Overview

Kappo Masa is the sister restaurant to Masa, otherwise known as one of the most expensive dinners in New York City. Set on the lower level of the Gagosian Gallery, Kappo Masa is one of the go-to sushi restaurants on the Upper East Side. That is if the people who consider it a go-to are the rich, famous, and quintessentially old-school New York. While it’s the more casual restaurant to Masa, it’s about twice as expensive as the other sushi restaurants on the Upper East Side. Considering the 10021 zip code is one of the most expensive in Manhattan, that is saying something. This is the review of Kappo Masa.

Atmosphere

The design of Kappo Masa is more chic compared to other neighborhood sushi restaurants on the Upper East Side. It is after all located in one of the most prestigious galleries in New York and is filled with some of the wealthiest residents. So it’s not bare bones like Sushi Gari, but it’s also not trying to be too trendy like Tao. It’s this middle ground that makes it one of the go-to sushi restaurants on the Upper East Side filled with beautiful people. Speaking of beautiful people, don’t be surprised if you run into George and Amal there. It’s one of their favorites.

Personally, I like to sit at the sushi bar, as there are always interesting conversations. It’s equally fun to interact with the sushi chef team, who knows the regulars well. The private room is often with guys whose net worth starts with a “B” for billions. At the sushi bar, you get a prime view of people who come in and out.

Food + Wine

When people who have high standards go to a restaurant over and over again, you know the food has to be decent. In the case of Masa, they have some of the most talented sushi chefs in the city. (Here’s to you, Chen-San). The menu is huge, and if your eyes are bigger than your stomach, you’re in trouble. You will be seduced by items like lobster tacos and 18+ rolls that are not average fare. There’s a Masa toro with caviar that clocks in around $280, and unique vegetarian rolls like creamy miso with tofu.

Get the Omakase

Kappo Masa shines though with its sushi and sashimi, especially if you go with the omakase. I’m normally not a fan of Omakase but the sushi bar team knows their stuff. They customize to your taste, and even create sushi art for you, like a scallop with a fried shiso leaf. This is a place where “Trust me” really works in your favor.

The one note is that it’s scary expensive to eat at Kappo Masa. This is taking into account that it’s the more moderately priced of sister restaurant Masa. You pay to play though amongst the Manhattan Gossip Girl set. This is one of the most expensive sushi restaurants on the Upper East Side, as well as in New York. But alas, if you have the coin, it’s worth it.

Service

The service at Kappo Masa is flawless from start to finish, and it’s sans attitude the entire way. Everyone from the host to the bartender to the waitstaff and sushi chefs are friendly, and they remember you. I walked in there a year later to a flurry of “Where have you been?”. There are very few places where I would actually trust the sushi chef to do right by my particular tastes, and Chen-San creates magic.

Overall: 7/10

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FAQs

Q: Where is Kappo Masa located?

A: Kappo Masa is located on the lower level of the Guggenheim on the Upper East Side of NYC. The address is: 976 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075.

Q: Is there a dress code at Kappo Masa?

A: There is no formal dress code, where the chic clientele shows up in everything from casual jeans to business attire. Kappo Masa is anything but a local sushi joint but the high-end clientele treat it like it is.

Q: What are the hours of operation of Kappo Masa?

A: The hours of operation of Kappo Masa are as follows: