Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral frontrunner, is facing criticism after being seen dining at Omen Azen, an upscale sushi restaurant in Manhattan.
The state assembly member from Queens who has built his campaign around supporting the working class was photographed at the SoHo hotspot alongside his wife.
The restaurant, known to attract wealthy clientele and celebrities such as Yoko Ono, offers items like a $145 seasonal tasting dinner, a $93 kobe beef hot pot, and a $92 wagyu steak. A 12-piece sashimi combo costs $50.
Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport posted the images on Tuesday evening, calling out Mamdani. “How’s a so-called ‘working class’ mayoral candidate like Zohran Mamdani eating at OMEN SUSHI tonight, one of the priciest joints in NYC?” Rapaport wrote.
“This clown lives in a rent-stabilized apartment in Queens but dines like a diplomat on a Qatar-funded per diem.”
Rapaport continued his attack, using an insulting nickname for Mamdani, ‘Who’s paying for that toro, ‘Zoron the Moron’? You ain’t working class — you’re fraud class.”
Mamdani has centered his campaign on pledges to “lower the cost of living for working class New Yorkers.” His platform includes proposals for free buses, a rent freeze, universal free child care, and a $60 million plan to create government-run grocery stores that would not pay rent or property taxes.
How’s a so-called “working class” mayoral candidate like Zohran Mamdani eating at OMEN SUSHI tonight — one of the priciest joints in NYC? 🍣💰
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) October 21, 2025
This clown lives in a rent-stabilized apartment in Queens but dines like a diplomat on a Qatar-funded per diem.
Who’s paying for that… pic.twitter.com/NpWk6hsfE1
During a debate last week, Mamdani stated that he spends $125–$150 per week on groceries. By comparison, Omen Azen’s nine-course seasonal tasting menu costs $145 and features dishes such as filet mignon, burdock soup, and sashimi.
He is currently considered the favourite in the upcoming New York City mayoral election on November 4, ahead of independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
His campaign materials have set a record of having “fought for the working class in and outside the legislature.” However, after Rapaport’s post spread online, many social media users accused Mamdani of hypocrisy.
Netizens react
Netizens slammed Mamdani on the post. A user claimed, “Looked at the menu for this ritzy spot. They have Gold leaf appetizers, A5 Waygu and Kobe beef sushi. Filet mignon, $400 sake bottles. A dinner here could run into the thousands. Yet he wants everyone to eat from govt run groceries like starving Soviets.”
Another added, “This guy probably eating there for free because the whole city is with him, dude is a superstar in NYC like you get charged extra so you can’t relate.”
“Typical Commie. All for me; none for thee,” added a user.
“Zohran Mamdani’s family is rich. Yes. The same kind of rich as in “eat the rich”. His family can easily afford the Trump card, $5 million per person, if they immigrate to USA now. But his voters, majority are poor, think he represents them. Very interesting thinking,” noted another.
Meanwhile, a few others came in support of him. A user commented, “$145 for the tasing menu is not that expensive in NYC.” Another claimed, “The bottom line is if Zoran gets elected, businesses will displace to sunny Miami. We have plenty of beautiful bldgs with open offices and open arms with no state income taxes. We can then watch NY implode and crime sky rocket,” claimed a netizen.
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