Beyond Sushi Tries to Make Vegan Sushi More Than Fast Food at Fourth Location

What started as one grab-and-go vegan sushi shop on 14th Street has now grown into its fourth location, the first full-service Beyond Sushi in New York City — with alcohol on the way, too. It might sound like an improbable success story: In a town full of top-notch, fish-filled sushi, a vegan sushi joint has somehow pushed its way into the already crowded space.

It may seem like a ridiculous concept to eat sushi without fish, but the restaurant, from co-owners Guy and Tali Vaknin, has been expanding like mad. The latest location on 37th Street is by far the largest space yet — with 72 seats, Tali called it seven times bigger than the original location.

Beyond Sushi

The menu, in full below, is familiar, packed with the shop’s vegetable- and fruit-based rolls, which are exactly like regular sushi rolls but filled with items such as braised fennel, curried cauliflower, and mango. There are also noodle bowls, and rice paper wraps, plus the addition of two new desserts.

But the major difference here is the introduction of alcohol. While it is still waiting for the license to come through, likely in June, once it does there will be sake, beer, wine, and low-ABV cocktails. Most of the drinks are sake-based and savory, such as the peppercorn martini (extra dry sake, dry vermouth, peppercorn juice, black caraway seeds, pickled green peppercorn) and fennel (dry sake, cucumber juice, candied fennel, fennel seed, dash of lime). The drink menu is also included below.

It’s been a five year journey for the Vaknins since they opened the first location in Union Square, which blossomed into two more kiosks (Chelsea Market and Midtown West) before this full-service spot. Come June, another counter will open at the food hall at 70 Pine Street with seats for 40 people.

Beyond Sushi is now open at 134 West 37th Street from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

• All Coverage of Beyond Sushi [ENY]