This review is on the $1,200 omakase. Food quality - I expected exceptional ingredients and precision. Chef frequently highlighted "this is from Japan...", but it did not translate into distinct flavor, personality, or impact. Pacing - I expected controlled, deliberate, and precise rhythm. Well, it was a very disappointing experience for me. The restaurant was so noisy due to no sound insulation from the noisy next door. The western music in the background on top of the noise didn't fit at all. Servers shared the drink menu twice asking the same question. Chef attention - I expected focused and individualized attention, but my chef accepted a late party, which noticeably took his attention away. He went back and forth on the omakase menu for two parties at different stages of the same course. He had to walk around to serve the two. Very disappointing. Omakase arc - I expected it to build up with momentum and surprise, but failed to create any "wow" at all. There were a few let downs. Price-value - At this price point, must feel singular, not merely excellent. Unfortunately, I feel far under-delivered relative to tariff. This restaurant earned Michelin three stars in 2008 and retained it for many years until the last year when it was downgraded to two stars. I didn't know this until mid way thru my omakase when I looked it up on my phone after noticing some issues noted above. Overall, I give this restaurant a 1 star on Yelp and zero star by Michelin's definition below. Masa maybe is worth a stop for $200-300, but grants a visit elsewhere for $1,200. 1 Star: High-quality cooking, worth a stop. Offers excellent, carefully prepared food using top-quality ingredients. It's a great place to stop and enjoy a meal if you are in the area. 2 Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour. Features masterfully crafted, standout dishes with distinct flavors and personality. The experience is elevated enough to justify altering your travel plans to visit. 3 Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. Represents the absolute pinnacle of fine dining. The cuisine is superlative, often featuring innovative techniques, rare ingredients, and flawless execution that warrants a dedicated trip. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Food is five stars as was the chef who was so friendly and informative and made the experience as relaxing as possible despite the very stuffy atmosphere. However I have to take one star away for the over the top stuffy ambiance at the lunch counter. While I don't mind a no-picture policy, it paired with not allowing anyone to have their belongings with them because you're not allowed to place any personal belongings on the table, made it feel very elitist and exclusionary. This is not an experience for someone who wants a warm, cozy experience. It felt like I was being surveilled the entire time as every time a utensil moved, I sipped water or dropped a crumb someone was there to swoop by and correct the "problem," and not in a helpful feeling way but like they were correcting me. I've never felt this before and I've been to other restaurants on this scale without this feeling. Now to the food, every bite was excellent to be sure. The chef was a master at cutting the fish, pairing the right accents, and was open and friendly despite the atmosphere around us. I especially loved the toro, uni, hotate scallop, Japanese mackerel, and of course, the appetizer of toro tartare and caviar. I can't say enough about the high quality. Everything was beautifully presented as well. I don't feel comfortable recommending this experience to any of my friends because we aren't the target audience for this type of restaurant but if the above doesn't bother you and you can afford the $495 price tag, try this at least once. read more

Masa - Lunch counter menu - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

We just got finished eating here. First of all, this was bound to get some sort of negative review from me because there's absolutely no reason that any sushi restaurant deserves to charge twice as much as every other Omakase experience in the world, it was just a matter of how bad the review would be. Look, this place was fine. Have I had fine dining sushi experiences a third of the price of this place? Yes. I wanna start off with the point that I thought was the most unbelievable and ridiculous. If you're gonna be paying this much money for food flown in straight from Japan that's on equal level as an all of other fancy Omakase places in New York, one thing you better offer to make sense of the outrageous overpricing is good ambience. This sushi restaurant is literally in a Fucking Shopping Mall. It blew my mind. Eating next to a fucking Macy's or something. Walking in a shopping mall going up escalators. What a JOKE!! it immediately killed the vibe and we immediately knew we were in for some serious Bull Shit. Going into a secret door off of a street with no writing on the wall so you don't know what's inside. That's cool. That's a vibe. Being in a fucking shopping mall is not a vibe. So immediately we were like "what a joke". The sushi was average. Some of the dishes weren't even that great. The sake glasses looked like plastic water cups. Usually when I eat at a fine dining Omakase restaurant they have nicely handmade glass cups to drink from. These were like the cups that you get to drink water out of a Gatorade cooler when you're playing little league football. Obviously we came into this knowing it was way overpriced and would be a one time thing. If anybody is going into this thinking whatever they're gonna provide you is worth this amount of money, you my friend are a fool. And if you want to do what we did and just say hey, "we ate at the most expensive restaurant in the world" and know that it's not worth the cost, I can save you the money and tell you that it's not even worth the novelty of blowing a huge amount of money. These people should be ashamed of themselves for charging these seating prices. But apparently they've been open for 22 years so dumbasses like me come in and pay for it. read more

