🇺🇸 NYC | One Michelin Star Tempura Omakase 🌟

Recently snagged a last-minute lunch reservation at Tempura Matsui. While lunch is more affordable than dinner, many of the items I really wanted were in the extras menu — adding those in brings the price closer to the evening offering. The tempura batter was indeed excellent — light, crispy, and airy without feeling oily. Each piece was thoughtfully paired with different dipping sauces, and the service was attentive and informative. However, the ingredients themselves felt a bit lackluster, making the overall experience somewhat monotone.❤️ My favorites were the shiso-wrapped uni and firefly squid! I’m not usually a huge uni fan, but in tempura form it’s a must-try. The crisp exterior gives way to creamy, briny sea urchin and fragrant shiso — truly delightful. The firefly squid had a soft, almost custardy interior that burst with umami when dipped in the tentsuyu sauce 🦑. The appetizers were refreshing but unremarkable. The shrimp was decent but leaned dry and firm. Snow crab leg was sweet and pleasant, and the shiso leaf was wonderfully aromatic. A small silver fish was fried whole — bones crispy, flesh tender — quite nice.😘 The eel was a bit disappointing — on the dry side with too many soft bones. The scallop, which I was especially excited for, was overcooked, losing its delicate sweetness and creamy texture. Maitake and shiitake mushrooms lacked juiciness and depth. Vegetables like pumpkin, lotus root, and okra were fresh and simple.😊 I skipped the aburi add-on after some earlier letdowns. The tendon (rice bowl) featured a slightly overcooked prawn and strongly seasoned broth — a flavorful jolt after the lighter courses, though a bit heavy by the end. Dessert was a lovely grapefruit jelly — bright and clean. I wonder if the experience varies based on ingredient delivery or daily execution, but this visit felt short of memorable. Maybe it’s worth a try if you’re specifically craving tempura — but I wouldn’t rush back.🎶 #TempuraMatsui #MichelinStar #Omakase #Tempura #NYCEats #JapaneseFood #FineDining #NYCRestaurants #FoodReview #NYCFoodie #NotWhatIExpected #LunchDate #NYC