Haute Izakaya Comes to Midtown

By Hillary Latos

There are many ways to get from point A to point B. You can fly economy or first class, take the subway, Uber or even a chauffeur driven Maybach. But in life, what lingers in the memory after arriving at the destination are the journeys flown first or business or riding in style, much like dining at Zuma. You can find your Japanese fix anywhere in the city, but a meal that's remembered long after its over can only be had in a handful of places, such as Zuma. With outposts in destinations sporting the most flagrant displays of conspicuous consumption such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Miami, Hong Kong, London, Istanbul , Dacta Peninsula, and Bangkok, Zuma has perfected the Pavlovian bells and whistles that attracts the moneyed and beautiful jetset crowd like bees to honey. Modelesque DJs, a sexy and stylish bi level lounge and dining space designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu, exotic cocktails with rare sakes and wines, and an otherworldly Omakase menu are enough to support the hype of New York's most anticipated newcomer.

After waiting weeks for a reservation, the best way to experience Zuma is to live large and order the premium Omakase menu which leaves your culinary journey in the capable hands of Executive chef Rainer Becker who curates a tasting flight of the most indulgent highlights of the menu. To experience the most popular dishes try the equally as impressive classic Omakase. Touted as a contemporary yet elevated Izakaya, the menu encompasses the fine art of Japanese cuisine with a sushi bar, a robata grill, and open kitchen that prepares classic dishes with bold and intense flavors. With the Omakase menu each dish is not revealed until it's served which entices the dining experience with the element of surprise. Highlights from the premium menu included a rich and spicy lobster miso soup, toro and seabass sashimi, lobster tempura, tataki beef with truffle, seared tuna with ponzu, king crab with ponzu lime butter, artichoke with a truffle dressing and a succulent and perfectly marbled medium rare wagyu beef tenderloin. Save room for the dessert which is a decadent ending to a memorable meal- an ice sculpture holding exotic fruits, a molten chocolate cake, rich ice cream and sorbet and a kinako cake with cocoa crumble. Afterwards head up to the sleek lounge to end the night with an exotic cocktail and embrace the high style living of New York City.

Zuma
261 Madison Avenue
NY, NY 10016
212.544.9862
zumarestaurant.com