Finally experienced the mighty Masa. I compromised on their absurd dinner price ($950) for the mildly less absurd lunch price ($500) which included 3 appetizers and 16 pieces of nigiri, missing a few of the signature appetizers but you have the option of getting the single Wagyu appetizer for an interesting $280. The service was impeccable from the moment you step in and staff were kind and attentive to every little detail throughout the whole meal. I wouldn't say it was overbearing though, counter and plates consistently wiped or replaced and water refilled. The restaurant itself is interestingly designed with a large hinoki counter and then private tables to the side, which seems nice to accommodate different types of parties. I wouldn't say there was much aesthetic to observe or decor but there was a beautifully large plant behind the counter. I had the privilege of having chef Masa, I was a solo luncher and there were two other parties - a couple and a group of 3 and they each got served by another chef, wonder if they thought I was a Michelin inspector ha. This was definitely an experience. The appetizers were both so delicious - toro tartare with caviar on toast had such balanced textures and flavors. The ohmi beef was so tender. For the sushi, the 16 courses took about 10 minutes, this meal definitely wins for money to time ratio and I'm not sure that will ever get beat for me. Chef masa is perhaps the most skillful and efficient chef I've seen at folding nigiri. As soon as he put a piece down and I was eating he was almost done with the next piece and i barely had enough time to wipe my fingers, take ginger or sip of sake. I eat fast so it's definitely possible he was tailoring the speed to me, but for slower diners it could definitely be too much. The wasabi was great but inconsistent between courses - some had a lot of wasabi to the point of overpowering the fish while others were more appropriate, so it was hard to give feedback due to the variation and not sure if it was intentional. The fish itself were phenomenal. I would put them right up there with sushi sho/yoshino in umami and consistency and rice was excellently cooked and seasoned. Toro started off the omakase which was interesting because it's usually towards the middle-end but it worked fine and didn't cause any issues. Overall the meal was great and worked fine for me but did feel a bit rushed and hard to truly savor some of the courses. It was worth it to experience what still some of the best sushi in NYC and I would recommend the lunch option for anyone and didn't feel much was sacrificed by not going for dinner. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Good food quality but personally think not worth that much lol...Good location and very good service. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I went to Masa, which most directly means that I'm Better Than You. Masa (***) exists at a lofty price point and provides an experience catering to the most discerning gourmands. I sat at the Hinoki Counter for lunch. Chef Masa helmed the center station. I had what amounted to a private chef, though not quite a "right hand man" since he was positioned to Masa's left. The food and service were outstanding. The price was more than a month's rent at my college apartment, and that's without drinking alcohol. Similar to Kyoten in Chicago, I am left a bit torn on the "value" here, but also with little doubt that Masa is worthy of the the three star designation. My favorite item was the fried head of sweet shrimp. My second favorite was a (perhaps heretical) concoction by my chef, topping the sweet shrimp with uni. Beautiful setting, world class staff, memorable food. The first time in hundreds of consecutive new restaurant outings that I haven't photographed my food. read more

The best Japanese dinner of my life outside of Japan. Every detail -- from the ingredients to the pacing to the atmosphere -- is absolute perfection. The fish quality is unmatched, the rice temperature and seasoning are flawless, and the service is quietly attentive in that true Japanese way. It's not just a meal, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Refined, emotional, and unforgettable. read more

Do you know why you can always get a reservation here at any time? Because it's too fucking expensive. It's a bad business model. If they charged $500 for a seat and actually sold out a month or more in advance, they would be making more money, plus they would have a VIBE. Honestly, our dinner experience was ruined before we even got into the restaurant. We already knew it was gonna be a joke by charging $1200 for a seat. Then when I realized that it was in a shopping mall it was already like "man this is done". This restaurant is super whack and anyone that has been dumb enough to come here more than once is a fool. We could've done something so much cooler with our night in NYC instead of being stuffed like ducks making foi gras. We skipped a bunch of the food just so we could just get the hell out of there. Don't be a sucker, like us, you can find a ton of better omakase sushi for less than half the price of this place in NYC. read more

From the moment we were seated, the experience at Masa fell flat. Our waiter clearly lacked even basic knowledge of Japanese cuisine, seemed completely uninterested in his job, and was cold and disengaged throughout the evening. The food itself felt neglected -- average at best, with none of the finesse or magic you'd expect from a restaurant of this caliber. Nothing stood out. Each course felt like it was going through the motions, as if the kitchen was just coasting on the brand name rather than delivering an exceptional omakase. And the ambiance? Stark and soulless. I felt more like I was waiting in a sterile gallery--or worse, a hospice--than enjoying a luxurious meal. The entire experience left me wondering why I was there and how fast I could leave. Definitely not worth the price or the reputation. Never again. read more

