4.9
- 4.9Food
- 5.0Service
- 4.9Ambience
- 4.6Value
Noise • Moderate
202620252024
From the OpenTable editors: For when you want to feel transported to a warm Japanese home complete with a sloping wooden roof and paper screens for windows, look no further than this MICHELIN-Starred Midtown gem. You'll be treated to a dazzling tasting menu where tempura is the star. Expect plates of lightly battered shrimp interspersed with pristine sashimi and an epic sake selection. Make sure to grab a seat at the kitchen counter for a memorable evening up close to the action.
Executive chef: Koichi Endo
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OpenTable reviews from verified diners
Reviews from people who have dined at Tempura Matsui.
4.9
Noise • Moderate
New York City
Japanese
Manhattan
Best Service
Manhattan
Best Ambiance
Manhattan
Japanese
Nick
Pittsburgh1 review
Dined on July 30, 2026
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Paolo Gold
New York City8 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2026
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Matteo
New York City1 review
Dined on July 15, 2026
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Albert Gold
Hawaii1 review
Dined on June 28, 2026
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Allegra Gold
New York City2 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2026
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Siow Ming
New York City2 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2026
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KC Gold
Tokyo9 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2026
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David Gold
Toronto2 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2026
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John
New York City15 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2026
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Ori
London3 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2026
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November 13, 2025
Bon Appétit spends a day on the line with Koichi Endo, Executive Chef at Tempura Matsui, exploring batter, oil temp management, and sauce craft. The feature highlights the restaurant's status as America's only Michelin-starred tempura house.
Published in Bon Appétit: Recipes, Cooking, Entertaining, Restaurants | Bon Appétit
November 13, 2025
Bon Appétit spends a day on the line with Tempura Matsui's Chef Koichi Endo, highlighting the kitchen craft behind NYC's first authentic tempura restaurant. The piece underscores Tempura Matsui's Michelin-starred status and its place in American dining.
Published in Yahoo
Portions follow a tasting-style omakase: you’ll receive many small, precisely timed tempura courses rather than large à la carte plates. Most guests say the meal is satisfying and generous within the omakase format, though a few mentioned feeling a bit hungry afterward or wanting a larger final rice portion. If you’re hungry, consider asking about add-ons (like lobster) or note appetite preferences when you book.
Yes, Tempura Matsui is an excellent pick for date night. Guests frequently describe the experience as intimate, elegant and special-occasion worthy, praising the attentive service, beautifully plated courses and Michelin-starred execution. The omakase format ($295 dinner) creates a multi-course, theatrical meal best enjoyed together at the counter or a quiet table. Expect a refined, Japanese-inspired atmosphere that’s ideal for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or a memorable night out.
Tempura Matsui offers an intimate layout with counter seating and a few private tables or booths. Guests often recommend the counter to watch chefs prepare hot tempura to order, which adds to the experience. The space is small and designed for focused omakase dining rather than large parties, so expect close, carefully staged service and limited seating.
The ambience is calm, refined and distinctly Japanese, minimalist, intimate and highly attentive. Guests repeatedly praise the serene, elegant setting and the meticulous hospitality that makes the meal feel like being transported to Japan. Expect quiet, focused service, thoughtful presentation and a special-occasion tone that emphasizes craftsmanship over loud bar-style energy.
The dress code is business casual. Guests generally dress up for the Michelin-starred, fine-dining omakase experience, so smart casual to business attire is appropriate. Dressing a step up from everyday casual helps match the refined atmosphere and elevated service.
Busiest: weekend dinners and nights when guests celebrate special occasions, the intimate counter and limited tables fill quickly. Quietest: weekday evenings (Tuesday–Thursday) tend to feel calmer; Friday and Saturday lunch seatings at noon can also be less hectic than dinner. Because the space is small, any seating can feel busy, so booking early secures the atmosphere you prefer.
Yes, Tempura Matsui is a Michelin-starred restaurant, recognized repeatedly in recent years. The restaurant highlights its Michelin One-Star awards, and guests often mention the Michelin recognition alongside praise for the food and service. This accolade underscores the restaurant’s high level of technique and dining experience.
The best time depends on your goal: for the full counter experience and the chef’s show, reserve counter seating at a dinner seating (Tue–Sun evenings). If you prefer a slightly quieter visit, weekday dinners (Tuesday–Thursday) tend to feel calmer. For a midday option, Friday and Saturday lunches at noon are available and popular. Because seating is limited, book up to one month ahead to secure your preferred time.
If you want a more relaxed experience, aim for a weekday dinner (Tuesday–Thursday). For a special midday outing, Friday or Saturday lunch at noon is a unique option. Weekend dinners are lively and popular for celebrations, so expect fuller dining rooms then. Because seating is limited, choose your day based on whether you want a quieter meal or the classic weekend occasion atmosphere.
Partially, the restaurant accommodates families and a variety of seatings, but specific accessibility details (e.g., wheelchair access) aren’t listed. Guests commonly bring family members and celebrate birthdays; seating options include counter seats and private tables, which can suit families or small groups. If you need wheelchair access, stroller accommodation or other accessibility details, call the restaurant ahead so staff can confirm and help arrange suitable seating.
Yes, the team can often accommodate reasonable special requests. Guests report that chefs and staff handled allergies and menu adjustments without sacrificing quality, and the staff have arranged birthday surprises. Reservations are accepted up to one month in advance; call ahead to note allergies, dietary needs or celebration requests so the kitchen and service team can prepare.
Generally yes for families with older children and teens, but keep in mind this is fine dining. Guests often bring family members and celebrate birthdays with children, though the omakase format is tasting-focused and there isn’t a kids’ menu. If bringing younger children, consider an earlier seating, a private table, or calling ahead to discuss menu flexibility and pacing.
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