SKYCITY,
Federal St,
Auckland,
The ViewAuckland Review
Masu Japanese Robata Restaurant and Bar, SKYCITY - Restaurant Review
Vibe
Soaring vaulted ceilings and minimalist Zen design create a sophisticated yet relaxed ambience. Sit at the stunning rough-hewn granite bar and watch the industrious goings-on in the expansive kitchen also combining a sushi bar and a Japanese-style robata grill.
Service
Friendly and professional from a multi-national crew, but some disconnect with the bar with our drinks slow to arrive, and only being served three courses into our tasting menu.
Drinks List
Interesting Japanese craft beers from Hitachino Nest and Baird Brewing – we loved Hitachino’s Classic Ale aged in cedar sake barrels – and very good cocktails crafted from the colourful glass casks of infused shochu above the bar. Try the Hungry Racoon with cinnamon shochu, tequila, orgeat syrup and ginger. Of course one of Auckland’s best Japanese restaurants has a huge selection of sake, and the winelist is equally expansive.
Highlights
We went for the tasting menu ($88 per person), a well-paced way to sample across Masu’s expansive menu. Highlights of the eleven smaller courses were the crayfish and miso tacos, subtle teriyaki salmon, and the pork and kimchi dumplings served with pickled cucumber. The perfect coda was a dessert platter including tangy and citrusy yuzu-infused ice cream, and a delicately-layered chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard) combining passionfruit and coconut flavours, and studded with zingy pomegranate seeds.
The Bottom Line
In a city of excellent Japanese restaurants, Masu is one of the finest, with exceptional food combining traditional Japanese flavours and cooking techniques with local New Zealand influences and ingredients. Once a few minor inconsistencies in service are ironed out, Masu will definitely be worth five stars.
Reason To Return
For chef Nic Watt’s other tasting menu, showcasing dishes trialled and perfected in the recent TV series, “Tasting the Menu”.
MASU by Nic Watt has been reviewed by 8 users