Tsukimi
New York, USA
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Simplicity is the peak of elegance seems a fitting adage for this stunning kaiseki counter. In Japanese, tsukimi means moon viewing (a harvest festival honoring the moon at its fullest and brightest); and following the moniker quite literally is a central motif of the moon. Illuminated shelves of ceramics and mirrored panels reinforce this light-bright aesthetic. Service is seamless and unaffected, enhancing the overall experience.The progression of the these whimsical, seasonal courses is strategic and imaginative. To start, chilled caviar with warm scrambled eggs and potato purée. Up next, chopped scallop matched with sea buckthorn sauce and a nori crisp for crunch.Beverage pairing is available, but stick to à la carte for an ace sake selection.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Tsukimi in New York:
1. Intimate 12-Seat Counter Tasting Experience
Tsukimi offers a very exclusive dining setting with only 12 seats arranged around a sleek counter. This intimate arrangement allows for a highly personal and immersive experience where diners can closely observe the meticulous preparation of each course and engage with the culinary journey in a focused environment.
2. Modern Kaiseki with Seasonal and Local Adaptations
While rooted in the traditional Japanese kaiseki style, Tsukimi reimagines this multi-course dining by incorporating seasonal ingredients sourced locally in New York. The menu highlights delicacies such as fresh uni, wagyu beef, Kaluga caviar, and Bluefin tuna, prepared to emphasize their natural flavors without unnecessary embellishment. This blend of authenticity and subtle innovation creates a unique balance of tradition and contemporary culinary artistry.
3. Aesthetic and Thematic Design Inspired by "Tsukimi" (Moon Viewing)
The restaurant’s name, Tsukimi, refers to the Japanese mid-autumn moon viewing festival, symbolizing contemplation, gratitude, and togetherness. This theme is reflected in the restaurant’s design, featuring illuminated shelves of ceramics and mirrored panels that create a light-bright aesthetic reminiscent of moonlight. The serene, minimalist interior and the poetic presentation of dishes evoke the harmony between nature and cuisine central to the kaiseki tradition.
These elements combine to make Tsukimi a distinctive Michelin-starred destination in New York’s culinary scene.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at Tsukimi, the Michelin-starred restaurant in New York, reflect its modern kaiseki style and seasonal approach under Chef Takanori Akiyama:
Caviar: Featured in a signature starter dish paired with warm scrambled eggs and potato purée, caviar adds luxury and a delicate briny contrast to the creamy textures.
Eggs: Used notably in the warm scrambled eggs that accompany the caviar, eggs provide a rich, silky base that balances the dish and showcases refined technique.
Potato purée: This ingredient offers a smooth, comforting element that complements the caviar and eggs, enhancing the harmony of flavors and textures in the dish.
These ingredients are part of a thoughtfully curated, seasonal tasting menu that embodies the spirit of the mid-autumn moon viewing festival (Tsukimi), emphasizing freshness, elegance, and a personal interpretation of kaiseki dining. The focus on seasonal and high-quality ingredients like caviar and eggs highlights the restaurant's blend of Japanese tradition with contemporary culinary artistry.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menu
- Chef's Seasonal Tasting Menu: $250.00 per person