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Since Hotel Chelsea reopened in 2022 under hoteliers Ira Drukier, Richard Born, and Sean MacPherson, the storied stay has undergone far more than a facelift. El Quijote returned, the Lobby Bar debuted, Café Chelsea went viral, and a serene spa quietly opened on the penthouse level. Now, one last jewel completes the transformation.
Introducing Teruko: a moody Japanese restaurant at the site of what was once the famed subterranean nightclub, Serena.
Set the Scene
Guests arrive one of two ways—via the hotel’s art-filled foyer and a hidden staircase beside the Lobby Bar, or through the outdoor concrete steps behind Chelsea Guitars. Either way, you land in what feels like a secret speakeasy only NYC could dream up.
Inside, the vibe is sultry and sculptural—an ode to the Japanese-Swiss artist Teruko Yokoi, who once resided at the hotel (hence the name). A centerpiece bartop—repurposed from Hotel Okura’s famed Orchid Bar in Tokyo—anchors the space, with curated Japanese whiskeys lining the shelves in precise formation. Toward the back, an intimate sushi counter invites guests to watch as chefs slice and prepare nigiri and sashimi in real time.
A few final design details complete the wabi-sabi tone: exposed brick ceilings arch overhead, casting shadows across limestone floors, salvaged wood walls, and panels of indigo-dyed denim adorned with Yokoi’s original artworks. Hazy, ambient lighting slows time, and the line between day and night gently dissolves.
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What Can We Expect from the Food?
Helmed by acclaimed Chef Tadashi Ono, along with Sunday Hospitality and partner Charles Seich, Teruko’s menu is a refined exploration of traditional Japanese flavors delivered with contemporary finesse. Dishes are thoughtfully divided into sections: hot and chilled appetizers, salads and soups, robata-grilled delights, seafood, meats, rice and noodles, nigiri and sashimi, and edomae-style sushi.
From the moment you're seated, the experience feels intentional. A hot towel is offered to cleanse your hands, followed by a chilled shooter of umami-rich broth to awaken the palate. Tableside soy sauce service and fresh plates with every course add to the quiet sense of ceremony. Servers encourage guests to order one dish from each section and share family-style.
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Standouts included a vibrant kale salad dressed in miso and topped with tofu and avocado, and warm edamame tossed with crunchy dried beans and seasoned with konbu-shiitake salt. While I’d skip the Hire Katsu (breaded pork tenderloin with black truffle sauce), the Wagyu flatiron steak glazed in hatcho miso was a favorite—and the miso-marinated grilled black cod earned unanimous praise.
It’s a sushi bar, after all, so going in on a few orders of nigiri and sashimi is non-negotiable. Toro, hamachi, and sake are always classic bites, but don’t skip the seared king salmon with chili garlic or the seared Wagyu with horseradish—both earned audible oohs and aahs from my girlfriends. Oh, and it’s all accompanied by chopped cubes of ginger, which is tough to beat.
I admittedly was tuckered out after all the savory indulgences, so dessert wasn’t in the cards. That said, the ginger sorbet definitely caught my eye for next time.
Let’s Talk About the Drinks
You’ll want to order at least one (or two) of Teruko’s inventive cocktails, and a curated sake selection by George Padilla of Sunday Hospitality’s Rule of Thirds. The cocktail menu crafted by Director of Bars, Brian Evans, leans bold and unexpected, with house creations like the Gari Martini—stirred with Haku Vodka or Roku Gin, pickled ginger, sherry, and white soy—delivering a sharp, ginger-y twang and a subtle sting on the lips. (Personally, I love that sensation. But if you prefer something less spirit-forward, go for the Shiso Gimlet, a refreshing spirit-free option made with Everleaf Marine, shiso, peach, and celery.)
For wine lovers, you’re in good hands with Claire Paparazzo, Hotel Chelsea’s revered Wine Director. Her curated list includes a thoughtful mix of white, red, orange, and sparkling wines—with prestige picks like Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV sure to impress even the most discerning oenophile.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Teruko is a standout sushi spot—an experience that feels quintessentially New York. Its place within the culinary powerhouse of Hotel Chelsea only adds to the allure, with the property’s historic appeal and magnetic pull drawing in everyone from locals to celebrities alike.
Top Takeaways
Location: Chelsea, New York City
Cuisine: Japanese
The vibe: A sexy sushi speakeasy tucked beneath one of New York’s most iconic stays, Hotel Chelsea.
Pricing: $$
Take reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: As a sashimi and nigiri lover, mine has to be the classic Sake (king salmon) nigiri—or the seared king salmon with chili garlic for something with a little kick.
The attire: Smart casual
Hours: Open for dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm Thursday through Friday.
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