; bar seating is your best bet if you walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—best suited for adults, as the menu and pacing are geared toward a date-night crowd rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Creative, smoke-forward sushi and a relaxed tasting-menu feel without the formality or high price tag of traditional omakase counters.
Skip if: You want classic, traditional nigiri or a quiet, formal sushi experience—there are more conventional omakase spots nearby.