Masa
Sushi, Japanese · Upper West Side-Lincoln Square, New York City
Restaurant in New York City, United States
The Read
Hinoki Counter Omakase
Price
$$$$
Chef
Masayoshi Takayama
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
Masayoshi Takayama's three-Michelin-star omakase at Columbus Circle is New York's most expensive sushi counter and among the hardest to book, but the 26-course tasting and pristine hinoki bar justify the $800+ price if you're comparing it against the city's other top-tier omakase programs. Request counter seating for the full experience.
About Masa
Masa is a $$$$ sushi and Japanese restaurant in New York City from chef-owner Masayoshi Takayama. For diners comparing high-end sushi options in New York City, it belongs in the same conversation as Sushi Nakazawa and Sushi Noz, while the verified details here are intentionally limited to the essentials: cuisine, chef-owner, price level, hours, dress code.
What to Know Before You Go
Masa is verified as a sushi and Japanese restaurant led by Masayoshi Takayama. The price category is $$$$, so it should be approached as a premium meal rather than a casual sushi stop. Specifics about seating layout, menu format, course count, reservation method, beverage program, service style are not confirmed here, so diners should check directly with the restaurant before planning around those details.
The Food and the Format
The verified cuisine is sushi and Japanese. Beyond that, individual dishes, ingredient sourcing, tasting-menu structure, à la carte availability, beverage pairings are not confirmed in the available data. If you are deciding whether Masa fits a particular dietary need, preferred pacing, or menu expectation, confirm the current offering directly with the restaurant before booking.
How Masa Sits Among New York's Sushi Elite
Masa is one of New York City’s premium sushi and Japanese dining options. If you are comparing it with other named peers, consider Sushi Yasuda, Sushi Amane, Kosaka, Sushi Nakazawa, Sushi Noz. The verified facts for Masa support a straightforward comparison on cuisine, price category, chef-owner, hours, dress code, but not on awards, seat count, course count, menu price, or specific dishes.
Reservations: Reservation procedures are not confirmed here; check directly with the restaurant. Dress: Smart casual. Budget: $$$$. Location: New York City. Hours: Closed Monday and Sunday; open Tuesday through Saturday from 12–2 pm and 5–9:30 pm. Seating: Specific seating arrangements are not confirmed here.
Planning details
- Hours
- Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 12–2 pm, 5–9:30 pm
- Location
- The Shops at, 10 Columbus Cir Floor 4, New York, NY 10019
- Website
- masanyc.com
- Phone
- (212) 823-9800
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Masa presents as one of New York’s preeminent omakase counters: a small, highly credentialed sushi destination that carries three Michelin stars and a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star distinction. The service revolves around a compact counter, where low seat counts and long waiting lists underline the restaurant’s exclusivity and exacting standards. Pricing and presentation are compared in the description to multi-course tasting menus at top French houses, signaling a rarefied, reservation-driven experience rather than casual sushi dining. The overall sense is deliberate and ceremonious—an authoritative, high-stakes counter for serious omakase patrons.
Best For
This is a venue for milestone meals and curated evenings: think date nights, anniversaries, or any special-occasion dinner when price and prestige are part of the plan. The small counter seating and tasting-menu structure make it ill-suited to casual group gatherings or walk-ins; instead, it favors pairs or very small parties who want a focused, chef-led progression. Given the restaurant’s sustained three-Michelin-star standing and Forbes recognition, expectations for both food and service are high—guests should come prepared for an intensive, refined dining occasion.
Ordering Tips
Reserve early and expect a set omakase progression: the description emphasizes low seat counts and long waiting lists, and the format is presented as a high-priced, tasting-menu-style counter. Treat the experience as a tasting menu rather than à la carte dining; signature highlights to look for include foie gras nigiri and Masa Toro with caviar. Because availability is limited, book well in advance and confirm details with the restaurant about timing and any dietary restrictions—this is the kind of counter where the chef’s sequence and timing dictate the evening.
