Teruko: An Intimate Sushi Haven Inspired by Art and Precision

A Tribute to Art, History, and Taste

Beneath the historic walls of Hotel Chelsea, an address known for housing poets, painters, and provocateurs, lies a restaurant that approaches food with the same reverence that artists bring to canvas. Teruko, named after a Japanese artist once in residence at the hotel, invites guests into an immersive experience—where sushi becomes more than a meal and dining becomes an expression of subtle artistry.

Stepping into Teruko feels like discovering a secret. A short staircase leads guests down into a softly lit, minimalist space where each detail—from the curved wood of the counter to the hush in the air—feels intentional. The focus is pure: sushi, presented with elegance, mastery, and soul.

The Man Behind the Counter: Chef Tadashi Ono

At the heart of Teruko is Chef Tadashi Ono, a name that carries weight in New York’s culinary scene. Formerly of the beloved Matsuri, Ono has long been respected for blending precision with approachability. With Teruko, he returns to a more personal scale—eschewing the buzz of large dining rooms for the intimacy of a focused sushi bar.

Ono’s background is steeped in both traditional Japanese technique and French culinary influence, giving his approach to sushi a unique elegance. Every slice, every roll, every garnish reflects decades of craftsmanship. But Ono is no purist in the rigid sense—his food is traditional in form but modern in spirit.

The Sushi: Minimalism with Meaning

Teruko’s sushi is defined by its clean flavors, impeccable cuts, and a reverence for ingredient integrity. The menu changes with the seasons, driven by availability and freshness, and leans into the purity of the omakase experience—a chef’s choice format that allows Ono to guide your journey.

Signature offerings include:

• Otoro (fatty tuna) – buttery, melting slices sourced directly from Japanese markets.

• Hokkaido Uni – briny and sweet, served atop gently seasoned rice that accentuates, never overwhelms.

• Shima Aji (striped jack) – clean and bright with just a touch of yuzu zest.

• Saba (mackerel) – cured in-house with balanced acidity and silky texture.

• Tamago (sweet egg omelet) – a final course that functions like dessert, with its custard-like softness and subtle sweetness.

Each piece is served one at a time, allowing guests to appreciate the craft and progression. There’s no soy sauce dish here—everything comes perfectly seasoned, inviting you to let go of control and trust the chef’s intent.

Not Just Fish: A Balanced Japanese Menu

While sushi takes center stage, Teruko offers a small but thoughtful selection of non-sushi dishes that showcase the broader landscape of Japanese cuisine.

Think:

• Chawanmushi – a steamed egg custard with shrimp and shiitake mushrooms, smooth and deeply savory.

• Kampachi Tataki – lightly seared amberjack with citrus ponzu and fresh herbs.

• Seasonal vegetable pickles – tangy, crunchy counterpoints to the soft textures of sashimi.

• Miso Soup – warm, earthy, and comforting, with handmade tofu cubes floating in a deeply flavored broth.

These dishes provide contrast and depth, turning a sushi dinner into a holistic culinary experience.

Design That Honors Stillness and Space

The physical space of Teruko is small but serene, designed like a sanctuary. There are fewer than 20 seats, most of them positioned at the counter where guests can watch Ono at work. Natural wood, soft linen textures, and low lighting create a meditative ambiance. Art from the restaurant’s namesake—subtle, expressive Japanese brushwork—hangs on the walls, a nod to the Chelsea building’s creative past.

Dining at Teruko feels less like a night out and more like a moment of pause—a chance to slow down, be present, and savor the details.

The Connection to Hotel Chelsea

Teruko’s location is more than symbolic. Hotel Chelsea, a landmark for generations of artists and thinkers, has always embraced bold expression. The restaurant continues that tradition, not by being flashy, but by staying true to the values of artistry, discipline, and story.

The restaurant’s name pays homage to Teruko Yokoi, a mid-20th-century Japanese artist who lived and painted in the hotel during its bohemian golden age. Her spirit—creative, refined, quietly powerful—is mirrored in the restaurant’s ethos and design.

An Experience, Not a Trend

In a city where dining trends come and go like subway trains, Teruko remains firmly grounded. There are no gimmicks, no flashy plating, no DJ booths or fusion distractions. This is sushi in its most dignified form, presented by a master who doesn't need to chase headlines.

The omakase experience lasts about 90 minutes and feels like a guided journey rather than a performance. It’s quiet. It’s intentional. And it's precisely this stillness that makes Teruko feel revolutionary in the noise of New York.

Who It’s For

• Sushi Enthusiasts looking for precision without pretension.

• Couples seeking an intimate, elegant dinner setting.

• Solo Diners who value peace, counter seating, and personal attention.

• Art Lovers who appreciate stories, spaces, and dining as a form of expression.

Teruko isn’t necessarily for large groups or boisterous celebrations. It’s a place for thoughtful dining, quiet appreciation, and the kind of evening you’ll remember long after the final piece of sushi has been served.

Service That Respects the Craft

The service at Teruko is warm, respectful, and understated. Staff are trained not just in hospitality but in the art of observation—they anticipate needs before they’re spoken, guide without intrusion, and treat each guest with quiet reverence.

Reservations are recommended, and the team handles them with the grace you’d expect from an establishment rooted in both tradition and excellence.

Final Thoughts: A Hidden Masterpiece Beneath the City

Teruko isn’t the type of restaurant that makes a lot of noise. It doesn’t need to. Instead, it draws you in slowly—through the hush of the room, the precision of each dish, and the calm confidence of a chef who has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft.