Opened in 2004, Masa is New York City’s most expensive sushi restaurant and today holds 3 stars from the Michelin Guide, 4 stars from The New York Times, 5 stars from Forbes editors and is also one of the top 50 restaurants in the world and is recognized as the best Japanese restaurant in the world.
About the Chef
Masa Takayama, the star chef, is inspired by shibui ideas, according to which food should excite people not only with its taste, but also its aroma, appearance and the way it is served. All of the ingredients used must be in perfect harmony with one another, in order for the dish to be a true human delight. Chef’s experience is incomparable, as a result of painstaking work and careful observation of the restaurant’s guests, Masa says, “each ingredient in a dish has not only its own specific taste, but also a specific nature, so not all products can be combined with each other, and some of them should be eaten raw and without various sauces and spices”.
Restaurant cuisine
Fish and seafood for the restaurant Masa comes directly from Japanese islands every day, so there is no need to doubt the quality of products. In the kitchen of the restaurant Masa is constantly experimenting, changing the composition of the main dishes, he offers his guests to appreciate his creation. Because of constant changes in recipes, there is no main menu at the restaurant, only tasting cards.
Reservations and prices
The dining room of the restaurant has only 26 seats, so there are never any empty seats. Reservations are made several months in advance. Masa personally meets every guest, inquires about the guest’s preferences and asks his or her opinion at the end of the meal.
The restaurant costs $350 to $500 per person, excluding alcohol. There is a dress code at the entrance, which is casual style.