Indulging in a sushi feast all by yourself may seem unconventional, but let’s embrace the idea of self-enjoyment with a delectable spread of sushi goodness. As the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients tantalize your taste buds, you’ll find that dining alone can be a liberating experience. So, why not treat yourself to a sushi night like no other? Whether you’re craving the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of sashimi or the satisfying crunch of a tempura roll, make it a memorable evening filled with flavors that speak to your soul. Who needs company when you have perfectly crafted sushi rolls and the comforting ambiance of your own space? Embrace the joy of dining solo and savor every bite—it’s a date with yourself that you won’t soon forget. Towa NYC
❤️ Join us on a culinary journey that perfectly combines elegance, artistry, and exceptional flavors. Zachary’s recent birthday celebration at Masa was truly an unforgettable experience. As we stepped into the warm ambiance of the restaurant, the allure of freshly-prepared sushi peaked our appetite and memories of our trip to Japan.
With each bite, we could taste the meticulous craftsmanship and passion that goes into every dish. The exquisite presentation of the sushi, delicately placing pieces on a beautiful hinoki wood counter, showcased the chef’s dedication to perfection. Each morsel was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, leaving us craving more.
It was not only the food that made the evening memorable. The intimate setting and impeccable service created an atmosphere of tranquility and romance. Surrounded by the soft glow of dimmed lights and the gentle murmur of conversation, we felt transported to a world where time stood still. Angel selected a great Sake to cap the experience.
As we enjoyed our meal together, the love and connection between us seemed to grow, deepening the meaning of this special occasion. The company of my partner, their hand in mine, made the evening even more extraordinary – a date night like no other.
In this delightful gastronomic adventure, Masa has undoubtedly earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Combining traditional techniques with innovative twists, their culinary creations are a testament to the artistry and skill of their talented team.
If you’re seeking a memorable dining experience that transcends the ordinary, look no further than Masa. Whether it’s a celebration or a romantic night out, Masa will leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the art of sushi.
Some facts we learned while dining at Masa:
The hinoki Counter has a top layer sanded down between every seating
Chef Masa arranged all of the floral accents locally in NY state (several people have fallen into the pond around it LOL)
Both Masa and Per Se opened the same year as some of the first restaurants in Columbus Circle mall in 2004.
All of the dinging-ware at Masa is designed by Chef Masa and Masa Design
Chef Masa also owns his own fishing company in Japan to import/export fresh fish worldwide
Masa Menu for 11/29/2023
Appetizers
Stone Crab with Uni Aioli
Toro Tartare with Osetra Caviar
Buri Sashimi, Wild Caught Yellowtail with Ponzu
Roasted Uni Half Shell – Sea Urchin, White Miso Custard, Truffle Grilled Akamutsu, Sea Perch
Ohmi Beef Tataki with White Truffle
Tai Soup
Sushi Courses
Toro – fatty tuna belly
Hirame – fluke
Tai – sea bream
Kinmedal – golden eye snapper
Ika – squid
Amaebi – sweet shrimp
Hotate- Scallop
Awabi – abalone
Suji – grilled toro sinew & scallion
Foie Gras
Saba- Japanese Mackerel
Sayori – needle fish
Shiitake mushroom
Anago – sea water eel
Kuruma Ebi – tiger prawn
Hokkaido Uni – sea urchin
White Truffle (this is the only sour note – this should have been excluded)
Negi Toro – fatty tuna, scallion, nori
Ume Shiso – pickled lotus root, shiso, sour plum
Dessert
Seasonal Fruit with Soba-cha tea
We actually were served a Matcha Crepe Cake from Lady M
There’s something quietly reassuring about a neat tray of sushi—orderly, composed, and unhurried. This Kyoto style sushi set arrives like a small landscape you can eat: glossy nigiri lined up beside clean-cut maki, each piece doing its job without trying to be louder than the next.
The colors tell you where to look first. Deep tuna, pale fish with a thin silver edge, a soft yellow egg topping that feels almost like a warm light on the plate. There’s cucumber rolled into a tight green center, and a thicker maki that carries more weight—sweet and savory tucked inside rice and nori like a secret.
Kyoto has a way of making food feel intentional. Even when it’s simple, it’s not careless. The rice looks pressed just enough, the slices laid down with confidence. Nothing is messy. Nothing is rushed. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow your hands down.
I like thinking of sushi this way—not as something to conquer with soy sauce and speed, but as a set of small moments. Pick one up, pause, notice the texture, the temperature, the way the sea and the kitchen meet.
If you’ve ever eaten sushi in Japan (or tried to recreate that feeling elsewhere), you know it isn’t only taste. It’s a calm you can sit with for a while.
Tsukiji has a way of making lunch feel like a small pilgrimage. You drift down a narrow street stitched with power lines and shop signs, past counters and awnings, past people moving with that steady, practiced pace of a place that’s been doing the same work for a long time.
A banner for grilled tuna flaps above the crowd like a bright, simple promise. The air feels busy even when you stand still—salt, smoke, and something sweet you can’t quite name. It’s ordinary in the way that good places are ordinary: built from routine, repetition, and hands that know what they’re doing.
I came for sushi, but the walk there mattered as much as the first bite. Tsukiji isn’t quiet, yet it carries a kind of calm under the noise. You watch one world push up against another—tourists pausing to point, locals slipping through, vendors calling out, knives flashing briefly and disappearing back into work.
Then lunch arrives: clean cuts of fish, rice pressed just right, a bite that tastes like the sea without trying to explain itself. You don’t need much more than that. You finish, step back into the street, and the market keeps flowing as if nothing happened—except you’re a little more awake than you were before.
Japanese Restaurant Week from February 17 – March 16 brings together various Manhattan restaurants in celebrating the regional cuisines of Japan. Following this year’s theme of honoring the centennial of Tokyo Station, many of the participating restaurants will create dishes that allow diners to take a journey back in time to that era.
I’ll let you all know which places I go and dine at!
Of course the first two drinks I order they are out of the ingredients so after my first drink (option 3) the bartender feels bad and makes me a a handmade version of the cucumber martini that I wanted. It was so fresh and great!
