The Most Expensive Sushi Restaurant in NYC Costs $600 a Person
By Carl Samson
The most expensive sushi restaurant in the U.S. is now charging diners about $600 a meal — and that’s before drinks and taxes.
Masa, located in New York City’s Time Warner Center, takes pride in its authentic Japanese omakase (chef’s choice) experience, offered by owner Masayoshi Takayama.
The most expensive restaurant in New York is also the first in the U.S. to receive three Michelin stars, indicating that it offers an “exceptional cuisine where diners eat extremely well, often superbly.”
The rating also means its “distinctive dishes are precisely executed” through the use of “superlative ingredients,” according to TripSavvy.
“The courses build on seasonal properties utilized only in their freshest most delicious state,” Masa’s official website says. “Each dish is composed to ensure that the most basic, innate character of the ingredients persists.”
“A fundamental respect of the distinctiveness, which is naturally occurring, is observed with each act of slicing, shaving, and sprinkling. The food is prepared quickly, and plated for guests as soon as ready to preserve the idea that each dish is still in a living, being state.”
Masa opened in 2004, but it was only in 2016 when it banned tipping in observance of Japanese customs — and consequently set up the hefty bill of $595 per person.
Ahead of the raise, Masa charged $450 per person, which was also an increase from its $300 base price in 2004, The New York Times noted.
By banning tips and raising its standard price, Masa was able to “maintain talent across the board” and provide its employees with a “more consistent and reliable paycheck,” Director of Human Resources Christine Panas said in 2016, according to Eater.
“Gratuities are not expected or accepted at Masa,” the restaurant states. “Reflecting the Japanese custom, exceptional hospitality is an integral part of the Masa dining experience and is provided to every guest. Both cash and credit card gratuities will be respectfully declined.”
Those eager to try Masa will have to pay a reservation fee of $250 per person. As per its cancellation policy, groups of four people must cancel at least 48 hours before the reservation date, while parties of five or more must cancel at least seven days prior.
The restaurant offers a corkage fee of $95 per bottle for a maximum of two bottles. Meanwhile, supplements such as an Ohmi beef course and white truffle ice cream come at $150 and $68, respectively, according to Patch.
Feature Images via Masa
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