Introducing Jade Rabbit: New York City’s new rooftop izakaya, helmed by Chef Raymon Agno, now open in the new Kimpton Era Midtown New York on West 48th Street. From leading hospitality group Apicii, in partnership with Extell Development, Jade Rabbit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Rockefeller Center and the New York City skyline, accompanied by a robust menu of Japanese and Asian fusion-inspired small plates and innovative cocktails. 

An Izakaya with Unparalleled Views of New York City 

Jade Rabbit, named after the mythical jade rabbit of the moon, serves as a rooftop izakaya, presenting sweeping panoramic views of Rockefeller Center and the New York City skyline. This lush and lively rooftop cocktail lounge features small plates bursting with Japanese and Asian-influenced flavors alongside vibrant riffs on classic and contemporary cocktails. 

Food

Drawing from experience working with pan-Asian flavors, Chef Raymon Agno presents a refined yet diverse display of small plates, sashimi, crispy rice, maki rolls, hand rolls, and a bevy of desserts, all meant for sharing.   

Agno’s menu features flavorful takes on crispy rice and sashimi such as Yellowtail Sashimi (dark tamari ponzu, thai basil oil, spicy jicama salad, and wasabi tobiko); Tuna Tataki (torched bluefin tuna, yuzu ponzu, sesame cucumber salad, bonito-black garlic shoyu cream); and Wagyu Crispy Rice (A5 wagyu tenderloin tartare, fried sushi rice, wasabi tobiko, and wasabi-ginger mayo). The sushi assortment is split into a selection of hand rolls like the Tomato Tartare (yuzu-ponzu marinated tomato, avocado “cream”, sesame oil, seasoned rice, and chili threads); and the Salmon Avocado (ora king salmon, ume plum sauce, avocado, seasoned rice, furikake, and shiso); and maki rolls such as the Yellowtail (cucumber, ginger, green onion, daikon, salmon roe, sesame aioli). Small plates include Duck Daikon “Taco” (confit duck, dashi pickled daikon, salmon roe, and shisho); Hong Kong Shrimp (sauteed shrimp, sweet and spicy sauce, toasted peanuts, and wasabi ginger aioli); and Lobster Dumplings (finadene sauce).  

Modern spins on classic izakaya desserts, such as the Ube Cheesecake (purple yam cheesecake, toasted coconut, Fort Hamilton bourbon syrup), and Matcha Beignet (green tea gelato and powdered sugar), offer a sweet finale to a magical rooftop evening. 

Beverage

Jade Rabbit’s well-rounded beverage program showcases bold and vibrant takes on Asian-inspired cocktails, helmed by Adam Griggs, Apicii’s Director of Bars at Kimpton Era Midtown New York, and a respected spirits industry veteran. Highlights include the Thai Basil Gimlet (pear vodka, Midori, Thai basil, and lime); Vietnamese Espresso Martini (vodka, Vietnamese espresso, and sweetened condensed milk); and Ume Spritz (plum wine, yuzu, elderflower, prosecco, soda water).  

A menu of zero-proof elixirs like the Watermelon Cooler (Lyre’s non-alcoholic agave spirit, watermelon, and lemon), and Jasmine Spritz (Ritual non-alcoholic gin, lemon, jasmine tea, and soda water) offers hand-crafted, inclusive options for all.  Jade Rabbit’s culinary program also pairs seamlessly with a lineup of sakes sourced from Brooklyn, NY, and Japan. 

Design

Guests of Jade Rabbit arrive through a secret side hallway adorned with a vibrant floor-to-ceiling, story-driven mural created by artist and large-scale muralist Aaron Petz. Designed by SLCE Architects and INC Architecture & Design, Jade Rabbit is anchored by a glowing tomato-red bar, crowned by an impressive backbar liquor collection. Golden fixtures hang above, casting an amber and red shimmer, as red high-top chairs and tables ground the welcoming layout. The bar is framed by tiled portals and temple-like joinery, embellished with hand-painted lotus motifs. Plush scarlet lounges frame the edges of the encompassing all-weather rooftop, which boasts sweeping 360-degree views of Manhattan. 

If you are interested in making a reservation, please click HERE. To inquire about booking private events, social gatherings, and refined dining experiences, please click HERE or fill out the events form directly HERE. 

Image credit: Eric Medsker