Fifteen East, Union Square, New York City restaurant, USA, NYC commercial design, New York City architecture photos

Fifteen East Restaurant on Union Square, New York City

September 24, 2025

Architecture: VHouse Interior Design

Location: Union Square, New York City, NY, United States of America

Photos: Fifteen East

Fifteen East Restaurant, New York City, USA

Fifteen East, a newly opened omakase restaurant located in New York City, introduces a dining space that embodies Japanese Minimalist and Modern Zen aesthetics. Designed by Ivy Huang of VHouse Interior Design, the interiors balance refined simplicity with contemporary touches, offering a serene backdrop for an elevated culinary journey.

Refined Simplicity
The design philosophy follows the Japanese principle of “less is more.” Deep wood tones, black accents, and natural stone elements create an atmosphere of understated luxury. Ornamentation is deliberately avoided; instead, the space relies on proportion, materiality, and atmospheric balance to convey sophistication and calm. The result is an interior that feels formal yet tranquil, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the ritual of dining.

The Omakase Counter
At the heart of the restaurant lies a 16-seat omakase counter. The long, open bar serves as the focal point of the dining room, embodying the essence of omakase—direct connection between chef and guest. The layout allows diners to fully engage in the chef’s performance, with every gesture, cut, and plate placed under the soft glow of indirect lighting.

Slender wooden slats frame the counter, recalling traditional Japanese shoji screens and latticework. This architectural detail not only grounds the design in heritage but also provides subtle rhythm and texture to the otherwise pared-down space.

Whiskey Bar
Complementing the omakase dining experience is an intimate whiskey bar with seating for eight. The bar continues the design narrative with the same palette of natural woods and stone, accented by low, atmospheric lighting. Guests can transition from the ceremonial focus of the counter to a more relaxed environment, while still enveloped in the restaurant’s consistent aesthetic language.

Lighting and Atmosphere
Lighting plays a pivotal role in the interior. Instead of relying on bold fixtures or ornament, illumination is achieved through concealed, indirect sources. Gentle accents highlight surfaces, creating depth and nuance, while avoiding glare. This approach enhances the natural grain of the wood and the tactile richness of the stone.
The overall atmosphere is quiet, meditative, and balanced—a deliberate design choice intended to heighten the sensory appreciation of food, drink, and setting.

Design Language
The interiors of Fifteen East draw inspiration from both Japanese minimalist tradition and modern interpretations of Zen living. The choice of natural materials—wood, stone, and subdued metal accents—anchors the space in authenticity, while contemporary detailing ensures relevance to a cosmopolitan New York audience.
Every element is carefully considered: the height of the counter, the proportion of seating, the rhythm of slatted screens, and the direction of light. Together, these details create an environment that respects tradition while speaking in a contemporary design vocabulary.

Dining Experience
The ambiance complements the omakase menu, which is rooted in precision and ritual. Guests are invited to slow down, observe, and savor—mirroring the design’s ethos of simplicity and mindfulness. The formal setting is softened by warmth in material and light, making the restaurant both a destination and a retreat within the bustle of Union Square.

Fifteen East Restaurant on Union Square, New York City – Building Information

Architects/designers: VHouse Interior Design

Project Name: Fifteen East
Location: Union Square, New York City, USA
Interior Designer: Ivy Huang, VHouse Interior Design
Seating Capacity: 16-seat omakase counter + 8-seat whiskey bar

Photography: Fifteen East

Fifteen East, Union Square, New York City restaurant images / information received 240925

Location: Union Square, New York City, NY, United States of America.

+++