Experience Exquisite Sushi at New York’s “Masa”! A Complete Guide to the Three-Michelin-Star Restaurant

Experiencing the Elegance of Masa’s Sushi in New York

Who is Masa Takayama? A Renowned Sushi Chef in America

Masa Takayama is known as a legendary sushi chef in America and is the owner-chef of the three-Michelin-star sushi restaurant “Masa” in New York City. His sushi combines traditional Edo-style sushi with his unique creativity and innovative techniques, constantly evolving to bring new experiences to the table.

Chef Takayama’s approach, which deeply respects the natural flavors of ingredients, has earned him high praise from gourmet lovers both domestically and internationally.

Born and raised in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, Takayama learned the art of handling seafood from a young age while helping in his family’s fish shop.

This early experience cultivated a deep love and knowledge of ingredients, forming the foundation of his future as a sushi chef.

After completing rigorous training at the prestigious sushi restaurant “Ginza Sushi-ko” in Tokyo, he moved to the United States in 1980.

In Los Angeles, he opened “Ginza Sushi-ko,” which quickly became a popular destination, pioneering the high-end sushi scene and attracting many food enthusiasts.

In 2004, he opened “Masa” at the Time Warner Center in New York City, becoming the first sushi restaurant in America to achieve three Michelin stars.

At Masa, only the finest ingredients sourced globally, unparalleled technique, and a refined atmosphere come together to offer guests a unique sushi experience.

Masa’s sushi is characterized by the perfect balance of red vinegar and rice, with meticulously selected seasonal seafood.

Each dish is carefully prepared to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, with delicate preparation and seasoning.

Known for his warm personality and hospitality, Chef Takayama enjoys conversing with guests across the counter, providing each person with an individualized sushi experience.

His dedication and craftsmanship are often described as “art,” and his expertise continues to be cherished by gourmet lovers worldwide.

Masa Takayama’s Career and Restaurant Timeline

List of Restaurants Operated by Masa Takayama

1. Masa

• Location: Time Warner Center, New York City, NY
• Description: An exclusive three-Michelin-star sushi restaurant offering an omakase experience with the finest ingredients from around the world. Known for its minimalist hinoki wood counter and intimate ambiance, Masa is revered as one of the most luxurious sushi experiences in America.

1. Bar Masa (New York)

• Location: Adjacent to Masa in the Time Warner Center, New York City, NY
• Description: A more casual alternative to Masa, Bar Masa offers à la carte dishes with innovative twists on traditional Japanese cuisine in a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of sushi, sashimi, and unique Japanese-inspired plates.

1. Kappo Masa

• Location: Gagosian Gallery, Madison Avenue, New York City, NY
• Description: A collaborative restaurant between Chef Masa Takayama and renowned art gallerist Larry Gagosian. Kappo Masa combines contemporary Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, presented in an art-inspired setting.

1. Bar Masa (Las Vegas)

• Location: Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
• Description: Located within the Aria Resort & Casino, this Las Vegas branch of Bar Masa offers a casual yet refined dining experience similar to the New York location. The restaurant features an à la carte menu with a variety of sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes.

Please note that other former restaurants by Masa Takayama, such as Shaboo (a shabu-shabu restaurant) and Tetsu (a teppanyaki restaurant) in Las Vegas and New York, have since closed.

The Appeal and Features of Masa

The allure of “Masa” lies in its commitment to simplicity and an unparalleled focus on the ingredients, creating the ultimate dining experience.

Chef Masa Takayama’s pursuit of the aesthetic of “shibui” (subtle and refined beauty) is evident in every element of this establishment.

Upon entering, guests are immediately drawn to the single slab hinoki (cypress) sushi counter.

Meticulously sanded daily, this counter offers a warmth that is felt upon touch and embodies the aesthetic vision of “Masa” through both visual and tactile senses.

Every dish at “Masa” is crafted with the day’s freshest ingredients, with a seasonal flow that reflects the essence of each time of year.

