Harrods prides itself on being home to an array of gourmet eateries from some of the world’s top culinary talents including Tom Kerridge, Gordon Ramsay, and, most recently, Björn Frantzén. Now, for its latest venture, the iconic department store has partnered with revered Japanese chef Masayoshi ‘Masa’ Takayama to open an exclusive new restaurant.
Takayama needs little introduction but here goes. The talented chef grew up in Tochigi, Japan where he worked at his family’s fish market, delivering fresh sashimi to their neighbors on his bicycle. After training at Tokyo’s well-respected Ginza Sushi-ko he set up a laid-back eatery – Saba-ya – in Los Angeles.
His next venture, Ginza Sushi-ko (named after his mentor in Japan) was more upmarket. Here, Takayama served an authentic omakase menu, flying in fresh fish daily from the Tsukiji fish market in Japan and gradually amassing a loyal following of foodies and celebs (Marlon Brando was a regular).
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But it was when he moved to New York and opened his eponymous restaurant, Masa, that Takayama really began to cause a stir. By 2009, the eatery had scooped the coveted three-Michelin-star accolade and become one of the best sushi spots in the city. Later, he opened Bar Masa next door, serving a more casual a la carte menu.
While details about his new partnership with Harrods remain sparse for the time being, if the offering at his Manhattan eatery is anything to go by, Takayama’s new dining spot will be seriously luxurious.
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The omakase (meaning ‘I’ll leave it up to the chef’) experience at Masa costs an eye-watering $750 per person and that’s before you order any drinks. For an extra $200 guests can sit at the Hinoki Counter and watch their meal being prepared by the sushi chefs.
We’re yet to see if Takayama’s first UK restaurant will be anywhere near as pricey, but one thing is certain: his new Harrods venture looks set to become one of the hottest new dining spots in London.
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