Masu Japanese restaurant review: Metro Top 50 2018

By Metro date Jun 21, 2018

Masu restaurant review

Metro Top 50 2018 restaurant Masu on Federal Street in the Auckland CBD offers a familiar, yet novel, Japanese menu.

Nic Watt’s Masu was a gamechanger when it opened: there was that incredible fit-out that feels like something out of a Japanese design magazine, and the charcoal robata and the long open kitchen, and the menu serving black cod. The nice thing about Masu? It’s just got better, from the craft beer list stocking hard-to-find Japanese offerings to the excellent cocktails, and the Sunday Champagne brunch, which feels like something you’d find in a five-star Japanese hotel. The food is familiar and yet novel: there’s kingfish sashimi, of course, and maki rolls, sake-steamed clams, and a wonderful king-crab hotpot; there’s also lamb cutlets grilled on the robata served with gochujang, pickled cucumber and carrot. Explore the sake list: it’s a triumph.

What it offers Shared-plate options / Semi-private room for 18 / Eki Ben express lunch / Nichiyo buffet Sunday brunch (kids under 5 dine free) / Good for vegetarians / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Bar / Sake selection / Craft beer selection
A favourite dish Sake-steamed Cloudy Bay clams, ginger, garlic, green chilli and ponzu butter
Awards Finalist, Best Drinks List
Hours Lunch and dinner 7 days
Bookings Yes
Price $$$
Seats 120
Chef Nic Watt