Wegmans’ New Sushi Spot Opens in NYC
Wegmans is stepping beyond the grocery aisle and into downtown Manhattan’s dining scene with Next Door, a Japanese restaurant centered around premium Wegmans sushi. Set to open April 30 at its Astor Place store, the restaurant represents a shift from their familiar market-style offerings to a more refined, sit-down setting that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and careful preparation.
A Shift in Direction
Back in 2002, Wegmans launched the first version of Next Door in Rochester. What started as a casual side project next to its store has turned into a more focused dining concept. Now, it’s coming to New York with a menu that sticks to simplicity and technique.
Expect dishes like chu-toro tartare with truffle dashi, lightly battered shrimp tempura, and a koji-marinated ribeye. Most of the seafood comes in directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. There’s also a handful of vegetarian plates, along with fried chicken and a pre-dinner Champagne Hour with drinks and snacks. This isn’t a replica of what’s in Rochester, it’s adapted for a city full of people who already know good sushi.
A Space That Feels Different
The design sets a clear tone. With soft lighting, ocean-inspired artwork, and clean lines, it feels removed from the supermarket underneath. You don’t enter through the store, you use a side entrance on Astor Place. Inside, there’s a sushi counter, an open kitchen, and booth seating for groups. Materials like tile, wood, and glass give the space a practical but put-together feel. It’s not loud, it’s not flashy, it just works.
The Team Behind It
Wegmans brought in talent to match the ambition:
- John Emerson has worked with Wegmans’ culinary side for years.
- Chef Oliver Lange brings experience from places like Zuma NYC.
- Chef Kazuya Matsuoka trained in Kyoto and helped lead Toronto’s Aburi Hana.
Together, they’ve built a kitchen that doesn’t overreach, it just stays focused on getting the details right.
What to Know
- Location: 770 Broadway, Manhattan (inside Wegmans, entrance on Astor Place)
- Opening: April 30, 2025
- Hours:
- Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
- Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
- Reservations: OpenTable
- Website: Wegmans
Why It’s Worth Your Time
This is Wegmans testing the waters in a new way. Next Door doesn’t try to compete with every sushi spot in town. It’s low-pressure, carefully run, and built on good sourcing and solid cooking. If you want a meal that’s straightforward but thoughtful, it might be worth checking out. if you’re planning your week around food and fun, check out our latest roundup, Best Things To Do in New York This Week (April 21–27). It’s full of low-key events, local picks, and good spots that pair well with a visit to Next Door.
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