Can you believe that to enjoy a sushi dinner, one must make a reservation two months in advance? That’s the reality at Masa restaurant in New York, where diners eagerly seek the ultimate omakase experience crafted by the master chef Masayoshi Takayama, a three-Michelin-starred culinary artist. What makes Masa so special? Let’s uncover the secrets behind this renowned sushi restaurant and explore how to fully appreciate an omakase sushi meal.
Omakase at Masa: More Than a Meal, It’s an Art Form
Located on the fourth floor of the Deutsche Bank Center complex, Masa restaurant is not just a dining venue but also an artistic space. With only 26 seats, Masa offers a private and refined culinary experience. Chef Masayoshi Takayama, a man in his late 70s with a stern demeanor but incredibly skillful hands, personally prepares each sushi piece for his guests. His meticulousness and precision in every movement reflect absolute respect for the ingredients and diners.
From a young boy growing up in a fish market in Tochigi, Japan, to various roles such as delivering sashimi, grilling fish, and catering wedding parties, Takayama nurtured a dream to bring the essence of Japanese cuisine to America. And Masa is the realization of that dream.
Chef Masayoshi Takayama, the culinary master behind Masa restaurant in New York City.
Secrets to Enjoying Omakase Properly at Masa
Omakase, in Japanese, means “to trust” or “to entrust.” When enjoying omakase, diners completely trust the chef’s skills and aesthetic sense. At Masa, the omakase experience is not just about eating sushi but a journey to discover the flavors and sophistication of Japanese cuisine.
To have a complete omakase experience at Masa, keep these points in mind:
- Book in advance: Due to Masa’s popularity, advance booking is essential. Plan at least two months ahead for a chance to dine here.
- Be punctual: Punctuality shows respect for the chef and other diners.
- Prepare your mindset: Be ready for a meal lasting about two hours, with various sushi courses served in a specific order.
- Focus on the flavors: Turn off your phone, put aside worries, and fully concentrate on the taste of each sushi piece.
- Listen to the chef: The chef will introduce each dish, its ingredient origins, and the best way to enjoy it. Listen attentively and ask questions if you have any.
- Eat immediately when served: Following Chef Takayama’s advice, enjoy the sushi as soon as it’s placed on your plate to fully appreciate its freshness and original flavor.
- Use your hands (if you wish): In some high-end sushi restaurants, using your hands to eat sushi is acceptable. However, it’s best to ask the chef for their preference first.
- Do not mix wasabi into soy sauce: This is considered impolite in sushi dining culture. Instead, place a small amount of wasabi on top of the sushi.
- Drink sake: Sake is an ideal beverage to pair with sushi. Try a sake that suits your taste to enhance your dining experience.
Exquisite omakase sushi course at Masa, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City.
Minimalist Design, Refined Flavors
Masa offers a minimalist, elegant space, focused on highlighting the artistry of the food. Ingredients are selected seasonally, combined with the chef’s masterful techniques, creating edible works of art on the plate. Each sushi piece is a harmonious combination of flavor, color, and texture, providing diners with a unique sensory experience.
The minimalist and elegant interior of Masa restaurant, located in the Deutsche Bank Center in New York City.
The Value of Exclusivity
Priced at $650 per person (excluding drinks and tax) for a two-hour dinner, Masa is not for everyone. However, for sushi enthusiasts and those who appreciate top-tier culinary experiences, Masa is a destination not to be missed.
Masa’s value lies not only in its premium ingredients or refined culinary techniques but also in the dedication, passion, and vision of Chef Masayoshi Takayama. He is not just a chef but an artist, a storyteller, who offers diners an emotional and memorable culinary journey.
Omakase: Beyond Eating, It’s About Feeling
The omakase experience at Masa is more than just enjoying sushi; it’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, the respect for ingredients, and the meticulousness in every step of preparation. It’s a journey of flavor discovery, connecting with people, and appreciating the subtlety in every moment.
Are you ready to experience omakase at Masa? Plan your visit today and prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey in New York!