Masa is a must visit for foodies and sushi connoisseurs, providing a special experience at the pinnacle of omakase. The hefty price tag makes this spot best for occasions. Masa is set in a high floor in the time warner building and feels well isolated from the hustle and bustle of the main lobby. There is a strict no photos policy which I think is unnecessary but I see why they do it. They do take a photo for you with the chef and provide a menu to take home specific to your meal and with a note for your occasion (ours said Happy Anniversary!) The most striking feature when being seated at the sushi bar is the countertop, made in one piece from Japanese Cypress. It has a luxurious, velvety feel and stays clean and dry well during the meal. The rest of the restaurant is simple but nice. The staff is friendly and professional to the standard to other 3 Michelin star establishments I have been to. Water and ginger are quickly replenished by unintrusive hands which also ensure no grain of rice or drop of soy sauce mar your section of countertop for long. Chef Masa himself was present and is very approachable. Dinner is 27 courses counting dessert and is well paced. One of the early dishes is a toro tartare topped with osetra caviar that kicks the meal off perfectly. This is the largest portion of high quality caviar I have ever been served as part of an omakase. This dish seems to announce that you get what you pay for. The other appetizers were delicious, especially the whiting fish tempura and Japanese sea perch. There was also a raw wagyu dish with truffle that was tasty and luxurious but would have been better with a sear. The only dishes I did not like were the ones laden in shaved white truffle but I see how others might enjoy them. The nigiri themselves were as good as it gets. I opted for the sake pairing which was a highlight for me. Each new sake arrived between every 4-5 dishes and paired well with the coming set. There was also great variety between the presented sake which included unusual pours like a smoked sake and another with plum wine. While I did not feel the price tag was out of proportion to the experience it will definitely be a factor on when I plan to return. Make sure to book far enough in advance to select seating at the counter. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Yes, it is that expensive. And yes, it was worth it. I am still spinning over just how good some of the dishes they served were. I've had a lot of good sushi, but every piece of fish felt elevated here. I could have stayed hours more, just chatting with the chef as he kept giving me extra bites of some of my favorites. The no picture rule is a little obnoxious, so, like everyone, I did the requisite bathroom selfie. And the picture with the chef at the end of the meal. But I miss the food so much already. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Masa NYC doesn't allow it's customers to take photographs or videos, so unfortunately I am unable to supply pictures of my food, or the stunning ceramic plates and cups that Masa designed and made himself. Thus, the dozen or photos that I am using for this review are all compliments of Masa's two official websites: one for the restaurant and one for his online ceramics store. Thank you Masa NYC. read more

Celebrated my husband's birthday at MASA and got to take a photo with the man behind this exquisite experience. Enjoyed every bite of the meal that was prepared before our eyes by our seasoned chef! Our servers and chef were attentive and efficient. Attention to details to make the meal enjoyable to us stood out the most to me. It's the kind of service that truly deserves 3 Michelin stars. I believe you get the same number of courses if you sit at a table but for an elevated experience get a bar seat. Half way through the meal chef realized that I'm getting full so he made my husband's portions slightly larger than mine, and cut the rice off mine so I can finish the meal as planned. Absolutely loved the dinner we had at MASA and will be back. I wanted to take one star off because I felt like we were a little rushed as they had another seating after us and needed the bar seats, but decided against it because if they pace it you will get full faster. read more

Interesting experience, but I'm not sure worth the hype and my father and I had horrible stomachaches after and into the next morning, which was quite disappointing. I even woke up at 2am to use the bathroom since my stomach hurt so much. (And that was the only meal both of us had together so only commonality). Even outside of the stomach issues which were already a big red flag, the meal didn't feel on par with other three or even two michelin spots and I really wanted to love it since I love omakase. AMBIENCE (2.5/5) Nice decor - they keep it plain to be more "classy" I guess, but definitely could have used some nice flowers or something else throughout. The area by the bar has plants behind the chef and such where they let you take pics but the rest of the restaurant is a little drab. The bathroom is also nothing special at all, with 1 person bathrooms for each gender. They have personalized napkins as most upscale restaurants do. It's a bit dark and no plants or decor really. FOOD (3/5) The food was a mix with some pieces really good and others far less so, but the highlight seemed to be focusing on the "freshness or quality" of the ingredients, so nothing seemed very wow-inducing. For example, there was a slice of melon at the end for dessert with tea, but nothing in addition to the melon and the melon wasn't even sliced so it was a bit of a mess to eat. For fish, we were served some pieces I didn't particularly find amazing such as toro (no chu toro or otoro sadly..), mackerel (2 types), fluke, etc. The eel had so many bones my sister couldn't eat it and the staff saw that she had picked out (at least 20) small bones before just leaving the piece there and commented on it but didn't offer anything or do anything. The abalone, amaebi and clam were good. The uni was pretty good but not as rich in flavor as some others I've had. The dish they were most generous with was the caviar + chopped tuna, where they gave tons of osetra caviar (if I remember correctly) which was quite good. SERVICE (4/5) Service was quite good but definitely not at the same level as Per Se or Daniel, which was surprising. Each dish barely got any description - they named the fish and location and sometimes how to eat it. Water had no description but was $10 per bottle (drop of water in the bucket given the price but still a lot for a little bottle which they kept opening new ones of without ever updating us on the count). One of our waiters was quite grumpy looking which was off putting but the other was very nice and friendly. After my sis had a pile of bones on her plate for the eel, we had to keep looking around to find someone to replace the plate, which I would have expected to be proactively replaced anywhere else. read more

