Masa Takayama

Date of Birth: May 1, 1954

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Masa Takayama is a renowned Japanese chef, best known for his exquisite sushi and his eponymous restaurant, Masa, located in New York City. Born in Kuroiso, Japan, Takayama grew up in a family that owned a fish market, where he developed a passion for fresh ingredients and culinary excellence from a young age. After honing his skills at the prestigious Ginza Sushi-ko in Tokyo, Takayama moved to Los Angeles in 1980 and opened his own restaurant, Ginza Sushi-ko, which quickly gained a celebrity following. In 2004, Takayama took a bold step by opening Masa in New York City’s Time Warner Center. The restaurant quickly earned three Michelin stars, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s top sushi chefs. Masa is known for its omakase experience, where Takayama personally selects and prepares each dish for his guests. His dedication to quality and tradition has made him a revered figure in the culinary world.

5 Interesting Facts about Masa Takayama

1. Masa Takayama’s restaurant, Masa, is one of the most expensive dining experiences in the world.

2. He was the first Japanese chef in the United States to receive three Michelin stars.

3. Takayama personally chooses and imports the fish he uses at Masa from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market.

4. He initially moved to Los Angeles in 1980 and opened his first restaurant, Ginza Sushi-ko, which became popular among Hollywood celebrities.

5. Masa Takayama prefers not to have a set menu and instead offers an omakase experience, meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” where he selects the dishes based on the freshest ingredients available.