Megu Midtown
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 964-7777
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- East 47th Street
- Directions:
- 4, 5, 6 at 42nd St
- Hours:
- Mon-Wed 5:30pm-10:30pm, Thu-Sat 5:30-11pm
Editorial Review for Megu Midtown – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
The name of Koji Imai's upscale Japanese empire translates as "blessing," and the benediction for this latest midtown outpost comes from the Don himself--Trump, that is. Decor makes a few nods to its far-east midtown location with black-finished wood, white leather chairs and honey-colored lighting. But floor-spanning lampshades resembling giant mushrooms, a mixed business-tourist crowd and a chatty, international waitstaff paint an amusingly surreal scene.
The Food
The massive menu of the Tribeca location has been paired down to a more manageable size, sharpening the focus on playfully Westernized renditions of Japanese cuisine: a palate-cleansing pina colada shot comes in an Asian soup spoon; a creamy cod-roe dipping sauce accompanies thick asparagus spears; and a fragrant, chowder-like miso soup floats with clouds of snapper and is served in a country-quaint-pattered bowl. Dishes that need no gimmick: a supple toro tuna steak with truffle sauce and sublimely tender, stone-grilled Kobe-beef chateaubriand.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyA six-course tasting menu costs $70, though the Kobe beef adds $20.
What to DrinkThe sake menu is as steep as it is extensive. If you're not a sake fan, or don't have the dough, try the $8 glass of Txacolina, a crisp Spanish white wine.
The ExtrasThe bar stays open until 1am every night.
Look GoodVisit the larger Megu in Tribeca.
User Reviews for Megu Midtown
08/06/2008 Posted by luvmyyummys
I am not keen on Japanese food. I don't prefer raw fish and have always been weary of sushi, but my wife wanted to try megu in the UN. We heard downtown was more hip and we are a bit older to fit in there. She dragged me and I am so glad she did. We went for dinner and there were two menus. a restaurant week one which we didn't even look at and the main dining one. I did not order sushi, my wife did and she said it was "good" but I couldn't tell you. The appetizers we ordered were rich and so flavorful my mouth waters when I think about them still. The red miso soup looked scary at first but you cuold taste how true japanese it was. I have been dragged to Nobu and I have to say that Megu is far better not just with food, but the service as well. Glasses always filled, The server recommended dishes when i told her I did not like raw fish that were impeccable, and managers were associating themselves and talking with the customers. It was a great atmosphere. My wife just said that the YellowTail carpaccio was her favorite. She said the fish was delicious and it was just the right kind of spicy. She still remembers it and we were there two weeks ago. I guess this is a true japanese restaurant and it blew me out of the water/ I will definitely go back again. The menu was so overwhelming and the raw/cooked ratio was about even so if you are like me and a little squirmish, try this place. You won't regret it.
Pros: there is plenty of cooked food
Cons: it smells a little fishy but there are raw fish around
07/28/2008 Posted by RTbirmingham
My family loves restaurant week in new york but this time we tried the midtown megu. Downtown has always been fun but midtown was amazing. The scenery, the service, but most of all the food. The red miso soup is the best i've had and the soba noodles had a sauce that was so savory I couldn't get enough. Their tempura has more flavor than any other place i've been, and I LOVE japanese. It is pricey but you get what you pay for.
Pros: no matter what you order you will not be disappointed
Cons: mildly expensive
