Recommended by Jesse, co-owner of Sen restaurant in the Hamptons:

Not Your Typical Japanese

Tsukimi is one of the best high-end Japanese experiences in New York right now - and it’s not just sushi.

Chef Akiyama, formerly of Sakamai (an upscale sake bar in the East Village which sadly closed), opened this spot on his own. It’s kaiseki, not omakase, which is a formal, multi-course Japanese dinner.

The Chef Behind the Curtain

At Sakamai, Akiyama wasn’t the owner, but his food was always stunning. He’s the one who did the egg-on-egg-on-egg dish. Instagram-worthy, yes, but more than that. It was just genuinely great food.

With Tsukimi, he finally stepped fully into his own. And now, they’ve earned a Michelin star.

His Wife Runs Front of the House

Akiyama-san runs the kitchen, and his wife handles the front-of-house and sake pairings. They’ve created something really special. Just 12 seats, calm setting, and the kind of attention that makes everything feel personal.

It’s $265 for the tasting menu, with optional sake or wine pairings.

Inside Tip 📌

It’s expensive, but at the end of the day, affordable for a truly amazing Michelin experience.

Contact

🌐 Tsukimi

About Jesse

This card is by Jesse Matsuoka, a Hamptons resident of over 25 years. Jesse is a sake sommelier, Tip Top Hospitality partner, and co-owner of Sen, a legendary Japanese restaurant in Sag Harbor. Jesse was born in Manhattan, grew up in Tokyo, Hawaii, and Sag Harbor, and is now married to a third-generation Montauker.

Lead-in Image

Chef Takanori Akiyama / Facebook