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    Masa

    4.0 (448 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Masa Photos

    MASA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Upscale
    Quiet
    Dressy

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    Reviews With Photos

    Kyle A.

    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.

    Yuan F.

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

    Ben F.

    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.

    Eric L.

    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.

    Menu they provide at the end of the meal
    Stephanie Y.

    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.

    Alex N.

    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.

    My wife and I and the legendary Chef Masa.
    Keelan P.

    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!

    Front door entrance
    Travis S.

    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.

    M And T.

    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.

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

    They were gracious enough to take a photo of us after our meal, behind the preparation station!
    Carolina B.

    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!

    Menu that night

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    The food here is amazing, the entire experience is wonderful - very personable service, cool atmosphere, and unique sushi.

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    Good food and atmosphere. Seating was quick and easy. Staff very nice and efficient. Food was fresh and service was fast.

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    2 years ago

    Does not warrant 3 Michelin stars. I would not go back. Plenty of other omakase in nyc that are as good and not as expensive

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    Page 2 of 12

    Masa Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Masa

    I understand Masa is only there for certain seatings. As I'd like to see his masterful skills at work, would you recommend a weekday/weekend, lunch or dinner reservation to get the best chance?

    I heard that after a certain time Masa isn't around so lunch is prob your best bet. There are 2 chefs & so if you want to be served by Masa it's a luck of the draw. You don't know if you will get Masa even if you sit at the counter, but I was def… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Masa

    Standout dishes - Toro tartare with caviar, truffle sushi, shiso ume, Saba, hairy crab with uni and yuzu.

    Mentioned in 56 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Momoya

    Momoya

    4.1
    (893 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    I had been to Momoya on the Upper West Side before, but this was my first visit to the Chelsea…read morelocation. The atmosphere here was a bit more lively and crowded compared to the more relaxed vibe of the UWS spot. I enjoyed my meal even more this time around. I started with the beet salad, which was delicious and offered great value given the generous portion size. it featured sliced beets, arugula, goat cheese, and walnuts. I also had my eye on the hijiki soybean salad--which is a bit smaller and reportedly homemade--so I may try that next time, along with the warm mushroom salad which looked very tasty. The edamame was standard but served as a nice starter. For my main rolls, I chose the salmon avocado and the yellowtail scallion. Both were very fresh and definitely worth ordering again. The salmon avocado roll had a nice touch of sesame seeds on the rice, while the yellowtail scallion was prepared with the seaweed on the outside. My boyfriend's sushi entree looked excellent, so I am considering that or the sushi-sashimi combo for my next visit. The entrees provide a substantial amount of food, and I especially appreciate that they allow you to choose which roll comes with your meal.

    Probably my favorite sushi in nyc- been coming to this exact location for nearly a decade? At least…read moresix years if not ten. Crispy rice tuna is a must. Stay and eat or pickup and take home, both work. Patient staff. High quality fish. Idk it's just homey, always makes me feel good to be in the neighborhood. Miso soup is properly worth getting too- not just salty water like you get at some places. Proper miso with proper tofu.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Chirashi Lunch
    Chirashi Lunch
    Dessert

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    Dessert
    Sanyuu West

    Sanyuu West

    4.4
    (163 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$$$

    The last time I was in NYC I grabbed two omakase and one Everything don from Shinn East, so figured…read morethis time I might as well try their sister restaurant, Sanyuu West! They share a takeout menu and it's super easy to order--text what you want to the phone number on the website and pickup in ~20 minutes :). You pay on a handheld and they don't ask for tip for takeout. I love this process and truly wish more sushi restaurants in LA adopt the takeout box. The only one I know of is hefty but also $200 each lol, making Sanyuu's $69 omakase and $78 Everything don, not to mention the $30 giant salmon nigiri set, A STEAL! I enjoyed most of the pieces but I will say I don't like their amaebi or uni at all. I'm not sure what kind of uni is used here but it's the type with a very strong mineral flavor & aftertaste that I don't find enjoyable. We're spoiled by easy access to live spot prawns everywhere and fresh SB uni. Despite this, I wouldn't hesitate to come back if I lived in the city.

