TLDR
Ultra-premium omakase experience set against a serene hinoki wood backdrop, known for elevating traditional sushi with decadent touches like caviar and wagyu.
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
Renowned for its meticulously crafted omakase, this establishment centers its dining experience around a serene hinoki wood counter where chefs perform at a high level [1]. While long considered a premier destination for luxury Japanese cuisine, the restaurant has recently faced scrutiny regarding its consistent value and the frequency of the head chef's presence [2]. Despite the prestige, many diners now find the price point—often exceeding $900 per person—hard to justify compared to newer, more competitive sushi options in the city [3].
Food Overview
The cuisine centers on high-end edomae-style sushi and omakase, often incorporating luxurious ingredients such as foie gras, abalone, truffles, and caviar into the rotation [1]. While the toro tartare with caviar is frequently lauded as a sensational highlight [4], other guests feel the overall execution, though technically proficient, no longer justifies the extreme premium price tag compared to other elite sushi spots in New York [2], [3].
The toro tartare with caviar is consistently praised by diners as a standout, sensational dish [4]. Wagyu also frequently appears as a highlight within the omakase service [6].
Customer feedback is deeply polarized, ranging from appreciation for the high-quality ingredients and formal atmosphere to significant frustration over the exorbitant costs [2], [3]. Many regular patrons and critics note a decline in the perceived value of the experience, often citing the lack of a consistent presence by the lead chef as a primary drawback [2].
Caveats
The restaurant maintains a strict phone-free policy, prohibiting photography during the meal [5]. Additionally, guests frequently express disappointment when the head chef is not personally present during the service [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BARMASA / MASA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Would Le Bernardin Still Get 3 Michelin Stars If
"Noted as a restaurant down the street from Le Bernardin that recently lost its third Michelin star."
NeutralFrom 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."
Negative