Masa - Menu they provide at the end of the meal - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

the best omakase place in the world! no exceptions at all everything was spot on and perfect. would definitely recommend to those looking to spend upwards of $1000 per person. read more

When you hear the name Masa or see how much it is to reserve the counter, you can't help but have high expectations for this place. For us, those expectations were exceeded. Even though the dinner was very expensive and they have a strict "no-pictures" policy, we don't regret coming here at all due to the value you get. We were fortunate enough to see chef Masa. For the most part, we just saw him tending to and watering a giant plant behind the counter. But during the actual dinner process, we saw him make his assistants redo the fish preparation twice during the service when it didn't meet his high standards, which was quite reassuring to see from a customer standpoint. Due to the high standards, all of the appetizers and sushi courses were exceptional. Out of the appetizers, two of them stood out as our favorites. The toro tartare and osetra caviar was a perfect mix of the cold and melty tartare with the buttery and smooth texture of the caviar. However, our favorite appetizer was actually the yellowtail, which had one edge seared and was seasoned to perfection. Both of us agreed that this was easily the best yellowtail we've tasted. For the sushi courses, the ones that stood out the most were the squid and Saba. I generally don't like squid too much, but it exuded so much flavor due to the chef's impressive scoring technique. On the other hand, the Saba was immaculate in its texture and the preparation of wasabi, rice, and seasoning elevated it to be our favorite sushi course of the night. Overall, a great and memorable experience. I wished we could take photos to remember each course better but I can also see the benefits of being in the moment and enjoying each sushi as soon as it's presented. In terms of price, it's definitely expensive for the hinoki counter but the value you get in return is more than worth it in my opinion. read more

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How do you write a review of an Omakase restaurant, knowing that each night's menu will be different? We'll just let me say that everything was PERFECT. From the ambience, to the pacing, to the attentive staff, to the food itself. Every dish that Chef Masa and Chef Tony served was mouth watering and a piece of art. My wife and I throughly enjoyed every moment. Thank you, Chef Masa, for sharing your ART with us! read more

Masa - My wife and I and the legendary Chef Masa. - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Second trip to Masa. Food was easily as good as last time. 10/10 across the board (same as last review). They keep notes on all guests so they knew what we had last time... and changed our menu to make sure we didn't get any repeats. Except the uni papaya dish! I assume they recorded how much we loved that one because they gave us that again. Most courses we had tracked with other diners, but several they changed for us. And they remembered my wife's food allergy! Luckily it wasn't an issue with the planned menu. The only difference was that this time we were sat in front of his sous chef, Eliber Tolentino. We were delighted to have this special seating and enjoyed his service immensely. The prime seats directly in front of Masa were reserved for a VERY special guest... Again, no photos allowed until the end when you are given an opportunity to take a photo with the Chef. We took on with both Masa and Nino! Still my favorite restaurant in NYC and the world. We essentially made this trip because we had the weekend off and found reservations. Seriously, if for some reason you are reading this and trying to decide whether to come here... do it! read more

If you are looking for an out of this world sushi experience look no further. Don't let the price scare you away, just save it for a very special occasion. This was by far the most expensive meal I have ever had. It was hard to swallow the price tag but then again you aren't doing this every day. This was the best sushi I have had period. If I get the opportunity to go back I would in a heart beat. The no photos rule was a little annoying but I completely understand why. You are supposed to eat sushi just after it is prepared for you. You also see that in some sushi bars in Tokyo. All in all worth every penny and the fact that Masa was there himself makes it that much more special. I have been to a handful of 3 Michelin star restaurants now and this was the first to have the actual chef present and in action. read more

