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Beyond Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Beyond Sushi
8.4
A plant-based, farm-forward Midtown option that uses locally sourced vegetables and grains to make vegan sushi feel like an actual lunch habit, not a compromise. It’s strongest when you lean into the signature rolls and dumplings—bright flavors, fast service, and a steady stream of regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Mang roll, Mighty Mushroom roll, Five Spice Chik'n Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Vegan sushi built from locally sourced vegetables and grains.
Who should go: Plant-based diners and lunch teams needing speed.
When to visit: Weekday lunch, off-peak, for quickest turnaround.
What to order: Spicy Mang, Mighty Mushroom, Five Spice dumplings.
Insider tip: Order one roll plus dumplings—best flavor balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; street parking is very limited. Nearby commercial garages within 1–2 blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—workday Midtown attire, jeans and sneakers are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively at lunch but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times; shorter than dinner-focused restaurants.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait off-peak; short line possible during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes—100% vegan menu with clearly defined rolls, dumplings, and bowls.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some rolls and bowls can be made gluten-free, but soy-based items may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and low-pressure. It’s bright, quick, and healthy, though not a linger-for-hours kind of spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is primarily a walk-in, fast-casual experience. Seating turns over quickly, especially at lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—mild-flavored rolls and dumplings work well for older kids, though there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based diners who want speed, consistency, and real lunch energy without sacrificing flavor.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, service-driven meal or traditional sushi—this is about efficiency and vegetables, not fish analog theatrics.
Beyond Sushi
8.6
A fully vegan, full-service sushi-and-small-plates room that’s strongest when you treat it like an Asian-fusion tapas run: a couple of signature rolls, one hot appetizer, and a saucy noodle or wok plate. The cooking leans bold and modern (sweet-heat, crunch, umami), and the massive multi-platform review volume signals it delivers reliably at Midtown pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Mang Roll, Sweet Tree Roll, Crab Rangoons
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume, fully vegan sushi with real full-service polish.
Who should go: Vegan-curious diners who still want a sit-down meal.
When to visit: Weeknights early to dodge Midtown rush.
What to order: Spicy Mang Roll, Sweet Tree Roll, Crab Rangoons.
Insider tip: Order one roll plus one hot plate per person—best pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very difficult in the Garment District; plan on nearby paid garages ($30–$45 evenings). Rideshare is usually the least stressful option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room skews polished—nice tops, clean sneakers or dressy shoes fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; occasional short line during noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — fully vegan menu, no substitutions required.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options available, but cross-contamination is possible; flag dietary needs clearly when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. It’s polished, modern, and conversation-friendly, with shareable plates that create natural pacing without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or early evenings. For weekend dinners, reservations are strongly recommended due to high volume.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids. The menu is approachable, but the vibe is more date-night than family-focused, and there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Full-service vegan dining with creative sushi-style presentation and strong consistency at high Midtown volume.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key vegan café or are looking for budget pricing—this is a polished, higher-spend experience.