A technical and creative highlight. Instead of grain-based pasta, Chef Masa uses surimi (fish paste) to create incredibly silky and light noodles. They are tossed in a creamy cauliflower purée and topped with several tongues of sweet, briny Hokkaido uni. It is a favorite for those wanting a rich, texture-rich dish that showcases the kitchen's innovation.
The signature 'small' plate that defines Chef Masa's luxury approach. Highest-grade fatty tuna (toro) is hand-chopped into a smooth tartare and crowned with a substantial layer of premium sturgeon caviar. It's served with small pieces of toast or simply eaten with a small wooden spoon. It's an intensely rich, umami-dense bite that reviewers consistently cite as the most memorable technical performance on the menu.
Tips from diners
It's expensive but it's the benchmark for toro-caviar combinations. Pair it with a glass of dry sake to cut through the intense fat of the tuna.
A study in refined simplicity. Translucent slices of premium hamachi are dressed in a sharp, house-made ponzu sauce and topped with tiny rounds of serrano chili for a subtle heat. The acidity of the citrus perfectly balances the buttery texture of the fish. It is a textbook execution of the modern Japanese-American style.
The ultimate meat course at Kappo Masa. Thin ribbons of the highest-grade Japanese wagyu are cooked quickly in a shallow iron pot with a rich sauce of soy, mirin, and sugar. It is served with seasonal vegetables and a raw egg yolk for dipping. The meat is remarkably tender and melts on the tongue, representing the height of luxury sukiyaki.
Kappo Masa is a high-concept Japanese restaurant located beneath the Gagosian Gallery. Chef Masa Takayama (of the 3-star Masa) focuses on a more casual, a la carte 'kappo' style of dining here, using the world's most premium ingredients. The space is a refined blend of raw materials and world-class art, serving a wealthy international crowd and serious sushi aficionados.
The restaurant is located in the basement of the Gagosian Gallery. The entrance is discreet, so keep an eye out for the small sign on Madison Avenue. It feels like a secret, high-end club.
The sushi counter is where you want to be if you're a serious fan of Masa's technique. The individual tables are better for large groups or business dinners, but the counter has the most high-energy vibe.
Kappo Masa is much easier to book for lunch. The menu is largely the same, and the bright, airy feeling of the room in the afternoon is a nice contrast to the moody dinner energy.
Page last updated: