Seemor
SESAMO - Italian Restaurant Hell's KitchenB+Worth Trying
764 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
· Italian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1417 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Inventive Italian-Asian fusion with standout duck ragù and creative chicken parm; polished service and cocktails, premium pricing, with mixed experiences on busy nights and occasional execution lapses.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Sesamo delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality and exceptional service attentiveness, with creative Italian-Asian fusion and a loyal following. However, inconsistent execution on busy nights—particularly with fish doneness and seasoning—prevents grade A territory, while a recent food safety concern adds caution. The cozy West Side location and knowledgeable staff make it competitive with respected local favorites, though execution reliability needs strengthening.
Restaurant Summary
On 10th Avenue, this spot blends Italian comfort with Asian flair in a room that feels cozy and welcoming. Reviews rave about the team by name, and one diner said service was 10 out of 10, with thoughtful recommendations and quick plate clears. However, execution can wobble on busy nights, and pricing changes have surprised a few guests. The cooking leans contemporary fusion, not classic trattoria. Expect miso in salmon, tempura on chicken parm, and Calabrian heat in bucatini. The culinary approach is creative and produce-driven: bold flavors and cross-cultural touches rather than safe tradition. Fans praise duck ragù and the crunchy, reimagined chicken parm; detractors sometimes find sauces salty or fish over/undercooked. Families will find a warm and accommodating staff, with familiar anchors like pastas, chicken parm, and a burger for less adventurous eaters. There is at least one vegan main and several vegetarian options, though the fusion tilt may challenge picky palates. No explicit kids menu noted; consider lunch or earlier seatings for the calmest experience.
At a Glance
- Inventive Italian-Asian fusion with standout duck ragù and tempura/Korean chicken parm
- Attentive, personable service; strong cocktail program
- Premium pricing and smaller portions
- Occasional execution lapses (fish doneness, salt levels, slow drinks)
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Italian-Asian fusion across the whole menu
- High-touch service with named staff recognition
- Capable private event execution
What People Love
- Emotionally warm, attentive service by name
- Duck ragù that diners call a must-order
- Crunchy, reimagined chicken parm that surprises
- Balanced, inventive cocktails that elevate the meal
Points of Concern
- Pricing can feel high for portion size; bread charge reported
- Occasional uneven execution: fish over/undercooked, oversalting, slow bar on busy nights
- Reports of billing/tip discrepancies and one last-minute price change on NYE
- Review patterns show signs of polarization; interpret extremes with context
- For fusion score 7.8: Some diners may find flavors too adventurous or non-traditional
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$70-92 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into duck ragù and tempura chicken parm for signature flavors
- Use lunch prix-fixe ($42) for value; dinner prix-fixe (~$55 reported) suits first-timers
- For vegan diners, choose Truffle Mushroom Lasagna and supplement with veg-forward small plates
Perfect For
- Pre-theater dinner with creative plates
- Date night where cocktails matter
- Private group events with coordinated service
- Adventurous diners seeking fusion twists
Location Insights
Area: Lively West Side blocks near Broadway; pre-theater traffic, neighborhood locals, and bar scene.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked evenings; typical Midtown West foot traffic and lighting.
Nearby: Near Broadway theaters, 9th/10th Ave dining corridors, residential walk-ups, bars.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen is known for its diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, often frequented by locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood has a lively, urban atmosphere with a strong connection to the nearby Theater District, making it popular for pre- and post-show dining and nightlife.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:30–21:00
Tuesday16:30–21:00
Wednesday16:30–21:00
Thursday12:30–21:00
Friday12:30–21:30
Saturday11:30–21:30
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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