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Gladly I can say I finally tried Masa after I moved out of NYC after living here for decades, the only remain michelin 3 star in the city on my list. The price went up a lot after COVID, it was a wonderful experience, but the best sushi I have ever had? Probably not as memorable as I wanted it to be. Customer service 5/5 top notch, it was a spontaneous decision to go there after discharged from the hospital from a surgery for celebration. Didn't wanna ruin the restaurant ambiance as hubby and I only packed comfy clothes, didn't have any heels, designer bag or jacket prepared, we called in advanced notified them and the staffs were very accommodating with our "lounge" appearance. Customer service was beyond great throughout the dinning, sushi chef serving was very friendly and explained every dishes really well. What we liked the most of this place is that it's very authentic, they keep dishes very Japanese style with minimal twist like aging the fish and add weird stuffs to be "fushion", we were told the fish was all from JP arrive at NYC twice a week, and they have a warehouse in JP exclusively to support them, they do use high quality ingredients. Truthfully It's hard to justify any meal is really worthy when it's over $1000 a person, is a LV really better and functional than a Tory Burch? In my opinion we are paying for the most is the brand, ambiance, lastly the food. Masa is Masa, for us it's more of an experience. Have to say though it was a lot of food we left very full and satisfied. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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TLDR: actual sushi: 3.5/5, service: 5/5, pre-sushi apps: 5/5, overall: 3.5 or so out of five. To be honest, Masa is a once in a lifetime experience but not necessary to go / go back again. My boyfriend made a res for us a month or so in advance to celebrate our return to NYC and was able to get us at the sushi counter for dinner at 8:15pm on a Thursday. SETTING: As other reviews mention, this restaurant is on the fourth floor of 10 Columbus Circle. It's right on the same floor as per se. When you walk in, they make sure you know not to take pictures, leave your belongings in your bag, and keep things off their nice wooden counter. and their counter is realllly nice- we couldn't stop touching it throughout the dinner. Softest piece of wood I've ever felt! The restaurant was fully packed when we arrived. Every seat at the counter was taken as was every table. Really nice, sleek design and good for special occasions. We were probably the youngest people there but lots of dates and surprisingly not super stuffy. FOOD: When we got our pre sushi appetizers, we were blown away. There is an amazing uni and crab dish, a caviar spread with toro and little pieces of toast, and some other unique dishes like uni on papaya- all of which were fantastic. After trying these, I was really excited for the actual sushi. However, the actual omakase was not worth the price point. As other reviews here mention, you can get better quality and better tasting omakase at many other NYC omakase restaurants. They used too much wasabi for some pieces (my eyes actually watered), and none of the pieces blew me away. Usually during omakase, I will have at least 3 pieces that are my "favorite" or that taste so good I can barely speak. None of the pieces we had that night reached close to that level, so was pretty disappointing especially at this price point. SERVICE: I think this is where Masa really shines. The service was impeccable - they are all over you like white on rice. They push in your seat and fold up your napkin every time you get up, they are efficient and extremely detail oriented with their timing and precision of putting down utensils and refilling your water, etc. The omakase chef was really nice and good at explaining every dish, and overall the service was maybe the best I've ever had. Unfortunately, I don't think this makes up for the steep bill or mediocre sushi. VERDICT: Hate to say it but the other reviews are right - go here if you want to spend a lot of money for a special occasion and be treated like royalty. Don't go here expecting the best omakase you've had in your life- there are plenty of other cheaper omakase restaurants in NYC for that. read more

Masa - Menu that night - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

What else can I say other than this place is worthy of its recognition. It's not a place to have a loud conversation, or take pictures of your dishes. It is a place for contemplation and appreciation for all the effort that goes into preparing some of the most expensive sushi in the world... and spending your top dollar on it! Not one bite un-loved! A memorable night for sure! read more

Masa - They were gracious enough to take a photo of us after our meal, behind the preparation station! - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Ate there twice and loved first when it got 4 stars in times and then recently omakase is amazing . read more

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So rarely do I write reviews. The price tag on this one warrants my attention. My husband and I dined on a Saturday night at 7:30 at the hinoki counter. Not our first omakase experience - I'm no expert by any means, but I think it's fair to say I know a lot more than the average person about this type of dining. Several things about this were... odd. Dare I say disappointing? Chef Masa was not present. I know there's never a guarantee - but we did specifically book this day/timeslot because it was not one of the listed dates where he would not be there when we were booking the reservation online. Having heard that watching him work is a big part of the experience, we were bummed. Of course we have to be understanding but yeah... bummed. Second, the seating situation was strange. We were seated at the bar and greeted by the chef in the middle of the counter (seemed like the head sushi chef for the night, unclear his actual role). As service started he informed us that he was not our chef and the chef to the side would be serving us. Ok, that's fine - except the center chef and the two people he was serving continued having a LOUD conversation the entire time. Not about the food per se. Distracting and really not Japanese. Between that, the loud random music playing and orders being yelled in from the dining area, it was a lot noisier than I would expect. Didn't feel like fine dining much, to be honest. The quality of the food was good. Generous portions of caviar (as it should be for what you're paying). Everything was well prepared. My main question is - WHY are the nigiri so small? Honestly they are like half the size of what I have been served in omakase meals elsewhere. And it wasn't by our request or because I'm a woman. My husband was served the same small pieces. Not what you want for $1000. Am I glad I had this experience? Yes. Would I go back? Definitely not. read more

