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].
Highlights / Recommended
"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 Sentiment
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."
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."
Positive