Chef Takayama respects the ingredients, preparing them in ways that highlight their natural flavors, allowing guests to savor the true taste of each component.

For instance, every fish is carefully handled and prepared to preserve its freshness, allowing the purity of the ingredients to shine through.

Dining here is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that comes from a profound connection to the ingredients. The minimalist interior of “Masa” is also meticulously designed.

The decor is restrained, featuring only the essentials in order to keep the focus solely on the food.

This simplicity is intentional, highlighting the elegance of each dish by removing unnecessary distractions.

“Masa” offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese traditional aesthetics and a sense of comfort through its food.

It provides a serene setting in which the inherent power of each ingredient can be fully appreciated, making for an extraordinary and memorable dining experience.

Pricing and Price Range of Masa

Masa is known as one of New York’s top high-end sushi restaurants, with pricing that stands apart from many other establishments.

The restaurant offers an omakase course only, starting at $750 per person for a table seat and $950 per person for the hinoki counter seat.

This price does not include service charges or taxes, so the final bill often exceeds $1,000 per person.

If visiting as a pair, you can expect the total to easily surpass $2,000.

At Masa, sushi featuring luxurious ingredients like caviar and truffles is also available, which tends to further increase the cost.

Regarding Drinks

At Masa, guests are permitted to bring their own beverages. However, there is a corkage fee of $300 per bottle.

The corkage fee is the cost applied when bringing outside beverages into a restaurant, compensating for potential loss of profit from not purchasing drinks directly from the establishment.

There is a limit of two bottles per party, and any beverages listed on Masa’s drink menu are not permitted for bring-ins.

Bar Masa offers a more casual atmosphere with an à la carte menu.

While the dining experience here is more affordable than at Masa, it still maintains a high-end level compared to other sushi restaurants in New York.

Special menu items or dishes that use premium ingredients at Bar Masa are priced similarly to Masa.

Additional Notes

Restaurant prices may vary depending on ingredient availability and season. For the most up-to-date pricing, it is recommended to check Masa’s official website. In the United States, tipping is customary when dining out, with a standard tip ranging between 15–20% of the total bill.

The Appeal and Casual Experience of Bar Masa

“Bar Masa” offers a more casual and relaxed setting compared to “Masa,” where guests can still enjoy the culinary creations of Chef Masa Takayama.

While it maintains a casual vibe, there is no compromise on quality.

The space features simple, elegant decor with an African bubinga wood counter and Japanese Oya stone walls, giving it a modern Japanese atmosphere.

At “Bar Masa,” the menu is rich in variety, combining Japanese cuisine with Chef Masa’s creative interpretations.

Guests can enjoy dishes adapted to American tastes as well as inventive plates that highlight traditional Japanese flavors.

This creative freedom allows for a range of unique dishes that aren’t bound by the formal constraints of “Masa,” enabling new and exciting culinary experiments.

Additionally, “Bar Masa” offers offsite catering, allowing guests to enjoy Chef Masa’s unique cuisine in different settings.

The drink menu includes an extensive selection of wine and sake pairings, perfect for those who appreciate fine beverages with their meal.

Bar Masa is an ideal place for those who want a relaxed yet high-quality dining experience.

The restaurant also accommodates guests who wish to bring their own wine, with a corkage fee that reflects its high-end nature.

[Bar Masa Official Website]

The Fusion of Kappo Masa and Art

“Kappo Masa” is a Japanese kappo-style restaurant born from the collaboration between Chef Masa Takayama and renowned art gallerist Larry Gagosian.

Located on Madison Avenue in New York, Kappo Masa merges the world of Japanese traditional kappo cuisine with the art world, creating a unique space where food and art coexist.

Chef Masa’s dishes are characterized by techniques that enhance the flavors of carefully selected ingredients, each plate crafted as if it were an art piece, allowing diners to experience aesthetics through cuisine—a core appeal of Kappo Masa.

