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Koi Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Koi Restaurant
8.2
A Bryant Park Hotel staple that pairs upscale sushi with a dim, Zen-leaning dining room built for celebrations and expense-account dinners. It’s strongest when you lean into signature starters and a focused sushi order rather than chasing every hot dish on the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy rice with spicy tuna, Miso black cod, Chef’s selection sushi & sashimi
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Signature sushi-room energy with a hotel-lounge glow.
Who should go: Celebration diners who want a reliable upscale scene.
When to visit: Early dinner, then linger into the night.
What to order: Crispy rice, black cod, sushi selection.
Insider tip: Start with two signatures, then go mostly sushi for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at the Bryant Park Hotel; street parking is very limited and unreliable, especially after 6pm. Garages nearby but expensive.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if styled well, but this is a heels-and-collared-shirt room at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but it’s not a quiet sushi bar—energy builds as the night goes on.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; later evenings can stretch longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short one, especially if you arrive before peak noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable sushi, salads, and a few composed starters make it workable.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with vegetable rolls and careful ordering, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes — sushi and sashimi work well; flag soy sauce and fried items with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a polished, dimly lit setting that feels like an occasion. It’s more upscale-scene than intimate whisper-level, so it suits confident, high-energy dates best.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but expect a wait at dinner. Bar seating and late reservations are your best backup; weekday lunches are much easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. While children aren’t forbidden, the lighting, pacing, and price point are geared toward adults and business or celebration dining.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-driven upscale sushi with signature dishes and a hotel-lounge feel—stronger for celebrations and expense-account dinners than minimalist sushi counters.
Skip if: You want a quiet omakase experience, strict fish-forward purity, or a value-driven sushi meal—look to more traditional or chef-led sushi bars instead.
Koi Restaurant
8.4
A Bryant Park Hotel dining room built for a polished, occasion-ready sushi date: dim-leaning energy, crisp pacing, and a menu that plays upscale Japanese hits without feeling fussy. It’s strongest when you order a tight spread of signature starters plus one composed fish main and let the room carry the romance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black miso cod, Lobster tacos, Edamame dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Hotel-lounge glamour with a proven, high-volume sushi playbook.
Who should go: Couples celebrating or dressing up Midtown.
When to visit: Early dinner for the calmest room.
What to order: Lobster tacos, edamame dumplings, black miso cod.
Insider tip: Anchor the meal with one fish main—then share two starters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at the Bryant Park Hotel; street parking is very limited and unreliable after 6pm. Garages nearby are the practical fallback.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets, heels, and polished looks fit the room; clean dark jeans are acceptable but lean upscale.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively hotel-dining buzz, but you can hold a full conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and shareable starters.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based rolls and sides; best to ask for adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Yes — sashimi and select dishes can be prepared gluten-free; notify the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want polished and confident rather than casual. The room does some of the work for you, which helps ease first-date nerves.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late, but risky at peak dinner hours. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and special occasions.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. While children are allowed, the vibe skews adult and celebratory—better suited for couples and grown-up nights out.
Best For
Better for: Upscale sushi dates where ambiance, cocktails, and a glamorous room matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want an omakase-focused, chef-driven experience or a quieter, more traditional sushi bar.