The Gallery by Odo: A Japanese Restaurant and Art Gallery in NYC

THE GALLERY by odo Introduce

Discover The Gallery by Odo: A Unique Culinary and Artistic Journey in NYC

New York City is a global hub of culture and cuisine, and for those seeking a truly unique experience, a visit to a Japanese restaurant is a must. One place that stands out from the crowd is The Gallery by Odo. This isn't just a place to grab a bite; it's a fusion of fine dining and contemporary art, offering a multi-sensory journey for locals and visitors alike. Situated in the heart of the city, this establishment provides a one-of-a-kind setting where you can enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine while surrounded by captivating art. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to elevate their dining experience beyond the ordinary, offering a mix of casual comfort and artistic flair.

The Gallery by Odo is renowned for its inventive approach to Japanese food, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. The menu is crafted to delight, with a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for classic sushi, hearty hot dishes, or a savory sandwich, there's something to satisfy every craving. The restaurant's ambiance is both casual and cozy, making it an ideal destination for a variety of occasions, from a casual lunch with friends to an intimate dinner. The unique combination of an art gallery and a dining space creates an environment that is both stimulating and relaxing, setting it apart from other dining options in the city.

The concept of merging an art gallery with a restaurant is a testament to the creativity of The Gallery by Odo. It provides a platform for showcasing art in a dynamic way, allowing guests to appreciate the pieces in a casual, interactive setting. The art installations are thoughtfully curated, changing over time to offer a fresh experience with each visit. While some guests have noted that the initial setup can feel a bit unconventional, with art pieces displayed in a seemingly unorganized fashion, the overall experience of dining amidst art is a novel and memorable one. The commitment to providing both culinary excellence and artistic inspiration makes The Gallery by Odo a notable destination in the New York food scene. It’s a place that appeals to both foodies and art enthusiasts, promising an unforgettable journey for all who enter its doors.

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Location and Accessibility

The Gallery by Odo is conveniently located at 17 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011, USA. This prime location in the Flatiron District makes it easily accessible for anyone in the New York City region. The neighborhood is well-connected by public transportation, with numerous subway lines and bus routes serving the area, making it a breeze to get to from anywhere in the city. The central location also makes it an excellent choice for a meal before or after visiting other popular nearby attractions, such as Madison Square Park or the Flatiron Building.

For those with mobility concerns, the restaurant is highly accessible. The Gallery by Odo features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can enter and enjoy their dining experience without any hassle. Additionally, the establishment provides a wheelchair accessible restroom, further demonstrating its commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. The combination of a central location and thoughtful accessibility features makes this restaurant a convenient and comfortable choice for a diverse range of customers, whether you’re a local resident or a tourist exploring the city.

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Services Offered

The Gallery by Odo provides a variety of services to meet the needs of its guests. The dining options are flexible, with choices for both quick meals and more leisurely dining experiences. From a casual lunch to a full-course dinner, the restaurant is equipped to serve a diverse clientele. Here are some of the key services you can expect:

Dine-in: Enjoy a full dining experience with table service in the restaurant’s cozy and artistic atmosphere.
Takeout: For those on the go, the restaurant offers takeout services, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes at home or work.
Delivery: The Gallery by Odo provides delivery services, bringing its delicious food directly to your doorstep.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan ahead and secure a spot, especially during peak dining hours.
Payment Options: The establishment accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing convenience for all guests.
Kid-Friendly: With high chairs available and a dedicated kids' menu, the restaurant is a great choice for families.

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Features and Highlights

What sets The Gallery by Odo apart are its unique features and standout highlights, which contribute to its overall appeal. The restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination in itself. Here's a look at what makes it special:

Art Gallery: As its name suggests, the restaurant features an art gallery, allowing guests to dine surrounded by curated art. This unique concept creates a distinctive and engaging atmosphere.
Fast Service: Customers often praise the quick and efficient service, ensuring that even during busy times, your food arrives promptly.
Diverse Menu: The menu offers a wide range of options, from a variety of cold and hot dishes to different sushi sets and burgers, catering to a broad range of tastes.
Alcoholic Beverages: The restaurant offers a full bar with a selection of beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine, perfectly complementing the meal.
Popularity: The Gallery by Odo is a popular choice for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, attracting a diverse crowd, including many tourists looking for a unique New York experience.

