Rosella

Tucked away on Avenue A in the heart of the East Village, Rosella is rewriting the rules of what American sushi can be. This isn’t your typical Japanese import—it’s a celebration of domestic seafood that proves you don’t need to fly fish halfway around the world to create something extraordinary. The space itself feels refreshingly unpretentious, with the kind of casual energy where you might catch the chefs debating their playlist while they craft your next course.

The menu reads like a tour of American coastlines. Bigeye tuna from North Carolina, striped bass raised in Bushwick, and fluke so fresh from Montauk it practically commuted to dinner. Whether you’re going the à la carte route or splurging on the omakase experience, every piece of fish tells a story of sustainable sourcing without sacrificing an ounce of luxury. The chirashi bowl is a greatest-hits compilation in a single dish, while individual nigiri pieces—particularly the Washington State arctic char and buttery Massachusetts bluefin—will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about domestic seafood.

What makes Rosella special extends beyond the fish itself. There’s a playful creativity here, from the kimchi-inspired sauce on the spicy avocado roll to the unexpected heat of fresno chilis in the arctic char maki. The beverage program follows the same locally-minded philosophy, and yes, you should absolutely try the red wine with your sushi—it works better than you’d expect.

Reservations can be competitive, but the bar by the window welcomes walk-ins for those willing to show up around opening time. Whether you’re celebrating something special with the omakase or just treating yourself to a weeknight highlight at the bar, Rosella delivers an experience that feels both elevated and entirely approachable.