SESAMO - Italian Restaurant Hell's Kitchen

This was our first time at Sesamo and everything was fantastic. I was the only member of our party that decided on the “Sesamo Experience”. In my opinion, it was well worth the $95 price tag. I started with the fried risotto with basil aioli and had the grilled octopus with purple mashed potatoes as my second. Both were cooked perfectly and the presentation on the octopus was amazing. For my third dish of the “Sesamo Experience”, I had the duck ragu pappardelle which was ridiculously good but very rich and heavy (maybe should've gone with something lighter). I concluded my experience with the coconut curry miso salmon which had the most amazing flavor profiles. The forbidden black rice was a perfect pairing for the dish and you could tell each dish was plated with precision and care. Would recommend to anybody who loves Italian food with a twist.

The food was really delicious, portions were nice. Service went above and beyond. We will be back!

Sesamo is a neighborhood gem not far from Broadway theaters and central to Hell's Kitchen. The food is creative and unusual and the service is notable. Been here several times and they nail it every time.

Server recommended sharing two tasting menus for 3 of us and that gave us a wonderful variety of taste sensations. We commented that it was like an Italian version of tapas. Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. The server was knowledgeable and personable. The owner stopped by the table to check in and seemed genuinely interested that everyone was happy.

Don't be concerned that “Italian-Asian fusion” sounds weird - every dish we tried was great. Can't wait to go back!

This place is terrific for either dinner or drinks only. Thr drinks are pricey, but well worth it! The mixologist are on top of their game! Highly recommend. Vibe was friendly and quaint!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

The Hostess and our server were beyond kind and attentive. The food was exceptional - I’m still thinking about the Tempura Chicken Parm and the pasta. Cocktails were great as well. Sesamo is a must.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We spent 5 days in NYC and dined at several restaurants. We stumbled on this one by accident. It was 5 stars for everything. Not cheap (but not expensive at all by NY syandards) and so worth it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant is extremely attentive, amazing service, and even better food. We can’t wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

lovely asian influenced italian spot in hells kitchen, really friendly staff and service. a bit on the pricier side but the food is definitely good here!

great selection of starters - the best of which was the wild calamari fritti, very moreish and that tomato sauce is also a winner. the salmon crudo and stone fruit buratta salad were also very nice.

the szechuan cacio e pepe with the truffle and stuffed pappardelle was really tasty, very cheezy and rich but probably could've used more of the szechuan peppercorn for a bigger kick. the tempura chicken parm was a cool twist on a classic, nice crunchy tempura batter on the chicken with a simple red sauce spaghetti on the side. the highlight of the meal though was the duck ragu pappardelle, the ragu was delicious with a nice warm spicing and super tender duck meat - defo a must try dish here.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Duck Ragu Pappardelle, Tempura Chicken Parmesan, Calamari, Fried Chicken, Chicken Parmesan

Hidden gem! Creative dishes join a warm atmosphere. Everything was interesting and delicious. Beautiful place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nikita and his crew run a lovely, scrumptious restaurant nestled on a quiet corner of Hell’s Kitchen. Italian meets Japanese in a delightful combination of flavors, the duck breast and charred octopus being the absolute standouts alongside the uni pasta. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Check the time, they are closed after lunch until 4:30. Mai’s has it incorrectly listed as open during that time.

Went for a late brunch and tried the prix fix. Food was great, service efficient and the place was quiet. Worth it !

9/28/25 Update: came back a few times, food is still as good but prices went up and portions significantly reduced. Too bad…

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Matcha Tiramisu

Wine pairings were phenomenal, our server Melanie was a super hero! Ps get the matcha tiramisu

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5