Incredible experience, beautiful interior, delicious meal, and attentive service! Definitely recommend sitting at the chefs table for the best experience. Each dish was put together with an obvious amount of effort and care, and I got to try many foods and flavors I had never had before. The service was phenomenal, with servers constantly ready to pull your chair back, take your jacket, or fill your water. At the end of the meal, our server asked if we wanted to take a picture with Chef Masa (which we did) and they sent us on our way with printed menus of the meal, beautiful cloth napkins, and the wrapped up sake bottle candle from my dessert that I joked about taking. I would absolutely love to come again and highly recommend visiting. read more

I was deeply disappointed in Masa. I frequent Michellin star restaurants like Chef's Table, Eleven Madison and Jean Georges. I thought I was in for something special. There is no great presentation, no creativity, no outstanding flavors, nothing but very fresh fish, rice, a dab of soy sauce and some wasabi. Service was great, food was OK at best. if you are looking for something fancy, something special, save your money. I have no idea how this place got and maintained 3 stars. read more

hands down best omakase i've had yet. My husband treated me to a birthday dinner here on Thursday evening. Reservations were made about 2 weeks in advance. They don't allow photos inside so I took one outside before stepping in. Temperatures were taken and we were seated at the sushi bar. covid setup: glass in front of you separating you from sushi chef and glass next to you separating you from the other 2 guests. Total 4 people at the sushi bar. There's a room next to the bar that had 2 people on one corner and 2 others at the opposite corner. Place was immaculate and clean. All servers and wait staff wore black gloves and masks the entire time. Definitely felt safe during covid times! My husband has a crustacean allergy and they accommodated by substituting the crab dish with unagi. it was DELICIOUS. simple and scrumptious. The 5 appetizers in the beginning of the meal were AMAZING. My favorite was the toro with caviar and brioche and his was the roasted papaya with uni. We also had the Ohmi beef tataki with white truffle which was an extra $150 per order. Worth it if you like truffle because man they pile that on. We shared one order and it was decadent! On to the sushi; there were a total of 18 pieces in total. Our chef was not the chatty type but it was clear that he was a perfectionist. He was meticulous with the smallest details and his hands prepped with the kind of precision and focus you would expect from a 3 michelin star restaurant chef. He also cleaned thoroughly between every piece he prepared which helped us feel at ease since my husband has allergies. The pace at which the food came out was spaced out well. We didn't feel rushed nor did we felt like we were ever waiting for the next course. The standout star pieces were toro (they gave 2 pieces!), striped jack, seam bream, tiger shrimp, grilled toro, mackerel and uni. Honestly, they were all delicious. In totality, we had 27 items including the extra beef appetizer and a slice of matcha crepe cake for my birthday. The price is $$$$$$ but it's worth it if you like sushi! read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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The best sushi I ever had in adjacent to their Kappo masa. Wowowowowowowowow. I love how not many people can be in the restaurant at the same time which makes it feel intimate and personal. The staff push in your chair, open the door to the restroom, wait outside and walk you back to your table. Very classy and they give you your menu to take home. The chef's are amazing and the food is delicious. Please if you have to money to go here just do it. read more

I love this place. I don't love that you can't take pictures of the food but I respect it. This is more like the fine dining experience that somehow seems like anyone can do it. Other than the price point, the ambience is laid back and you're supposed to not dress up. The dress code is casual, not formal or business casual. When we got there before it opened, we couldn't find it. The door is part of the wall so unless it's opened, you can't find this place. There are no identifying signs to indicate you're there. Once the door opens, there's an orange curtain with the Masa symbol that invites you in. When you enter, it's this beautiful interior that's black and zen. We went for lunch because it's half the price of dinner and you can sit at the counter. The staff pull the seat for you and when you get up to go to the bathroom, they push the seat in and when you return, they pull the seat out for you. I think they got tired of doing that for me because I got up so many times to go blow my nose haha. Anyways, the food was amazing (how can it not be), they give you this little painting from the mushroom dish that's pre-signed by Masa and the chef from that day. Our chef was Tony. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and had a sense of humor. I asked out of curiosity how often Chef Masa was there and they told me he tries to be there at least every other day. The day we went he was in London setting up another restaurant. So if you go, you may see the wizard himself. The experience is surreal and this is a place I would return to again and again. It's exquisite, it's simple, and it's breaking the rules without being rude. read more

