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Tempura Matsui
ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Seafood in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Tempura Matsui
8.9
Tempura Matsui is a quietly luxurious counter focused on tempura omakase, where a chef fries each course to order in front of you. Diners come for precise technique, pristine seafood, and a rare opportunity to treat tempura as a full tasting menu rather than a side dish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempura omakase menu with seasonal seafood, Shrimp tempura with shiitake and vegetables, Tendon bowl with tempura over rice
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Tempura-focused omakase that treats frying like fine dining.
Who should go: Diners seeking meticulous, high-end Japanese tempura.
When to visit: Leisurely dinners when you can savor the full progression.
What to order: Full tempura omakase, tendon rice bowl finish, seasonal specials.
Insider tip: Book counter seats to watch each course fried and plated to order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking nearby and paid garages within 1–2 blocks. Driving is possible but inconvenient during dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Clean jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for the omakase experience.
Noise level: Quiet to low-moderate — ideal for conversation and chef interaction.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; 30–60 minutes without one is unlikely to be accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait with reservation; walk-ins may still face limited availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — possible with advance notice, but the experience is seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — not recommended unless arranged well in advance.
Gluten-free options: Partially — some items can be adjusted, but tempura batter contains gluten and cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate, impressive, and conversation-friendly, ideal if you want a refined, memorable experience rather than something casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely. With very limited seating and a timed omakase format, reservations are strongly recommended several days in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The experience is quiet, slow-paced, and best suited for teens and adults who enjoy tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want a refined, chef-driven tempura experience rather than mixed Japanese menus or sushi-focused omakase.
Skip if: You prefer sushi-heavy menus, à la carte flexibility, or a lively, high-energy dining room.