Planning details
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 12–2 pm, 5–9:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 12–2 pm, 5–9:30 pm
- Thursday
- 12–2 pm, 5–9:30 pm
- Friday
- 12–2 pm, 5–9:30 pm
- Saturday
- 12–2 pm, 5–9:30 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Location
Recognition and awards
Also consider
Also Consider
- Sushi Yasuda, Sushi, Japanese, $$$$
- Sushi Amane, Sushi, Japanese, $$$$
- Sushi Noz, Sushi, Japanese, $$$$
- Kosaka, Sushi, Japanese, $$$$
- Sushi Nakazawa, Sushi, Japanese, $$$$
Restaurant context
Masa sits at the top of New York's omakase hierarchy by price and Michelin recognition (three stars), but Sushi Yasuda and Kosaka deliver comparable counter experiences at $400–$600 per person, making them the better value if you don't need the three-star pedigree. Sushi Noz also runs around $600 and is easier to book on shorter notice, with a similar focus on seasonal fish and chef interaction. Sushi Amane (also in the $500–$600 range) offers a more intimate 8-seat counter in Midtown and is a strong alternative if Masa's waitlist stretches past your travel window.
If your priority is the best-executed sushi in the city and you can afford the premium, Masa edges out the competition on ingredient quality and technique, Takayama'sfoie gras nigiri and truffle-finished rice are signatures no peer has replicated at the same level. If you're optimizing for value or booking flexibility, Sushi Yasuda or Kosaka will get you 80% of the experience at half the price and a shorter wait. For groups larger than two, Sushi Nakazawa has more table capacity and a slightly easier reservation curve, though the counter is still the best seat there as well.
Explore New York City
Around this place
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Unlock the full Masa guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Masa
| Venue | Price | Booking Difficulty | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masa | $$$$ | Near Impossible | 2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #922026 Forbes 5-Star2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Recommended2026 La Liste Top Restaurants2025 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #672025 Michelin 2 Stars2025 La Liste Top Restaurants2025 Forbes 5-Star2025 Michelin 3 Stars |
| Sushi Yasuda | $$$$ | Unknown | 2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Highly Recommended2025 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #4332025 La Liste Top Restaurants2025 Michelin Plate2024 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #3032024 Michelin Plate2023 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Highly Recommended |
| Sushi Amane | $$$$ | Unknown | 2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Recommended2025 Michelin 1 Star2024 Michelin 1 StarPearl Recommended Restaurants |
| Sushi Noz | $$$$ | Unknown | 2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #38Star Wine Lists 20262026 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2026 La Liste Top Restaurants2025 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #292025 Robb Report 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century · #97World's Best Wine Lists 20252025 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2025 New York Times Best Restaurants in New York City |
| Kosaka | $$$$ | Unknown | 2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Recommended2025 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #3822025 Michelin 1 Star2024 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #3662024 Michelin 1 Star2023 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Recommended |
| Sushi Nakazawa | $$$$ | Unknown | Star Wine Lists 20262026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Highly Recommended2026 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2026 Michelin 1 Star2025 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #1892025 Michelin 1 StarWorld's Best Wine Lists 20252025 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2024 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #181 |
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A quick look at how Masa compares on price and recognition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a first-timer know about Masa?
Masa is a $$$$ sushi and Japanese restaurant in New York City from chef-owner Masayoshi Takayama. The verified dress code is smart casual. Specific details about menu format, seating, reservations, course count are not confirmed here, so check directly with the restaurant before planning your visit.
Is Masa worth the price?
Masa is listed in the $$$$ price category, so it is best considered a premium sushi and Japanese dining choice in New York City. Whether it is worth it depends on how much you value that style of dining. For comparison, you may also consider Sushi Noz or Sushi Amane.
Is lunch or dinner better at Masa?
Masa is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12–2 pm and 5–9:30 pm, closed Sunday and Monday. The verified data does not confirm whether the food format or pricing differs between daytime and evening service, so choose based on schedule and confirm current details with the restaurant.