We have been to multiple restaurants but this place by far has surpassed all of them in terms of service. We came to visit New York and decided to try some Michelin star restaurants. They can only be booked a month ahead. Masa is located at the fourth floor of the time warner center. Unfortunately they do not allow taking picture of the food. It's 26 courses with option to add some. First 7 courses (originally 6 as we added the Ohmi beef tataki with truffles - additional $170) were appetizers which were all amazing! Our favorites were the stone crab with aoli and especially the roasted see urchin. The sushi courses were all good. Everything came from japan but they did mention one of the most expensive ingredient they use is their fresh wasabi. For the dessert, we tried the truffle ice cream which is EPIC! A truly wonderful experience. Oh, and if you want to see chef Masa and take pics with him, make sure to get the earlier times between 5-8pm. read more

Masa - The full menu - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

We just finished our dinner at Masa and were very disappointed. Normally after a bite of toro at another 2 star you get a huge wave of flavor and enjoyment, yet the initial bite that was also covered with caviar was so lackluster that we were shocked. The rest of the appetizers were flat and without a shock of flavor. The sushi itself had some standouts, but overall it was also lackluster. We prefer our experience at a recent 2 star omakase in tribeca enormously more. Coming into the restaurant the first thing the hostess said to us was all the rules we couldn't do, instead of just making us feel welcome. We aren't big photo takers, but it just made the experience feel cold. I wouldn't recommend coming here. read more

Awaiting for years to partake in a memorable meal at Masa, the last remaining 3-star Michelin restaurant on my New York list, I anticipated an experience worthy of its lofty reputation. With the standard omakase priced at $750 per person and additional courses at $250 each (which we selected with delight), Masa's elevated status promised not just culinary excellence but also unparalleled service. However, what should have been an extraordinary evening turned into a series of disappointments. The ambiance was disrupted by an incongruous chorus of "Happy Birthday" songs, followed by a distracting photoshoot at the counter. Mishaps ensued, from finding an unwelcome hair atop one of my plates to the surprising unavailability of a pre-ordered wine bottle. The most disheartening revelation came during the course featuring Toro, where conflicting explanations about its origin left us questioning the integrity of the restaurant. More specifically - when served the first Toro course and my husband (who I should mention has been to Masa and Japan multiple times) inquired where the fish was coming from - we were told it was from Boston. Very well and the dish was probably the best we had all night. An absolute perfection of fresh wasabi, sticky rice consistency, and, of course, the tuna belly slice. Interestingly enough though - as the next course was served and we inquired of the fish origin - we were told "All the fish is coming from Japan." We were understandably confused and I asked once again where the Toro in the first course was from, "JAPAN" two waiters now uttered almost in unison. Interesting. Additionally, a confrontational encounter regarding photography policies further tarnished the experience. Despite my efforts to address these concerns with the Director of Operations, the disappointments persisted. Reflecting on my evening at Masa, I cannot help but question its continued 3-star status on the Michelin Guide which is becoming less and less relevant by the day and something appearing to be bought by the $750-950 omakase nights. Interestingly enough - MASA is also hidden on Google with the disguise of only Bar Masa (not quite the same restaurant and pricing), as I imagine the reviews were similar to mine from various patrons. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Highest quality ingredients I have ever seen, this is probably the peak of seafood and sushi you can get in the US. The roasted sea urchin with truffle was such a magical dish, having incredible umami and creamy flavors. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it is not really worth the cost of the meal. read more

Masa - Menu - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

One of the most memorable meals for sure. Sitting at the counter at Masa was an unparalleled experience for me and my husband. I love sushi and do omakase with my friends every other month while my husband does not really enjoy sashimi and never had a proper omakase experience. Both of us at the end of the meal agreed that the price tag was well worth its price. The ambiance and service was warm and welcoming while immaculately neat in design. But the chef and his team's impeccable precision on execution on the fish was what really won me over. I really love the little dust of citrus where it was needed and that perfectly balanced rice to fish ratio. The appetizer round stood out to my husband the most as he still learning to appreciate raw fish. But he downed four pieces of those warm buttery charcoal grilled toast with the toro tartare with caviar which according to the staff was prob the record. When a fellow counter diner exclaim how could she ever eat sushi again after this meal, Masa smiled and humbly said don't blame me, it is all the fishes' work. We ended the night with a photo op with Masa and his apprentice in front of the huge floral arrangement which Chef Masa watered and tended to occasionally throughout the evening. This is the only photo allowed during the whole night. However, the images of Masa as a chef, a teacher, a caretaker and most importantly a leader of his team live vividly in our minds. It is incredible to see the whole team working together seamlessly to bring an evening alive to its audience. And of course when you are in the theater, no photos allowed. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I tried $800 sushi! This Manhattan Michelin rated restaurant was an incredible experience. There are only 26 seats in the entire restaurant, and while the decor is sparse -- the restaurant is merely a blank canvas on which the food will be allotted space to shine. Masa offers omakase dining, which means there's no set menu; the chef curates each course to highlight the best and freshest ingredients. I indulged in a few sea urchin, chirashi, and chrysanthemum dishes. No doggie bags here! I took a Temaki box to go. For those who can't afford the $600+ price tag, or who prefer to order from a menu, the sister restaurant BarMasa is located next door and offers an a la carte menu. read more

