NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Hiro Sawatari, 30-year sushi chef formerly of Sushi Yasuda, runs the eight-seat, onyx-clad sushi bar at Niko, a Mercer street marvel of both Japanese cuisine and SoHo architecture. The acclaimed Rafael de Cárdenas designed the space, a SoHo Op-Art-influenced showpiece of city views, lightless chandeliers, onyx, brass, walnut and blond oak. If you happen to snag one of those exclusive bar seats, ask for the special Sustainable Omakase (chef’s choice). If you get a table, the red king crab legs are sweet, succulent, served with drawn butter and a bean-sprout kimchi, sure to please any crowd. A slow-roasted spicy chicken served with consommé is also a golden ticket. Japanese margaritas with jalapeño-infused tequila, yuzu and shiso leaf, and Hiro ‘ito with Atlantico rum, Champagne and mint, plus an extensive by-the-glass wine list, round out the menu. Or, for something really rare, try Rogue Gaijin Pale Ale – only 20 kegs are produced each year.

Photo: Floto + Warner