Kappo Masa — Restaurant in New York

Kappo Masa Restaurant Review

Introduction

Situated in one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, Kappo Masa stands out as one of the world’s most sophisticated and innovative dining establishments. Since its inception, this restaurant has attracted not only food enthusiasts but also renowned critics and influential personalities, establishing itself as a true icon of fine dining.

Ambience and Atmosphere

Upon entering Kappo Masa, guests are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility. The décor, which blends modern elements with traditional Japanese aesthetics, creates an intimate and inviting space. Tables are thoughtfully arranged to ensure privacy, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in a serene environment. The soft lighting and careful selection of materials, such as wood and stone, enhance the visual experience, complementing the culinary offerings.

Service

One of the cornerstones of Kappo Masa’s esteemed reputation is its exceptional service. The staff members are highly trained and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of each dish and beverage on the menu. The cordiality and attention to detail are evident from the moment guests are welcomed until the conclusion of their meal. The team is proactive in offering personalized recommendations, taking into account individual preferences and dietary restrictions, ensuring that each visit is unique and memorable.

Menu and Gastronomy

The menu at Kappo Masa is a true work of art, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chef, renowned for creativity and technique, brings forth the essence of Japanese cuisine while incorporating contemporary influences. Each dish is a harmonious combination of flavors, textures, and presentation.

Sushi and sashimi are prepared to order, using carefully selected fish that reflect the ocean's freshness. Guests can indulge in the famed Omakase experience, where the chef customizes a selection of exclusive dishes that vary according to ingredient availability. The tasting journey is enriched by perfectly paired accompaniments that elevate each plate to new heights.

Desserts, also meticulously crafted, provide an ideal conclusion to the meal. The combination of traditional flavors with modern twists results in creations that delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.

Beverages and Pairing

Kappo Masa’s beverage menu is impressive and diverse. With a selection of high-quality sakes, fine wines, and artisanal cocktails, guests have options that perfectly complement their meals. The sommeliers are experienced and always ready to suggest pairings that further enhance the culinary experience.

Conclusion

In summary, Kappo Masa is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that transcends the mere act of dining. The combination of a refined environment, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary proposal places it among the best in the world. For those seeking an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, Kappo Masa is undoubtedly a must-visit destination. The excellence permeating every aspect of the restaurant ensures that each visit is not only satisfying but truly memorable. I wholeheartedly recommend this prestigious restaurant to all lovers of fine dining eager to experience what Kappo Masa...

I took my sister here for her birthday--and I haven't been this ambivalent on an opinion since I watched the theatrical cut of 2001's Moulin Rouge. Did I like it? Did I dislike it? Was I dazzled by all the spectacle and then left hollow by the empty pretty?

I think that's where I netted out with Kappo Sono: Empty pretty.

The dishes for our weeknight Abridged Kaiseki were lovely to behold and taste, but felt bereft of real warmth or personality. There was a lot of trademark Japanese hospitality, but it felt performative and rehearsed, not genuine. And for ~$350pp, I guess I expected to walk away feeling better than I did.

The foods:

Sakizuke: A simple dish of grilled wild prawn with sesame tofu tempura. Not remarkable.

Zensai: Probably our best course, given the diversity and complexity of the bites. I enjoyed the crab cake wrapped in sakura leaf, dashi-marinated octopus roe, apple potage, and wagyu roast beef with almond miso. Gave my sis the simmered abalone, as it's not my fav, which she said was good. Overall, well done but not as impressive as similar zensai courses I've had at other kaiseki.

Owan: An okay dish of Manila clam dumpling with fresh kelp and dashi. Nice hot broth, but otherwise rather sterile.

Otsukuri: Our assorted sashimi was fresh and well cut, but I've had more interesting seafood with prettier presentations from other kaisekis like Hakubai. This couse was disappointing.

Yakimono: Sauteed king butterfish with spring vegetables and butter soy sauce. Nice, but....forgettable

Nimono: Dashi-marinated golden eye snapper and vegetables. Again, well cooked but otherwise rather bland and forgettable too.

Oshyokuji: Grilled Spanish mackerel and taro over rice, inaniwa udon soup and pickles. Lovely and homey, but very straightforward with no small twists or surprises to make it feel personalized.

Amami 1: Japanese strawberry parfait. Our first dessert, and of course it was focused on strawberries. It was tasty but not too sweet--as expected.

Amami 2: Sakura mochi with vanilla and rhubarb. Our second dessert, and it was a unique creation, though "sakura" wasn't really the actual flavor (it rarely is). I liked the marriage of vanilla and rhubarb.

Complimentary cookie box to take home: Free and scrumptious. Wish there'd been more of this creativity in the actual meal.

I think my disappointment with Kappo Sono came down to the fact that the price + difficulty of getting a resy + the chef's pedigree just didn't add up to a wow meal. I paid much less for the kaiseki/tasting menus at places like Hakubai and Raymond Yuu and walked away not only dazzled by the culinary talents, but also--and most importantly--feeling like I'd gotten my money's worth. Kappo Sono was Ootoya cooking at Per Se prices, and in these inflationary times, that just doesn't...

I brought my parents here as a spur-of-the-moment finisher after a whiskey tasting, so they were...enthusiastic diners, lets say. I called ahead to know if they would be able to seat us, and despite a full dining room, they accommodated us late arrivers with seats at the bar - no complaints here, as it was entirely last second. Overall the service was impeccable. Friendly, attentive, and graciously overlooking the tipsy faux pas of my giggling mother struggling with her chopsticks. 10/10 waitstaff.

The food was great, with a couple of high points and a couple of low(er) ones. Everything was fresh, well-plated, and flavorful, though discerning palates might find some of the offerings less special than they would like for the price. The miso soup was very nice, a pleasant and mild opener. The Ohmi tataki was delectable, though unsurprisingly a bare mouthful in terms of serving size. I would certainly say it's a must to try at least once. Duck fried rice with foie gras was quite good, though to my taste was a bit under-seasoned and extremely scallion-forward. Toro tartare with caviar was delicious (we ordered two), as was the signature Masa roll. The unagi roll lacked a certain punch - at the very least, there was nothing to set it apart from similar rolls had at a much lower price. Perhaps the most annoying part was the sashimi tasting platter, which arrived with two pieces of sashimi of each kind for a group of three. It would have been nice to either have been warned that it would not have enough for everyone to get a full piece, or have it priced per person. We ended up divvying up as best we could, as the sashimi was forgotten and did not come out until after the kitchen was closed. The rolls also came with five pieces per instead of the more typical six, which was again a bit of a hassle when everyone wants to try a bit of everything. For dessert we had the crème brulee, the grapefruit gratin, and the yuzu sorbet. The gratin was, again, nothing amazing, but a good palate cleanser. The crème brulee was very nice, silky and sweet without being eggy or overbearing. Personally, I found the yuzu sorbet to be the best of the bunch, with a bright and shockingly fresh flavor. I wouldn't have expected a cold dessert to carry the greeny citrus bite quite so effectively.

All in all, worth a stop for a special event, but don't be fooled by the pricing estimates in some of these reviews. Barring a single glass of the Fladgate port, the meal altogether put us behind a grand for three people, with a relatively modest number of dishes and no alcohol. There were certainly no leftovers, anyway. Very much a fine dining experience, but I would say that unless you have the spending money, your cash might be put to better use elsewhere, because you are definitely paying in part for...