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What is Worth Choosing

Choosing a dining spot in New York City can be overwhelming, but The Gallery by Odo offers a compelling reason to visit. The restaurant's strength lies in its ability to combine a quality culinary experience with an immersive artistic environment. The menu, while perhaps a bit of a mystery until you arrive, is diverse and delicious. Items like the A5 Wagyu Beef Steak, Grilled Black Cod, and the different sushi flights showcase the kitchen's commitment to using high-quality ingredients. For those who love a bit of comfort food, the The Gallery Burger and Fried Chicken Wings are excellent choices. A notable highlight from a customer review is the chicken nanban udon, which was particularly enjoyed. The restaurant also shines in its service, which is consistently fast and friendly.

While some may find the initial experience a bit unconventional, with a layout that can feel a bit like a "professional lunch buffet," the concept of dining amidst art is genuinely unique. The restaurant's dual nature as a Japanese restaurant and an art gallery makes it a novel destination for those looking for something different from the typical New York dining scene. It's a place where you can not only enjoy good food but also engage with the artistic culture of the city. The commitment to a cozy and casual atmosphere ensures a comfortable and non-intimidating experience, making it a great option for a wide range of diners. Overall, The Gallery by Odo is a worthwhile choice for anyone seeking an innovative and memorable dining experience in a city known for its endless options.

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Contact Information

Address: 17 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Phone: (646) 870-0383

Mobile Phone: +1 646-870-0383

THE GALLERY by odo Menu

Cold Dish
Spring Salad $16.00
yuzu vinaigrette dressing, egg salad, boston lettuce
Tomato Salad Tosazu jelly with Crab $18.00
Seasonal Seafood Tartare $28.00
crab, tuna, scallop, spotted prawn, onion

Hot Dish
Brisket $24.00
house smoked U.S wagyu beef
Short Ribs $42.00
marinated in koji, shichimi pepper, full pound of short rib, slow cooked on the bone
Pork Ribs $22.00
baby pork ribs, sansho pepper vinegar sauce
Cheese Waffle Fries $12.00
american cheese, cheddar cheese
Fried Chicken Wings $16.00
sweet soy glaze, nagoya style
Crispy Chicken Nanban $17.00
egg tartar sauce
Vegetable Tempura $18.00
Grilled Black Cod $24.00
saikyo miso, brussel sprout
A5 Wagyu Beef Steak $65.00
wagyu sirloin, seasonal vegetables, sansho pepper reduction
A5 Wagyu Beef Dashi Shabu Shabu $52.00
wagyu sirloin, seasonal mushroom & vegetables, yuzu paste

Sushi Set
Bluefin Tuna Flight - 5 pcs $28.00
tuna, chu-toro, o-toro, seared toro, tartar
Salmon Flight - 5 pcs $20.00
salmon, seared salmon, salmon belly, ikura, tartar
Makimono Sushi Roll Set $28.00

Burgers & Sandwiches - Choice of Fries or Salad
The Gallery Burger $18.00
wagyu beef patty, red onion, lettuce, american cheese, sansho pepper sauce

THE GALLERY by odo Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Hard liquor
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs
Kids' menu

