Masa

08/03/09

Amazing experience, like no other

by allisont at Citysearch

Never thought I'd dine here, because I like sushi but always thought the difference between good and great sushi would elude me, so why waste the money? Enter a family member with a debt to repay to my husband, and next thing you know we're eating at Masa.

I've done all the NYtimes **** and Michelin *** in New York and found Masa to be exceptional even by multiple-star standards. The service was excellent, and I was impressed to see an Anglo female waitperson at a high-end Japanese joint - a first for me. We started with six appetizer courses (three cold, three hot), about 20 pieces of sushi and a light fruit dessert. All the food but especially the fish was sublime. The chef uses toro like other restaurants use parsley, and there were meltingly good hunks of it throughout the meal. We also had lots of summer truffles, shaved into some dishes, and even wrapping a piece of fish during the extended sushi course. We all left satiated but not overstuffed.

The only downside is the price. Our meal was $450 per person (low end of the $400-600 stated on the website). Wines by the glass were an extortionate $19 each, and the least expensive bottle was $80. I'm sure our generous host didn't see much change from $3000. for our table of four.

• Pros: Fabulous, fabulous food
• Cons: Price

06/09/09

Superb

by Dior46 at Citysearch

The restaurant is small but seating is limited so the tables and the sushi counter is pretty spacious. The decor is simple but elegant. My boyfriend and I sat at the counter for dinner for his bday. We had six appetizers and 22+ pieces of sushi each and of course dessert. Each course was unique in its own way and delicious. There was not one course I was disappointed in. The service was phenomenal. They were very attentive and accomodating. At the end of the sushi part of the meal, the chef offered extra pieces of our favorites. On top of our desserts they gave my boyfriend a green tea cake for his bday. I'm not sure about what other reviewers are saying but they may have confused Masa with Bar Masa or another restaurant entirely. The whole experience was intimate and unique. It is very pricey but worth experience at least once.

• Pros: Unique experience
• Cons: Price

11/25/08

this is one of my fav. high end restaurants in the ny

by hermanplum at Citysearch

This is one of my favorite high end restaurants in The City. A little advice,....go in with no expectation, an open mind, time to spare, and money in your pocket. And hats off to the management, kitchen, & staff for all around excellence.

• Pros: food'service,management
• Cons: --