TLDR: I'm with it. Sendo is meant to be a spot right by Penn/MSG where you can grab an almost fast-casual omakase. Modeled after the fast-pace of Tokyo's standing sushi bars, perfect for a quick lunch, dinner or solo meal. Get the Hokkaido set for maximum value and enjoy the ride.
I came across this place after seeing this was supposed to be the Sushi Namba pop-up location. Tried it on a weeknight and it does fill up fast, especially since word's getting out about it. It is meant to be inspired by the standing sushi bars in Tokyo. It's a ten-seat counter and walk-in only.
The owner doesn't call it an omakase but for most folks, that's how it'll be viewed. They do sushi sets, I recommend the Hokkaido which for $45 is quite the bargain. It's 9 nigiri sushi, 3 temaki (hand rolls) and a miniature kaisendon or sushi rice bowl. It is meant to be fast-paced, chances are a queue will build up behind of you. If you've ever wondered what it's like to eat at a popular place in Japan - here you go.
Talking to the staff and owner, it's clear they do care very much about the product they're putting out. Their shari (sushi rice) is sourced from Hokkaido and has a pleasant bite but not too al-dente. To use the Ichiran "firmness" customization, it's probably around medium. The rice isn't as starchy, so the grains are more individual and the piece will melt as you ate it. It's got a nice vinegary taste but not too strong on sourness. I personally prefer the latter, especially as an Edomae sushi fan boy but I all understand you're appealing to the masses.
It's a solid variety of white fish, bluefin tuna, salmons and some shellfish as well. The spotted prawn was superbly bouncy, to have Hokkaido scallop at this price point was a nice surprise too. I did inquire about the Hokkaido uni MP listed on the menu - I was told the day's shipment wasn't to their quality control and they opted not to serve it. I respect that kind of commitment to product.
Hand rolls are probably one of the things I most look forward to at omakase, so the fact that you get three is nice. The nori is very crispy, there's some aging in the fish as well.
While I get that it's easy to compare them to your chalkboard (budget) omakase spot - I applaud what they're doing. It's filling a void in the NYC sushi market that leans more towards traditional sushi. So there's not 10 butane torches on deck, nor are there any ramekins with caviar and truffles. It's really just shari, neta (topping) and the chef's sauce. Even if you're more about them "sauces" - you might find you like the more simple preparation. I feel a lot of sushi diners evolve out of the sauce and into the more minimalistic style.
There was a time where I too loved pasta a la Cheesecake Factory (I still do, TBH) but I've also come to enjoy purist Italian pastas more as I've aged. What I dig about sendo is that what they're doing is different. There are lots of budget omakases all over the city and that's fine. I have not seen a concept like sendo around recently, not since maybe Sushi Daizen in LIC and that was more of a neighborhood traditional sushi restaurant.
I think sendo will draw crowds (they already are) and I hope they do well. People will show up either for the uniqueness of the experience, convenience of the location (once you figure out which door it is), the price of the meal or the quality of the sushi. I'll eat any end of the sushi spectrum, low, mid and high. read more