THE GALLERY by odo Photos

THE GALLERY by odo Location

THE GALLERY by odo

New York New York County New York West 20th Street

17 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

THE GALLERY by odo Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 155 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Overall: 4/5 – Mostly for the service and food.We arrived on time, and the receptionist checked us in and gave us wristbands. From there, we made our way to a room with paintings hanging on the walls and a central table displaying Chinese-style artwork. However, the art table looked like something you’d find at a wholesale market—everything was stacked on top of each other with no real organization.A group of people stood around the room, awkwardly avoiding eye contact. Eventually, we were led to another table, and people began lining up for food.The food itself wasn’t bad, but the menu was a complete mystery until we arrived—we had no idea what we’d be eating. The whole experience felt chaotic. No one gave clear instructions, and the setup felt more like a lunch buffet at a convention than a curated dining event.The plates provided were extremely small, so you could only take a little bit of food at a time. If you happened to be holding a drink, it became difficult to eat, since both hands were occupied. On top of that, there were no tables to set down your plate or drink.After going back to the buffet line 2–3 times, we asked a server about the agenda. That’s when we found out there was another area to explore. We were led outside and walked next door to another location.This second venue turned out to be a restaurant with more space. Inside, they served the same food but in larger quantities. There were salads, sashimi, meatballs, sushi, and some vegetables. No desserts, and no non-alcoholic drinks—only water and alcohol were available.That sums up the experience. Honestly, it felt more like paying $90 for a professional lunch buffet.
July 13 · Kenken
Loved the concept of dining surrounded by art. Restaurant week menu offered a taste of everything within a good budget. Especially enjoyed the chicken nanban udon.
August 24 · Rovik Robert
Cozy spot with beautiful art on the walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The service was excellent, and the food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. A wonderful dining experience!
August 09 · Peary Tiemtab
This review is for the special workshop “ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI.”About 20 people gathered in the ODO gallery by 9 AM before moving to the Zen meditation room on the second floor, accessible by elevator or stairs, which is connected to the adjacent building. After about an hour of meditation (with a break), there is a Q&A session with Rev. Matsubara after the meditation, often silenced during the Q&A session, so I asked Rev.Matsubara a question."Nothing is fixed." This phrase suddenly came to mind last night. Simply I asked 'Is that Zen?' Rev. Matsubara replied with his smile and his usual gentle, conversational tone."Yes! That's a Zen way of thinking, too. It means 'Nothing changes.'"The shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) was excellent once again. The menu changes daily and incorporates seasonal ingredients. Today's miso soup was packed with mushrooms and tofu. The white miso had a deep, rich flavor. All five small dishes were presented on a tray, each one looking appetizing and extremely satisfying. What makes it even better is the ending of the meal, Rev. Matsubara's own matcha tea served with a simple but delicious Wagashi dessert.What is particularly noteworthy about this restaurant is the Maître D'. His attire perfectly embodies the workshop's theme, "Everyday Is A Good Day.," and symbolizes the happiness of the day. His gentle smile and gaze make me smile. I love what he represents. It may seem at odds with the image and vibe of Zen, but I like that he conveys the message that "nothing is fixed" and "every day is a good day."
August 25 · Sunny Shiroma
I actually first heard about the Gallery from an interview with Lucy Liu in the NYT, and it seemed she was very excited about the udon here -- so of course I had to come try it out!I stopped by with a friend on a gloomy Saturday; we had reservations for 12:30, and while the place was pretty empty when we got there, it did fill up over the next hour or so. The interior is so lovely, definitely heavily influenced by the Japanese strain of minimalist aesthetic, with lots of natural materials (our chopsticks were literally sticks) and colours and similar decor, plants, etc. The table in the centre was even filled with ceramic pieces (that might have been for sale? not sure).We ordered everything to share, starting with an order of the chicken nanban. Very yummy, the chicken was fried to a nice crisp while the meat was still very tender, and I really enjoyed the lovely and unique egg/tartar sauce that came on top. We also had some kushikatsu (edit: called kushiage on the menu, but same thing) - jidori chicken was a delight, and I also really loved the lotus root and sweet potato skewers. The breading was not too heavy or oily, and the veggies in particular tasted really fresh.Finally, we ordered the kitsune udon and the cold zaru soba. The udon (I fear) looked much better than it tasted - there certainly wasn't anything bad about it, but the broth and the noodles just... tasted pretty average? Portion size is also a bit small but that was ofc more expected. The soba was similarly... OK? Noodles were well-cooked and chewy, which I liked, but the dashi to dip the noodles in felt a bit bland, even with all the herbs/garnish inside.I would say that the biggest issue during our meal was that service tended to be on the slow side; I'm sure the pacing of the various dishes was intentional, but we spent a lot of time waiting around for our "next" course (and generally getting the attention of our server), and ultimately spent over 2 hours for our meal. (which is not inherently a problem, I love chatting the afternoon away, but just an important heads up!)Still a lovely experience overall, and I'd recommend a visit. The quality of the food was very good, and the price point, while definitely on the high side, was fair considering that calibre -- good for an occasional splurge.
March 08 · Matthew Ho