In an alliance of serious power players, three Michelin-starred sushi supremo Masa Takayama joined forces with Larry Gagosian, one of the most prominent players in the New York art world, to create Kappo Masa.

The 82-seat restaurant, with an open kitchen, is located beneath Gagosian's flagship gallery on Madison Avenue and 76th Street. It’s not an extension of the gallery, however - the pale, textured stone walls are hung with a few, carefully selected, pieces of art. There is plenty of vibrancy, though, from the bright yellow leather banquette seating and chairs.

In Japanese, Kappo means a restaurant that focuses on the techniques of grilling, braising, stewing, steaming, and frying. And here, there is a long and seasonal menu of sushi and sashimi – which arrives on solid blocks of frozen ice - plus fish cooked using a variety of different Japanese traditions. There is matsutake grilled pine tree mushroom and steamed goby bass with scallion sauce.

In keeping with the high-end style of Takayama’s original restaurant, Masa, at the Time Warner Centre on Columbus Circle, caviar and white truffles are used liberally, and there’s a luxurious 20-course tasting menu. After closing mid-August, they reopen on September 2nd debuting a new 12-seat sushi bar. 

Ideal For

Romantic dates, client dinners, art fans

Signature Dishes

Masa Surimi Pasta With Uni Cauliflower, Puree Parmigiano. Hibachi Grilled Peking Duck Foie Gras Mini Tacos.