Oko Rye

- 29 Purchase St, Rye, NY 10580

For New Yorkers seeking an elevated and imaginative approach to Japanese dining outside the Manhattan bustle, Oko Rye stands as a sophisticated destination in the affluent Westchester community. This establishment is not merely a traditional Japanese restaurant; it is a culinary experience where classic techniques are infused with a contemporary, creative flair by the esteemed Chef Brian Lewis and his team. Located in the heart of Rye, Oko has cultivated a reputation among locals and visitors from New York City for delivering exceptional quality, innovation, and service.

Oko Rye provides a menu that gracefully balances authentic Japanese concepts with novel interpretations, ensuring there is something to excite every palate. From immaculately prepared nigiri and sashimi using premium fish like Bluefin Tuna Akami and Ora King Salmon, to comforting hot dishes and unique small plates, the kitchen emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant has earned recognition, including a mention in the Michelin Guide, for its commitment to this blend of tradition and modernity, solidifying its place as a regional dining powerhouse.

The dining experience is designed to be both refined and inviting. The interior is characterized by a "cozy" and "trendy" atmosphere, featuring a light-filled space with a lofty ceiling and an open design that flows from the kitchen through the welcoming bar and into the dining room. This lively, modern, yet warm environment makes Oko Rye a popular spot for a variety of patrons—from families and groups celebrating to dedicated "foodies" focused on the Omakase journey. The staff is generally attentive, ensuring a professional dining experience, although some guests note the bar service can occasionally be less focused, a small point in an otherwise excellent overall delivery of food quality and sophisticated atmosphere.

The food and beverage offerings are extensive and carefully curated. Beyond the raw bar, the menu features unique items like the Crispy Spicy Salmon and Tuna Nigiri, various Yakitori options including Chicken and Hanger Steak, and innovative starters such as the Shiso Chips & Dip. The bar offers a wide selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard Liquor, and Wine, with a particular highlight on creative Cocktails, like the Japanese Old Fashioned, and a great Tea selection, adding layers to the full dining experience. For those looking for a complete and highly curated meal, the multi-course OKO-KASE tasting menu is available by reservation, offering the chef’s personalized selection of the day’s finest ingredients and preparations.

Location and Accessibility

Oko Rye is strategically located at the center of Rye’s popular downtown area, making it an accessible spot for New York residents in Westchester and those traveling up from NYC.

The restaurant's address is: 29 Purchase St, Rye, NY 10580, USA.

Situated right on Purchase Street, the restaurant is a prominent feature in this busy commercial hub, providing a direct view of the neighborhood's activity through its large windows. Accessibility is a key feature for the convenience of all patrons, with the restaurant specifically offering Wheelchair Accessible Restrooms and Wheelchair Accessible Seating. Parking options in the area include Free Street Parking, Paid Street Parking, and a Paid Parking Lot nearby, accommodating both local diners and those visiting from surrounding communities. Given its popularity, dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours and on weekends, ensuring a table for the highly sought-after dining experience.

Services Offered

Oko Rye is a full-service Japanese-inspired restaurant offering a diverse range of dining and service options to meet the needs of its discerning New York clientele.

• Dine-in Service: Offering Table Service for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert in a cozy, trendy atmosphere with an open kitchen and bar.
• Takeout Service: Customers can easily order food for Takeout, providing a convenient option for enjoying high-quality Japanese cuisine at home.
• Reservation System: The restaurant accepts Reservations, and it is strongly recommended to book a table in advance, particularly for Dinner.
• Omakase Experience: A multi-course, highly personalized OKO-KASE tasting menu is available for an immersive culinary journey.
• Full Bar Service: A Bar Onsite providing a wide selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard Liquor, Wine, and specialty drinks.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts major forms of electronic payment including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
• Dietary Options: Menu includes Healthy Options and dishes suitable for sharing through Small Plates, accommodating various dining preferences.

Features / Highlights

Oko Rye’s standout features distinguish it as a premier Japanese restaurant in the New York region, drawing an "adventurous" clientele who appreciate quality and innovation.

• Creative Japanese Cuisine: The menu is an inventive interpretation of Japanese techniques by Chef Brian Lewis, blending traditional sushi and sashimi with contemporary American culinary influences.
• Michelin Guide Recognition: The restaurant has been recognized for its innovative approach, refined setting, and quality of dishes, a significant endorsement of its caliber.
• Signature Sushi Offerings: Known for its high-quality Nigiri and Sashimi, with an emphasis on premium fish and creative preparations, including the highly recommended Chef’s Selection 5 Piece ($30.00) and 10 Piece ($50.00) Nigiri Assortment.
• Specialty Cocktails and Sake Program: The bar excels with unique, Japanese-inspired cocktails like the Gingered Ninja and Japanese Old Fashioned, alongside a comprehensive selection of sake, appealing to New York’s sophisticated beverage scene.
• Variety of Dining Formats: Popular for Solo Dining, Lunch, and Dinner, accommodating both a quick, quality meal at the bar and a full, celebratory table service experience.
• Excellent Tea Selection: Recognized for its Great Tea Selection, offering high-quality non-alcoholic options that complement the delicate Japanese flavors.

Contact Information

To ensure an excellent dining experience at this coveted Westchester spot, here is the necessary contact and location information:

Address: 29 Purchase St, Rye, NY 10580, USA

Phone: (914) 481-8660

Mobile Phone: +1 914-481-8660

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Yorker seeking an exceptional dining experience, Oko Rye is definitively worth choosing for its uncompromising commitment to quality, flavor, and sophisticated ambiance. The price point is higher, as customers acknowledge, but this is directly tied to the superior quality of the ingredients, a fact that makes the experience "worth it."

The most compelling reason to visit is the expertly executed raw fish and the option for the Omakase experience. Customers rave about the Nigiri, with many highly recommending the Chef's Choice assortments, a testament to the Sushi Chef's skill and the freshness of the product. Specifically, the "spicy crispy salmon and tuna" and the King Salmon Poke are noted favorites that showcase the restaurant’s creative flair.

Beyond the sushi, the inventive small plates and Yakitori options—like the Blistered Shishitos or the Japanese Eggplant & Mushroom Yakitori—offer a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the raw dishes. The bar program is another key highlight; the Japanese Old Fashioned, for example, proves that the same attention to quality and creativity extends to the beverage menu. While the atmosphere is 'cozy' and 'trendy,' and the food is consistently excellent, the best way to ensure a seamless visit is to heed the advice of planning ahead: make a dinner reservation to avoid any wait, particularly if you prefer a table over the lively bar seating. Oko Rye offers a taste of world-class, contemporary Japanese cuisine that makes the trip to Westchester a truly rewarding culinary journey.

Oko Rye

29 Purchase St, Rye, NY 10580, USA