Sushi Azabu, the renowned sushiya in TriBeCa which includes the downstairs omakase counter, The Den, is closing on January 21st, 2025.
They should confirm publicly soon.
Yes, there are more sushiya in this city than rats, but this is a massive loss to our sushi scene for a few reasons:
- The Den was one of the few sushiya at the top level serving a nigiri-only omakase. For those of us – there are many – that prefer sushi to 2 hours of 6 otsumami, the news stings.
- Toshihide Terado is a fantastic itamae. He returned stateside from Japan in November 2022, and it will be a shame if he leaves again.
- The lunch….a true temple in TriBeCa. I reviewed it here. (my Den review is here).
- And speaking of TriBeCa, this neighborhood is great for families. But for eating at affordable restaurants? Azabu was one of a few. I guess we’ll eat at Lot Less.
- I am very pro service worker, and the team at Azabu, from the manager down, was incredible. I’m sure they’ll be fine, but hopefully they stay within the sushi world.
It’s also surprising. Though The Den had received acclaim, buzz, etc online, Sushi Azabu’s upstairs had surged in popularity recently thanks to a great lunch (I reviewed it here) and a ton of celebrity sightings. Leo, Tom, me.
Apparently Corporate made the decision
Azabu is part of Plan Do See hospitality. I don’t know their reason, but restaurant groups don’t usually close wildly profitable locations. TriBeCa rents are notoriously high, and there is competition all around (I’ve written the neighborhood is New York’s best for sushi).
And there should be broader concern on the sushi scene in New York. Right now, it’s a mile wide and an inch deep – there so many chalkboard omakase options I can’t keep up, and it’s fair to wonder how sustainable the bubble is.
If it bursts, my only hope is that great, traditional sushiya aren’t caught in the fallout.
Azabu closing isn’t a great start.