Masa

The man who invented the cult of the ridiculously priced omakase sushi experience is rarely behind the bar at his Columbus Circle flagship these days (the empire of increasingly mediocre Masa branded ventures is ever-expanding), and thanks to a variety of factors (climate change, vanishing fish, etc.) the exotic pleasures of the haute sushi experience are not what they used to be. Sure there are devout regulars who are still willing to pay the increasingly absurd prices ($595 for the most basic dinner, the last time we checked, plus tax and the inevitable flutes of Champagne), but if big money sushi is your particular passion, there are plenty of other more inventive, economical options around town.