Masa
New York, NY 10019-1158
Phone: (212) 823-9800
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- 59th Street
- Directions:
- 1; A, C; B, D at 59th St-Columbus Cir
- Best of Citysearch:
- Sushi 2006
- Hours:
- Mon, Sat 6pm-9:30pm, Tue-Fri 12pm-1:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm
Editorial Review for Masa – by Allison Austin
The Scene
Calming earth tones and an absence of decoration--with the exception of live bamboo posts in a shallow pool behind the sushi bar--put the focus on Chef Masa Takayama and his expert team of cooks. There's a quiet, humble reverence in their work; it is anything but showy, yet exhilarating to watch. Servers blend seamlessly into the background, keeping tiny sake cups full and replacing dishes without intruding. Diners are pampered but not fussed over.
The Food
Takayama accepts nothing short of the highest quality seafood. Cool uni floats in the mouth and melts onto the tongue. Can that mild, buttery white fish actually be mackerel? From the velvety toro tartare topped with an obscene amount of caviar, to the buttery foie gras and lobster shabu shabu, then finally to bite after bite of perfectly proportioned sushi, every piece of fish is the best of its kind.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasThe prix-fixe omakase (chef's choice) menu ranges from $400 to $600 per person. There is no a la carte menu.
Know Before You GoReservations are required and cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance to avoid a $150 per-person charge.
What to DrinkA brief selection of cold sakes is offered, including a crisp, clean Momenya otokoyama ($24).
User Reviews for Masa
03/19/2008 Posted by PJHJ
This was my first time at Masa. No doubt the food was amazing. And in contrary to some of the other reviews, I felt the staff were very attentive and professional. The chef went out of his way to please us as well. Consistently trying to make us pieces the way we liked it. Even after the dinner, he was standing by at his counter until we left the restaurant. All in all, considering the name and price, I don't think it blew me away enough though. But I really think it was because I was way too overhyped. Nevertheless, I still think it is worthwhile for everyone to experience this restaurant at least once in their dining career.
Pros: Amazing food and sushi. Great attentive chef and staff.
Cons: In economics term...the "utility return on value" was not up to par.
11/18/2007 Posted by evillagefoodie
Took me forever to get a reservation for a Tuesday night, and then there is only one other table seated for dinner service the whole night in an otherwise empty restaurant.. So their reservation policy is BS first of all. Secondly the food was only OK.. it was good sushi but not for $800 per person (after food, wine and tip).. I have had just as good or better sushi for a fraction of the price elsewhere in this city. Over all it did not live up to the hype nor the price. Was a big let down :(
Pros: Very good service
Cons: wayyyy overpriced for what it is
