No. of stars: 3
Cuisine: Japanese
There are 17 Japanese restaurants in New York that boast the distinction of a Michelin star. But Masa is the only one that has achieved the coveted three stars. Its attention to detail sets it apart, reflecting a life philosophy beyond dining. As the website claims, “Masa is shibui,” a Japanese concept of subtle beauty.
You’ll see this in the intentionally plain decor that seeks to avoid distracting the eyes and the mind away from the food. The dishes, while intricate, are delicate and simple, so as to let the “innate character of the ingredients persist.”
Dining here won’t come cheap. But it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.