Bar Masa offers a more accessible gateway into Chef Masa Takayama’s culinary universe, sitting adjacent to its three-Michelin-starred sibling in the Time Warner Center. The sleek, minimalist space with its blonde wood and clean lines creates an atmosphere of serene luxury that feels worlds away from the Columbus Circle bustle just outside.

What makes Bar Masa worth visiting is the chance to experience Masa’s legendary commitment to pristine ingredients and precise technique without committing to the full omakase experience next door. The à la carte menu showcases seasonal fish flown in daily from Japan, transformed into sushi and sashimi that redefine what fresh truly means. The toro hand roll is a revelation – warm, slightly crisp nori wrapped around cool, buttery tuna that practically melts on contact.

Beyond raw fish, dishes like the miso-glazed black cod and crispy softshell crab demonstrate the kitchen’s range and mastery of flavor. The sake selection is expertly curated to complement the food, with helpful servers who guide without intimidating. Yes, this is still a splurge dining experience, but considering the quality and craftsmanship, it delivers value that’s rare at this price point in Manhattan.

What you’ll remember most is the tranquility Bar Masa provides – a momentary retreat into a world where everything from the lighting to the temperature of the rice has been considered with extraordinary care and precision.