Masa - Sea Urchin - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I had the opportunity to go to Masa pre-pandemic, so this review is coming a bit late. The restaurant is in Columbus Circle. The space itself is pretty big, with a sushi counter and multiple tables that were already pretty spaced out even pre-pandemic. I dined with one other person, and sat at a table. You aren't allowed to take pictures of the food here. but you can take a picture at the sushi counter at the end of your meal. The service is really great, prompt and polite. The sushi is really tailored to you as well - for example, our server noticed that I was having trouble finishing my pieces, and suggested that I get less rice with each - that small modification was great, and I really appreciated it. All of the dishes in the omakase were excellent - fresh and simple, but not boring at all. I really enjoyed all of the items that were presented to me. The one issue, of course, is the really steep price of Masa. I enjoyed my meal immensely, but I do think it would be hard for me to come back based on the price. There are definitely other great omakase options in the city that won't hit your wallet so hard, but are of similar / equivalent quality and deliciousness. I think it is a great place to have a special, once-in-a-lifetime meal. read more

This might well be the best sushi meal I have EVER had in the world, including Tokyo. It is decidedly a trust fund baby / corporate Amex sorta place: it costs $595 per person before drinks and tax for this world-famous sushi. Chef/owner Masayoshi Takayama' REALLY knows what he is doing. He has another award-winning restaurant in Tribeca and is also the chef at Kappo Masa on Madison Avenue (partnership with superstar art gallerist Larry Gagosian). He trained in the Ginza district of Tokyo, an area that holds probably the most serious collection of high-end sushi palaces on Earth. Aside from being a food star, he's very savvy about business, and it shows in the way Masa runs like clockwork. The food is sublime here; I'd never had anything quite like it, and I've consumed a whole lotta sushi over the years. The ingredients are very fresh, the tuna is the highest grade imaginable, and the vegetables are crispy and perfect. Service here is almost geisha-like. Quiet, elegant and extremely competent service is offered up by very smart staff. You'll feel like the Emperor himself. Time Warner Center has a big collection of very good restaurants, and this is the best of the best. It's very easy to find, just angle for the southwest corner of Central Park and you're there. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I went for lunch, you have to pay a deposit before hand, and there are very limited seating, all at the sushi bar. The experience itself was wonderful, very attentive staff. And the sushi was delicious, they made each piece for you after you finish the piece you just ate. The dish that was the most amazing was the caviar on top of tuna, it was amazing. So good and abundant. I wish more dishes were at that amazing level. read more

I've always wanted to try this place just to see what the hype was about. Finally, I took the plunge for my B-Day & decided to treat myself before I go back to California. I got the reservation & was still a little doubtful about spending so much on 1 meal...& coming alone. But during & after my dinner, all my doubts were erased! Masa is not just a meal, it's an experience that you can't get anywhere else. & Chef Tony is quite possibly the most talented yet humble & kind chef I've ever been served by. I actually was delighted to have him over even the celebrated Chef Masa! As elitist as this sounds, I do recommend trying this place at least once in your life. I know for a fact that any other sushi I'll ever eat will never measure up to the omakase I had @ Masa. I believe this so much that I'm even writing & posting photos on Yelp! (They didn't pay me for this either. I just really love food, esp sushi, & the Masa experience was unforgettable for me.) read more

Masa - The B-Day ~ - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Yes, this place deserves all three Michelin stars and yes it's worth making that reservation. No, I haven't found another omakase that is on par with this yet. Frankly, I've never had a meal in my life that comes close to this. I wish I was a seasoned sushi reviewer who could explain in detail the intricacies of each piece. I'm not up to that task so suffice it to say that I felt forced to close my eyes to truly appreciate the pure euphoria brought on by the pieces here. I was so honored to be served by Chef Masa Takayama himself and to be given the opportunity to take a photo with him. Thank you so much. read more

Masa - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York