TLDR
An elite Japanese omakase experience with a serene atmosphere and meticulous service. Pricey, but often noted for high-quality ingredients and a unique culinary performance.
Instagram Posts References
The speaker and his partners were 'just starting our practice' and 'working with Masa right now,' which initially made him hesitant to take on COTE. He felt it was 'really tough to go from Masa to like doing a Korean barbecue joint,' suggesting Masa represented a different, possibly higher or more specialized, tier of dining in their professional work.
Masa is a three-Michelin-star sushi restaurant offering an exclusive omakase experience crafted by Chef Masa Takayama, with prices ranging from $750 to $1,000+ per person. Due to a limited number of counter seats, bookings for this highly coveted experience vanish instantly.
Details
Chef Masa Takayama's omakase restaurant offers a luxurious and meticulously crafted dining experience, centered around a serene hinoki counter where chefs and servers perform a ballet-like service. His unique style elevates classic sushi with luxurious ingredients like truffles and caviar, creating an unforgettable meal [1]. However, many diners question the exorbitant pricing and perceived value, especially compared to other high-end sushi options in the city [2], [3].
Food Overview
Masa offers an omakase experience with Japanese cuisine, noted for its use of luxurious ingredients like truffles, caviar, and foie gras, elevating classic sushi preparations. While the food is often described as very good, with sensational toro tartare and caviar mentioned, many diners question if the quality justifies the extremely high cost. Some suggest that other omakase options in the city offer better value or a more consistent experience. The restaurant also has a strict no-phone policy, contributing to its exclusive atmosphere.
Highlights / Recommended
"The toro tartare with caviar has been specifically praised as sensational and friggin' good, highlighting the quality of ingredients."
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally acknowledge the high quality of ingredients and the unique dining experience at Masa, but frequently express concerns about the exorbitant pricing and question its value proposition compared to other upscale sushi restaurants. Some perceive a decline in value over time.
Caveats
Several discussions indicate that the chef, Masa Takayama, is not always present during service, and there is no price adjustment or notification when this occurs. The restaurant also enforces a strict no-phone policy, which some diners may find restrictive.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BARMASA / MASA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter praised the toro tartare with caviar at Masa (or Bar Masa) as sensational and friggin' good, highlighting the quality of ingredients."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter praised the toro tartare with caviar at Masa or Bar Masa as sensational and friggin' good, highlighting the quality of ingredients."
PositiveFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This user estimated the cost for a meal at Masa for two people, including tasting menu, wine pairing, tax, and tip, to be $2,178."
NeutralFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This user noted that Masa's prices have increased significantly, with table service at $750pp and counter service at $950pp. They questioned how Masa could justify its price when other phenomenal meals in the city are much cheaper."
NegativeFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This commenter stated that Masa has been at least $450 for a long time and noted that EMP was significantly cheaper back then. They also expressed skepticism about Masa's value compared to other great NYC options, especially considering the price of omakase in Japan."
NegativeFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This diner has only been to the bar at Masa and hasn't heard enough to justify the high cost, believing there are many other amazing omakase places in the city that offer better value."
NegativeFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This user stated that Masa was good but not worth the cost when they went years ago, estimating the bill for two with add-ons and drinks was over $1K. They contrasted this with Sushi Sho, which they found completely worth it."
NegativeFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This diner enjoyed Masa in the past but felt that with the emergence of other compelling omakase options like Sushi Sho, Noz, and Yoshino, its value proposition has diminished. They mentioned a negative experience with a neighboring diner reeking of cigarettes."
NeutralFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This commenter questioned the value of Masa, comparing its cost to a four-day Caribbean vacation, implying it's an extravagant expense for a night out."
NegativeFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"The original poster ranked Masa last, stating they are not an omakase fan and do not see the value for the high cost."
NegativeFrom post: Pricey Omakase At 1 Michelin Star Joji My Review
"This user recommended Noda on 20th street as the best omakase they'd experienced, noting it was nearly half the price of Joji at $400 pp and a better experience than Masa."
PositiveFrom post: Pricey Omakase At 1 Michelin Star Joji My Review
"The author mentioned they were smart enough to never go to Masa, given its high prices, indicating it's a benchmark for extremely expensive sushi."
NeutralFrom post: Swanky Dinner For Moms 70th
"Masa was listed as a potential restaurant option."
PositiveFrom post: Which Restaurant
"This user listed Masa as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Sushi Restaurants For Large Groups
"The user mentioned Masa in the context of sushi restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Do Any Restaurants In New York Offer Offline
"This user stated that Masa does not allow phones or photos, implying it's a place that values a phone-free experience."
NeutralFrom post: Best Overall Omakase
"Masa is confirmed to fit the description provided in the original post."
PositiveFrom post: Best Overall Omakase
"The user is unironically recommending Masa based on the original poster's description."
PositiveFrom post: Best Overall Omakase
"Masa is mentioned as a place where wagyu is found in high-end omakase."
PositiveFrom post: Where Should I Go For My Birthday
"The user cited Masa, a Korean sushi restaurant, as an example of an excellent meal they have had."
Positive