10 Columbus Cir,
New York City, NY 10019
Tel: (212) 823-9800
Website: masanyc.com/
Born in Tochigi, Japan, Masa is the second son in a family of five children. His parents owned a fish shop and a catering business. He grew up cooking and learning the trade since he was a child. After he graduated from high school, he moved to Tokyo, where he worked at the legendary Ginza Sushi-ko. He began working as a dishwasher to eventually gaining his status of a sushi chef.
The serene, 26-seat dining room at this Time Warner Center restaurant may be small, but the flavors—and prices—are formidable. Chef Masa Takayama improvises tasting menus that start at $350 per person. Appetizers often include a luxurious sea urchin and truffle risotto. Next comes a procession of sushi, made with pristine seafood flown in from Japan. A purist, Takayama even refuses to set out chopsticks, serving sushi with lemon-infused finger bowls instead.