Saito Sushi in Midtown started offering a kaiseki tasting menu for lunch on April 15, 2024. The move aims to increase midday customer traffic.
  • Saito Sushi is located on West 47th Street in Midtown Manhattan.
  • The kaiseki lunch menu features a sequence of six courses.
  • Lunch service hours run Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Saito Sushi, a Midtown Japanese restaurant known primarily for its dinner omakase, has added a kaiseki tasting menu to its lunch offerings. The new menu debuted on April 15, 2024, and features six carefully curated courses that reflect traditional kaiseki dining. The format aims to provide a more formal and structured lunchtime experience compared to the restaurant’s standard sushi options.

The decision to add a kaiseki tasting menu at lunch follows a period of fluctuating midday traffic in Midtown. Chef-owner Kenji Saito explained that the addition is designed to attract diners looking for a sit-down meal during the workweek. The menu is priced at $75 per person, excluding tax and tip, and reservations are recommended.

The courses include seasonal appetizers, sashimi, a grilled fish dish, and a simmered vegetable plate, ending with a light dessert. The restaurant states that ingredients are sourced daily from local markets and Tokyo-based suppliers. The kaiseki lunch seeks to balance traditional Japanese culinary techniques with the convenience required by lunch diners in the area.

Saito Sushi has adjusted its lunch hours to run from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, to accommodate the new menu. While the restaurant continues to offer ร  la carte sushi options, the kaiseki tasting menu is positioned as the centerpiece of lunch service. This move comes amid increased competition in Midtownโ€™s Japanese dining scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the kaiseki tasting menu at Saito Sushi?

The kaiseki lunch menu includes six courses: seasonal appetizers, sashimi, a grilled fish dish, simmered vegetables, and a dessert. The courses are designed to showcase traditional Japanese techniques with seasonal ingredients sourced daily.

When is the kaiseki tasting menu available for lunch?

The kaiseki tasting menu is available Monday through Friday between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating during lunch hours.

How much does the kaiseki lunch cost at Saito Sushi?

The lunch tasting menu is priced at $75 per person, excluding tax and tip. The price reflects the multi-course format and the sourcing of premium ingredients.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.

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