The restaurant’s interior design is highly refined, with thoughtful touches evident throughout its simplicity.

With an ambiance akin to an art gallery, Kappo Masa presents its cuisine as an art form, enabling guests to enjoy the visual beauty as an integral part of the dining experience.

The tableware used for each dish is specially designed by Chef Masa and selected to complement the cuisine, creating a beautiful harmony between the plate and the food presented.

Kappo Masa is both a place where food itself is art and a unique venue that allows diners to experience the value of art through their meal.

Together with New York’s cultural atmosphere, Kappo Masa offers a special experience for those with an interest in both art and cuisine—a must-visit destination.

[Kappo Masa Official Website]

Features of the Popular Masa Sushi in New York

Michelin Rating Earned by Masa

Masa is renowned as the first sushi restaurant in the United States to receive three Michelin stars.

This prestigious rating is upheld by the quality of its ingredients, the high level of skill, and the unique philosophy and hospitality of Chef Masa Takayama.

Achieving three stars in the Michelin Guide is a testament to both the artistry and quality of the cuisine at the highest level, highlighting how special the dining experience at Masa truly is.

The dishes at Masa center around an “omakase” course featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients that are presented with simplicity yet refined technique, allowing the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine.

Chef Takayama attends to every detail, from the temperature to the texture of each piece, ensuring that each sushi is served in the optimal state for guests.

This unwavering dedication to quality is the reason Masa has maintained such a high rating in the Michelin Guide for many years.

The Philosophy Masa Takayama Brings to His Sushi

Chef Masa Takayama’s philosophy in crafting sushi is to “bring out the pure essence of each ingredient.”

Growing up working in his family’s fish market, Chef Masa developed a deep connection with ingredients that now forms the foundation of his culinary approach.

He believes that sushi is best when it showcases the natural flavors of its ingredients without excessive seasoning or preparation.

To achieve this, only the finest seafood and vegetables are selected and served fresh, carefully prepared to ensure they taste their best at the moment they are consumed.

His sushi philosophy is also deeply intertwined with a profound respect for the craftsmanship of sushi-making.

After rigorous training at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo, Chef Masa mastered traditional techniques and devotes meticulous attention to each step of the process.

From the way he fillets fish to the way he shapes the rice and adds a hint of salt, every aspect is executed with precision, contributing to the unique experience at “Masa.”

This dedication reflects Chef Masa’s pride as a sushi craftsman, embodying an aesthetic that values facing and carefully handling each ingredient.

For Chef Masa, sushi is not simply food; it is a form of dialogue with the diner.

When he faces guests at the sushi counter, he focuses entirely on each moment, providing heartfelt hospitality.

This transforms the dining experience from a one-way act of service into a shared sensory connection between chef and guest.

Through this philosophy, Chef Masa offers his guests an extraordinary experience, enriching their dining journey with depth and meaning.

The Appeal of New York’s Masa Sushi: Summary

• Chef Masa Takayama places great importance on bringing out the natural flavors of ingredients
• His early experience with ingredients forms the foundation of his culinary approach
• Characterized by avoiding excessive seasoning, his cooking enhances the natural umami of the ingredients
• He respects the craftsmanship of a sushi chef, paying meticulous attention to every detail
• Every aspect, from fish preparation to salt balance, supports the experience at “Masa”
• Views sushi as a dialogue with the diner, offering a special moment with each dish
• “Masa” is recognized as the first Michelin three-star sushi restaurant in America
• His sushi blends traditional Japanese techniques with modern approaches
• Ingredients like truffle and caviar create a new dimension in the sushi experience
• The cuisine is praised as an artistic experience that engages all five senses
• “Masa” has established a unique position in New York’s dining scene
• Simple and refined interiors enhance the focus on the food
• “Bar Masa” offers a more casual atmosphere with an à la carte menu
• “Kappo Masa” features an art gallery-like setting
• Gourmets from around the world visit to experience Chef Masa’s sushi