ZipPicks Awards
Best Tasting Menus in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
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
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, strictly formal tasting counter or a fully traditional Asian fine-dining experience