    Came for takeout and got the Salmon Set which includes 8 huuuuge salmon nigiri for $30. You'll…read moredefinitely want to share this one. The slices aren't thin, delicate, and melt-in-your-mouth as one usually gets in a sit down; they are extra thick, and I had to really bite down on some of the pieces. The rice was nicely seasoned and was cooked well + portions are also big to match those thiccccc salmon slices. To be honest, I was getting a little nauseated after 5 pieces, haha~ They were definitely delicious but I'd probably just eat 3 or 4 pieces and share with a friend! It was easy to text the number on the website and coordinate a pickup time, and the staff was friendly when I arrived. The restaurant is a little hard to find as the windows are blinded and the sign is a piece of paper on the door.

    Photos
    Sanyuu West
    (@joeynht)
    (@joeynht)
    (@joeynht)

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    (@joeynht)
    Konban

    Konban

    4.4
    (466 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    Everything we tried was honestly amazing--nothing missed. The service was great too. Portions were…read moregood, and every bite was super enjoyable. The ube tiramisu was a standout. I'm not usually an ube fan, so I wasn't expecting much--but they told us it was just added to the menu and we were some of the first people to try it. After one bite, I literally said "wow" out loud. My friend even laughed because I never react like that unless the food is really good. Overall, everything we had was a solid 10/10. Would definitely come back!

    For a friend's birthday dinner, we went to konban, which she apparently has been visiting every…read moreyear for her birthday the past three years. The interior is minimalistic with a japanese feel through the zen garden. For drinks my friend and I had the sayonara which I enjoyed, but she thought was too strong. We ordered family style, sharing the corn ribs, zucchini, butter scallops, ebi tempura, pork katsu, mazemen, ube tiramisu , and corn ice cream amongst four people. The ube tiramisu was free since we wrote a google review for the restaurant. Everything was delicious and the zucchini was surprisingly good as well. The pork was so tender. the ebi tempura were huge, and the mazemen was thankfully not spicy. However, the scallops could've been more tender and we we were all unimpressed with the ube tiramisu. Overall, I would come back and would definitely recommend konban! Get the corn ribs, zucchini, pork katsu, and corn ice cream! My friend did notice that some menu items changed from her previous visit (instead of the zucchini they had the eggplant in the past)

    Photos
    Restaurant interior
    Restaurant interior
    Pork katsu
    Pork katsu
    Corn ribs

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    Corn ribs
    Izakaya MEW

    Izakaya MEW

    4.3
    (3.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I've been coming to Izakaya Mew for years and it's still great! The food is solid and the ambiance…read moreis that of a casual bar/izakaya. It can be a little tricky to find as it has a small door on the street level and is located down a flight of stairs on 35th. They have a variety of drinks such as frozen kirin beer and Japanese inspired cocktails. For food, they have a large variety of Japanese classics from sushi, skewers, fried dishes, and noodles/rice. My favorites here are the Omu Soba which has some tasty noodles inside and the salmon don which has some sashimi and sauce over rice!

    the only redeeming quality of this place is the price and the vibes. i've gone a couple times and…read moreall the dishes i've tried are just okay. the katsudon is very average imo somewhat comparable to hmart food court katsudon lol. i remember the pork belly being super fatty, the kalbi being really tough to chew, and the salmon tataki was forgettable. i've also tried the kimchi cream udon, the omu soba, the sweet and sour ribs, and the salmon don (not pictured) and also thought those dishes were very average. the portion sizes here are good for the price and for the area, but i definitely would not wait for a table. i think it's a good pre-game/post-game place like i'm sure the food would taste delicious if i was wasted but it is not great for just dinner.

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll
    Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll
    Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

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    Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

    Masa - sushi - Updated June 2026

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