Masaaki | Japanese | Omakase — Restaurant in New York

Embarking on a delightful journey of flavors and textures, I had the pleasure of indulging in an Omakase sushi feast at Masaaki, graciously invited by my niece and nephew. As a former professional sushi chef, exploring new sushi establishment is always a thrilling experience for me. Freshness is the cornerstone of a memorable sushi experience, and Masaaki did not disappoint. I believe all sushi lovers are well aware of the importance and necessity of consuming sushi that is fresh and hygienic, as failure to do so may lead to illness or the risk of contracting viruses from the consumption of raw seafood. With a keen eye for the essential criteria-- firmness, brightness and translucent-- the sushi here was a welcome reassurance. For the uninitiated, 'Omakase' translate to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, symbolizing the diner's trust in the chef culinary expertise. Opting for the chef's bar table allowed me to witness the meticulous preparation of each dish, a spectacle that enhanced the immediate enjoyment of the fresh sushi. A palate cleanser in the form of sliced ginger accompanied every serving, preparing the taste buds for the next delightful bite. While the service at Masaaki was attentive, the atmospheric ambiance, though welcoming, leaned towards the darker side for my preference. The lantern adorned walls exuded a nostalgic touch reminiscent of French art deco with a Japanese twist from the early 1900s. However, the noise level was a tad high, making it challenging to catch every detail the chef shared about the ingredients. Masaaki offers 15 or 19 courses based on your selected price range. It's important to note that each course comprises a single piece of sushi or a small plate, dispelling any notion of overwhelming portions. Now, let's delve into the culinary journey. The diced tuna tartar with plain soy sauce left me wanting; a special sauce or dressing would have elevated the dish beyond its basic elements. The combination of an oyster shell atop fresh scallop seemed ill-conceived, as the flavors clashed rather than complemented. Conversely, the toro with avocado on plain white toast, topped with caviar, showcased a brilliant fusion of flavors, though a toasted bread element would have added a desirable texture. The Chawanmushi with uni, salmon roe, and edamame, a traditional Japanese dish, fell short due to the somewhat bland egg tart dominating the cup. The undisputed star was the toro sushi, adorned with caviar -- a truly decadent and satisfying experience. The torch-fired steak with truffle and caviar was intriguing, though the marriage of caviar with steak felt peculiar. A simple flan dessert with sweet red bean paste and whipped cream concluded the meal on a modest note. The importance of the sushi rice is equivalent to that of the fish. Traditionally, the rice should be poured over and stirred with a mixture of marinated seaweed and Bonito vinegar to enhance the flavor. The rice is ideally served warm at room temperature to complement the cold fish, creating a Yin and Yang balance that promotes metabolic health and harmony. This underscores the significance of equilibrium and the interconnectedness of all things, emphasizing the balance between positive and negative elements. Notably, the sushi rice at Masaaki carried a subtle flavor but lacked the robustness i anticipated. While the overall experience was pleasant, I couldn't identify a show-stopping dish that elicited a "wow" factor, especially considering the price point. A more leisurely pace would have allowed me to savor each bite thoroughly. Despite these minor quibbles, Masaaki remains an enjoyable venue to share with family...

To respond to the manager's comment:

No, I didn’t leave a tip, and she wasn’t clarifying anything but demanding a tip. That doesn’t justify the employee following me outside the restaurant and making rude gestures in front of me. It was very humiliating. Don't make any excuse about this.

Pretending to apologize while shifting the focus to the fact that I didn’t leave a tip only resulted in me writing this review in more detail.

If frozen fish were the best option you can have, I can understand that (By the way, we don't call it fresh). But at least make sure it's properly thawed before serving it to customers. The sashimi was icy lol

Also, regarding the appetizer, you served lobster soup, which was basically pumpkin soup with just a tiny piece of lobster meat as the topping, yet you call it 'lobster soup.' For the Kani salad, you added Kamaboko, which isn't even crab, but you call it 'Kani salad!' And you charge $30 for these scraps? Shame on you! You clearly have no understanding of Japanese food. Or do you just want to rip off customers with cheap ingredients?

Don’t waste your time and money visiting this fake Japanese restaurant. I had a very unpleasant experience during New York Restaurant Week when I tried their lunch course.

The staff didn’t even greet me when I was leaving. Instead, they CHASED me all the way OUTSIDE, asking me to leave a bigger tip. I was absolutely SHOCKed and offended by her behavior. HORRIBLE!

Aside from the poor service, the sashimi and sushi were not fresh. The sashimi seemed to have been frozen and thawed, as the texture was off and there was water from the thawing process. The rice was hard and lacked vinegar. Sushi should always be made with sumeshi (vinegar rice), and this was definitely not sushi.

I used to live in Japan, so I understand I have high standards for sushi, and I try not to be overly judgmental or picky at local sushi restaurants here in New York. But there is such a thing as a minimum standard. Just because the plating looks decent doesn’t mean it’s good sushi.

The restaurant is called Masaaki, so I expected authentic Japanese sushi, especially since it’s listed as an authentic Japanese restaurant on Google Maps. But don’t be SCAMMED! This place is owned by Chinese people, and the staff spent the whole time chatting in Chinese right near my table, which made me feel very uncomfortable.

I was also dissatisfied with the overall service from the staff. I was eating slowly because the food wasn’t fresh and I didn’t enjoy it much. Instead of giving me space, the staff asked if I wasn’t going to eat anymore, then took my plate in the middle of my meal.

Tipping is NOT MANDATORY; it should be based on the quality of service! When I asked if it was required, she insisted that I leave one anyway. The lady also made an impolite gesture toward me right in front of my face. The food was bad, but it was her attitude at the end that really upset me. I will absolutely NEVER visit this place again. SUPER RUDE!!

What Japanese restaurants cherish is Omotenashi, which I couldn't find at this restaurant. I feel sad that people might think of this place as a truly authentic Japanese restaurant, which is absolutely not the case. Please don't shame Japanese food by offering such...

I've been to Mikasa at least once a week for the last few months and love it all the time we have sushi sashimi everything is so fresh the Omakase is out of this world. Chef Michael and Chef Dave are absolutely awesome!!

Dining at Maasaki is an unparalleled culinary experience. The remarkable talents of Chef Dave and Chef Mike shine through in every dish. From the moment you step in, you are treated to a gastronomic journey that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

Chef Dave's mastery of flavor combinations and presentation is nothing short of extraordinary. Each plate is a work of art, meticulously crafted to delight both the eye and the palate. Chef Mike complements this with his exceptional skill and creativity, ensuring that every meal is a unique and memorable event.

The ambiance of Maasaki perfectly complements the exquisite food, creating a dining experience that is unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or simply looking for a special night out, Maasaki is a must-visit. The dedication and passion of Chef Dave and Chef Mike truly elevate this restaurant to new heights. unbelievable the taste of everything are divine. I can't wait to go back next week. Dining at Maasaki is an unparalleled culinary experience. The remarkable talents of Chef Dave and Chef Mike shine through in every dish. From the moment you step in, you are treated to a gastronomic journey that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

Chef Dave's mastery of flavor combinations and presentation is nothing short of extraordinary. Each plate is a work of art, meticulously crafted to delight both the eye and the palate. Chef Mike complements this with his exceptional skill and creativity, ensuring that every meal is a unique and memorable event.

The ambiance of Maasaki perfectly complements the exquisite food, creating a dining experience that is unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or simply looking for a special night out, Maasaki is a must-visit. The dedication and passion of Chef Dave and Chef Mike truly elevate this restaurant to...