Saishin at the Gansevoort Rooftop Appoints Chef Jorge Dionicio as New Executive Sushi Chef

New York, N.Y. (July 27, 2023) - Today, Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC announces the appointment of Chef Jorge Dionicio as the new Executive Sushi Chef of Saishin, the rooftop omakase concept at the iconic Gansevoort Rooftop.

The sky-high sushi experience offers a luxe omakase service as well as a la carte nigiri and sashimi at their 66-seat restaurant with views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, featuring a custom 16-person sushi bar. In addition to their 12 and 15-course tastings, the restaurant also features a wide selection of sake, Japanese whiskey, and unique cocktails for those looking to imbibe.

Saishin, which translates to “something new,” is holding true to its name by entering a new era after two years of operation in the intimate rooftop space at the hotel with the addition of Dionicio. Originally hailing from Lima, Peru, Chef Dionicio plans to combine his traditional edomae-style training with his Peruvian background to create a truly unique experience for guests dining at Saishin. The new offerings will incorporate elements of Nikkei, a type of cuisine known for combining Peruvian ingredients with Japanese-style cooking, adding unique flavor profiles to the bites presented as part of the omakase experience through sauces, toppings, and creative combinations.

“At Saishin, each meal is designed to be unique and indulgent, offering guests a curated experience every time they join us,” says Gansevoort Meatpacking General Manager, Anton Moore. “We look forward to Chef Jorge’s unique blend of his traditional training and heritage to truly create ‘something new’ at Saishin. ”

Chef Jorge Dionicio is a classical Edomae-style trained sushi chef, with a focus on seasonal and innovative omakase. Inspired by his upbringing in Lima, Chef Jorge combines his traditional training with Peruvian treatments, including nuanced sauces and accouterments, to elevate his dining experiences. Chef Jorge currently brings his expertise to the omakase counter at Saishin at the Gansevoort Rooftop as Executive Sushi Chef.

Having honed his skills in both the United States and Japan, Chef Jorge began his US training in Omaha, Nebraska, eventually moving his way up through the kitchens of several Michelin Star restaurants including Azabu, Hirohisa, and Hiramasa in NYC along with Austin’s famous Uchi, NYC’s Morimoto, helmed by Iron Chef Morimoto, artful omakase restaurant Akashi, renowned Chef David Bouley’s Bouley at Home, and James Beard Award Winning sushi restaurant O-Ya, among others.

Chef Jorge continued his training as a member of Japan’s World Sushi Skill Institute, where he participated in the 2014 World Sushi Cup, a global sushi competition where chefs from every country compete for a spot in the World Sushi Cup in Tokyo. Placing third in the US competition and seventh in the Tokyo World Sushi Cup, Chef Jorge now serves on the jury for the association, helping the judging process and selection of the top sushi chefs in the world.

About Gansevoort Meatpacking

The iconic Gansevoort Meatpacking located in the Meatpacking District in New York City, NY, offers a luxury experience driven by the themes of art, technology, wellness and dining. Originally founded by President Michael Achenbaum in 2004 and credited to have helped galvanize the neighborhood, the hotel underwent a multi-million dollar top to bottom renovation and rebrand in 2021, once again leading the district’s renaissance from its home at 9th avenue and 13th street. The 186-room hotel features two full service ground-floor restaurants: American Bistro The Chester and European-inspired Coffee + Cocktails, as well as the year-round Gansevoort Rooftop featuring a 45-foot heated outdoor pool and indoor, outdoor space where guests can enjoy unobstructed, 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and intimate omakase concept, Saishin. The property is just steps away from the Hudson River, the High Line, premium shopping and dining, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Chelsea Market and Little Island. For more information, visit HERE 

About Saishin

Saishin at Gansevoort Rooftop is Gansevoort Meatpacking Hotel’s omakase sushi experience tucked away on the hotel's iconic rooftop in the Meatpacking District, offering omakase and a la carte dining with the stunning backdrop of the New York City skyline. The 850 sq foot space, which is centered around a custom created quartz omakase bar with ambient interior lighting that seats 16, can seat up to 50 additional guests at tables that line the perimeter of the rooftop space. The omakase experience was concepted in partnership with sushi-focused hospitality group Kissaki.