Tempura Matsui

For New Yorkers seeking an elevated and truly unique Japanese dining experience, Tempura Matsui stands as a beacon of culinary artistry. Located in the heart of Midtown East, this distinguished restaurant brings the refined tradition of tempura omakase to New York City, offering a culinary journey unlike any other. Unlike casual tempura spots, Tempura Matsui is a Michelin One-Star establishment, consistently recognized for its exceptional quality and the meticulous craftsmanship of its chefs.

At Tempura Matsui, dining is an intimate and engaging experience. Guests are treated to a multi-course tasting menu where each piece of tempura is meticulously prepared right before their eyes and served immediately, ensuring optimal crispness and flavor. The focus is on the highest quality, seasonal ingredients—from succulent seafood to delicate vegetables—each transformed into a golden, airy masterpiece. It's a place where every detail, from the perfectly cooked shrimp to the attentive service, is designed to create an unforgettable and truly luxurious meal, making it a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for fine Japanese cuisine in New York.

Tempura Matsui is situated at 222 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, USA. This address places it in the vibrant Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, a central and easily accessible area for both New York City residents and visitors. Its location on a quieter cross street off the main avenues provides a sense of exclusivity while remaining highly convenient.

The restaurant's accessibility is a significant advantage for New Yorkers. It is within comfortable walking distance of major transportation hubs, including Grand Central Terminal, which serves numerous subway lines (4, 5, 6, 7, and S trains) and Metro-North commuter rail. This makes it easily reachable from virtually any part of Manhattan, as well as other boroughs and the wider tri-state area. Several bus lines also operate along 3rd and Lexington Avenues, providing additional convenient options. For those arriving by car, numerous parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks, though as with any Midtown location, it's advisable to factor in potential parking costs. The restaurant's design is intended to emulate a Japanese cottage, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere from the moment guests arrive.

• Omakase Tempura Dining: Tempura Matsui specializes in a refined omakase (chef's tasting menu) experience. Each dish, primarily tempura, is prepared piece by piece and served directly to the diner, ensuring ultimate freshness and temperature.

• Counter and Table Seating: Guests can choose between counter seating, which offers an intimate view of the chefs at work, and table/booth seating. Counter seating is often recommended for the full interactive experience, especially for dinner.

• Lunch Course: Tempura Matsui offers a multi-course lunch menu. While it has fewer courses than dinner, it is described as "incredibly fulfilling" and provides a more accessible way to experience their high-quality tempura.

• Dinner Course: The dinner omakase is a more extensive multi-course menu that includes a wider array of premium and seasonal ingredients, providing a truly luxurious and comprehensive dining experience.

• Seasonal Menu Changes: The ingredients for both lunch and dinner courses change seasonally, ensuring that patrons can experience new and exciting flavors with each visit, reflecting the "shun" (peak season) concept in Japanese cuisine.

• Exceptional Table Service: The service is consistently praised as impeccable. Staff members guide diners through each course, explain the best way to enjoy each piece of tempura, and pay meticulous attention to detail, even assisting with plating for photos or providing subtle comforts like a spoon for salt to protect a manicure.

• Beverage Program: Tempura Matsui offers a selection of beverages including sake (often including specific recommendations), wine, and possibly other Japanese drinks to complement the meal.

• Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online. Given its popularity and intimate setting, it is advisable to book well in advance.

• Michelin One-Star Recognition: Tempura Matsui has consistently earned a Michelin Star (9-time straight Michelin Star winner as of 2024), affirming its status as a top-tier Japanese restaurant in New York City and a benchmark for authentic tempura. This award highlights their commitment to high quality ingredients and consistent standards.

• Authentic Tempura Omakase: The restaurant offers a true omakase (chef's choice) experience, focusing exclusively on tempura. This specialization allows for mastery of the delicate technique of lightly frying fresh, premium ingredients to perfection.

• Seasonal and High-Quality Ingredients: A core philosophy is the use of the freshest seasonal ingredients. This includes exceptional seafood like their signature perfectly cooked shrimp, delicate fish tempura (even enjoyed by those who typically dislike fish), and a variety of seasonal vegetables, uni (sea urchin), and often premium items like lobster and Matsutake mushrooms when in season. Ingredients are selected for their peak freshness and quality.

• Impeccable Service and Attention to Detail: Consistently highlighted by diners, the service is a major differentiator. Staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and go above and beyond, providing guidance on how to best enjoy each course and anticipating diner needs (e.g., offering a spoon for salt). This personalized service significantly enhances the overall dining experience.

• Intimate and Serene Ambiance: The restaurant is designed to evoke a Japanese cottage, with warm woods and a tranquil setting. Counter seating provides an up-close and personal view of the chefs' masterful preparation, adding to the unique atmosphere.

• Signature Dishes: The signature shrimp tempura is a consistent favorite, described as "bursting with flavor." The uni wrap is also highly recommended as a perfect finishing touch, combining fresh, creamy uni with a delicate wrap for an unforgettable bite.

• Dessert Course: Meals conclude with a delightful, often seasonal, Japanese dessert, providing a sweet and authentic finish to the omakase.

As a Michelin-starred, fine-dining establishment, Tempura Matsui typically does not offer public promotions or discounts in the traditional sense, as its value is derived from the exclusive culinary experience it provides. However, New Yorkers can consider the following as aspects of their offering:

• Distinct Lunch Course: While still a premium experience, the lunch course is priced lower than the dinner omakase (e.g., $160 per person for lunch versus $280 for dinner). This provides a more accessible entry point to experience Tempura Matsui's renowned tempura without the full commitment of the dinner service. It offers fewer courses but is still "incredibly fulfilling."

• Seasonal Ingredient Rotations: The commitment to changing ingredients seasonally acts as a form of "special offer" for regular patrons, ensuring a fresh and evolving experience with each visit. This offers variety and the chance to taste peak-season delicacies.

• Exceptional Value for Fine Dining: Many patrons consider the overall experience—including the quality of ingredients, masterful preparation, and impeccable service—to be excellent value for a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City, even at its higher price points.

• Diners' Choice Award: Tempura Matsui has won a Diners' Choice Award from OpenTable, indicating a high level of satisfaction among customers who book through that platform. While not a discount, it highlights positive customer feedback.

For the most current pricing and menu details, New Yorkers should always refer directly to the Tempura Matsui official website or contact them, as availability and pricing for such exclusive experiences can change.

For those in New York seeking to indulge in the exquisite tempura omakase experience at Tempura Matsui, here is their contact information:

• Address: 222 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

• Phone: (212) 986-8885

• Website: For reservations, menu details, and more information, please visit the official Tempura Matsui website.

For New Yorkers with a refined palate and an appreciation for exceptional culinary craftsmanship, Tempura Matsui offers an unparalleled dining experience that is truly suitable for the city's discerning locals. Its consistent Michelin Star recognition firmly establishes it as a premier destination for Japanese cuisine, particularly for those seeking the delicate art of tempura.

Located conveniently in Midtown East, it provides a luxurious escape without requiring a trek. The omakase format, where each perfectly fried piece of seasonal seafood and vegetable is presented with meticulous care and explained by attentive staff, creates an intimate and memorable journey. The ability to choose between a comprehensive dinner course or a more accessible yet still fulfilling lunch course makes this high-end experience adaptable to different occasions. For New Yorkers looking to celebrate a special occasion, impress guests, or simply indulge in a truly unique and impeccably executed meal, Tempura Matsui delivers an experience where every detail—from the quality of ingredients to the unparalleled service—is designed to leave a lasting impression, solidifying its status as a must-visit for fine Japanese dining in the city.

Tempura Matsui

222 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, USA