Genelec delivers immersive audio for high-end Japanese rooftop restaurant in New York

Rising above New York City’s Hudson River, Miru NYC, the latest venture from the City Winery team, brings fine dining, immersive sound and panoramic views to Manhattan’s West Side. To match the venue’s high-end aesthetic and “listening-room” concept, City Winery partnered with systems integrator AVLX to create an audio experience built around Genelec’s large-format Smart Active Monitors, including flagship 1236A and 1234AC models, along with S360As for additional coverage.

Founded by Michael Dorf, who is behind City Winery, Miru NYC reflects his appreciation for Japanese culture. Inspired by his travels to the country and lifelong love of music, Miru NYC blends these passions into a refined setting.

Drawing inspiration from its name – “Miru,” meaning “to look” in Japanese – the restaurant offers breathtaking 360º views of Hudson Yards, Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the New Jersey skyline. The venue showcases Japanese cuisine with a sushi bar, small plates and an extensive sake list, all within a minimalist design spanning over 6,000 sq ft.

According to Marc Colletti, City Winery’s national production and technical director, Miru NYC was envisioned as a modern interpretation of Japan’s famed “listening bars,” combining culinary artistry with studio-quality sound. “We wanted to go above and beyond, delivering a space where both the food and the listening experience are spectacular,” he said. “The goal was to bring the precision and warmth of a world-class studio monitoring system into a restaurant environment, something few venues have attempted at this scale.”

AVLX’s Managing Partner Chris Torri, who partnered with Colletti to oversee the design and integration, explained that the client wanted the room to serve as a true listening environment for every guest. “The request began as aesthetic – they wanted that classic look of exposed-driver loudspeakers, and we knew Genelec could deliver both form and function,” said Torri. “It was the best large-format solution that could provide even, high-quality audio and coverage throughout the space while complementing the venue’s visual design.”

The system features two Genelec 1236As, two 1234AC models and two S360As, all run through a BSS BLU 96 kHz DSP. Multiple stereo analogue XLR wall panels allow for plug-and-play access by DJs and guest engineers, while a Technics SL-1200GR2 turntable paired with a McIntosh MP100 phono preamp supports Miru’s vinyl-centric programming.

Because of the venue’s architecture, Colletti and AVLX collaborated with Gallagher Staging to design custom steel yoke frames allowing the 1236A and 1234AC systems to be safely flown overhead. The heavy enclosures, weighing up to 700 pounds each with rigging, were precisely angled to optimise room coverage and maintain consistent SPL without obstructing sightlines or compromising aesthetics.

“The challenge was getting the large-format monitors to behave like a unified system,” explained Colletti. “By suspending them and controlling their pitch, we achieved remarkably even dispersion with minimal reflections or phasing. The speakers almost appear to float above the dining area, a perfect visual match for the architecture.”

Once commissioned, the system delivered what both AVLX and City Winery had envisioned: a pristine, powerful soundstage that adapts seamlessly from background ambience to energetic DJ sets and live playback. “From our perspective, the performance delivered what we promised,” said Torri. “It’s an extremely impressive system for the space – balanced, musical and immersive.”

Colletti added that the reaction from staff, guests and visiting artists has been overwhelmingly positive. “Whether we’re playing vinyl, streaming curated playlists or hosting special events, everyone who walks in comments on how incredible the sound is. The Genelec team was fantastic to work with – professional, collaborative and open to pushing their technology into a new kind of environment. This was uncharted territory for all of us, and the results speak for themselves.”

Paul Stewart, senior technical sales manager at Genelec, added: “This project is a perfect example of what happens when technical excellence meets creative vision. Chris Torri and the AVLX team brought deep system expertise, while Marc Colletti and City Winery had a bold concept for how sound could elevate the dining experience. Together, they turned a challenging, glass-walled rooftop into an extraordinary listening space that showcases what our large-format monitors can truly do, combining precision, power and design harmony in one remarkable environment.”

Miru NYC opened officially in September 2025, joining City Winery’s growing roster of hospitality and performance spaces across the U.S.

For more information, visit www.genelec.com.