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Hortus NYC
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hortus NYC
8.1
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Group Dining Gatherings
Hortus NYC offers a modern Asian tasting experience in a two-story NoMad space, where a flexible tasting menu opens with a seafood platter and continues with mix-and-match courses. The room balances a lively bar level with a quieter upstairs garden and jazz nights, making it feel more relaxed than white-tablecloth fine dining. It is popular with groups who want to explore playful Asian-influenced plates without committing to a rigid set menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hortus Royal Platter with chilled lobster and hamachi crudo, Yuzu Bacon Rose Pasta, Sea Urchin Donabe with truffle and ikura
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: Modern Asian tasting format that starts with a dramatic seafood platter.
Who should go: Groups wanting lively modern Asian with tasting options
When to visit: Evenings upstairs on jazz nights for peak ambiance
What to order: Tasting menu, Royal Platter, Sea Urchin Donabe
Insider tip: Request the glass-enclosed garden room for a more intimate feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages on 5th Ave and 31st–32nd Street are the most reliable option
Dress code: Trendy smart-casual — stylish outfits encouraged, heels and cocktail attire fit right in
Noise level: Moderate to lively downstairs, quieter and more conversational upstairs in the garden room
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-focused courses can be substituted into the tasting menu
Vegan options: Limited — possible with advance notice, but not ideal for strict vegans
Gluten-free options: Yes — staff can guide you through safe selections and modify certain courses
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the seafood opener and mix-and-match format create natural conversation starters without the stiffness of formal fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but weekends are tough without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the menu, pacing, and nighttime ambiance are geared toward adults and groups.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly tasting experiences with shareable seafood starters, stylish cocktails, and a social atmosphere
Skip if: You want a quiet, strictly formal tasting counter or a fully traditional Asian fine-dining experience
Hortus NYC
8.4
Hortus NYC is a modern Asian restaurant in NoMad where a flexible tasting menu and chef’s table overlook an open kitchen turning out seafood platters, donabe rice pots, and seasonal pastas. Guests build their own progression from a mix of Korean- and Southeast Asian–inspired plates, making it popular for small groups who want structure without a rigid set menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hortus Royal Platter with chilled seafood, Truffle Donabe with wild mushrooms and egg yolk, King Crab Noodle in mala cream sauce
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Modern Asian tasting format anchored by a dramatic seafood platter.
Who should go: Groups wanting flexible tasting-style dining with strong cocktails
When to visit: Evenings upstairs on jazz nights for best atmosphere
What to order: Hortus Royal Platter, Truffle Donabe, King Crab Noodle
Insider tip: Ask about chef’s table or bar seats facing the open kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking nearby and several paid garages within a 2–3 block walk. Street parking is very difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine if stylish, but many guests dress up for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively in the evenings — conversation is easy at a table but bar and chef’s table are louder.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, shorter for bar seating if you arrive early
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-driven plates and donabe options can anchor a full meal
Vegan options: Limited — possible with custom ordering, but not many fully vegan signature dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes — multiple naturally gluten-free plates and staff are accommodating with modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels stylish and energetic without being too stiff, and the shareable tasting format makes it easy to interact without awkward formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekend prime time almost always requires a reservation. Bar and chef’s table are your best walk-in options.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The menu, pacing, and evening crowd skew adult; mature teens could enjoy it, but it’s primarily an adult dining experience.
Best For
Better for: Flexible tasting without a rigid prix fixe, stronger cocktail energy, and a livelier social scene than most traditional tasting menus.
Skip if: You want a deeply formal chef-driven tasting experience, ultra-quiet dining, or strictly traditional Korean or Southeast Asian cooking.