MSSM

Up on the second floor of a Cumberland Street building, Masaki Saito has traded the usual hushed, reverent omakase vibe for something decidedly louder. MSSM functions as both a high-energy sushi counter and a training ground for his protégés, ditching the traditional minimalist aesthetic for graffiti walls, neon, and a steady rotation of hip-hop and R&B. It’s a deliberate departure from the stuffy, high-end sushi norms that usually define Yorkville, aiming to make Edomae-style dining feel more like a night out than a ritual.

You’re here for a 14-course, fixed-price menu that kicks off with their signature toro hand roll before moving through seasonal nigiri. Don’t expect a meditative, slow-burn meal; the service is structured, efficient, and intentionally boisterous, with chefs often chatting up the room while they work. It’s a cashless operation, so keep your cards ready, and book your spot online well in advance. This isn't the place for a quiet anniversary dinner, but if you want a fast-paced, loud environment to grab sushi with a group of friends, it hits the mark.