When you mix passion, Japanese cocktails, and an ultra-modern yet somehow warm fit-out, you get Masu, a cooler-than-cool bar in the heart of Auckland’s Federal Street dining precinct. Offering cocktails, shochu infusions, and cleansers have been designed to complement and reflect seasonal flavour along with exciting spirits and designer glassware direct from Japan; Masu is the place in central Auckland for cocktails inspired by the Land of The Rising Sun. If you want the ultimate experience, jump into the hot seat at the bar and watch as the masters work their magic (their bartenders are deadly serious about their craft), or sit alfresco and people-watch as you imbibe into the wee hours of the night.

Watt is the man behind the Japanese fusion place Masu, the most interesting of the restaurants in the Federal St precinct. Yet, oddly, SkyCity hasn't ever really aimed at the Chinese gastronomic high rollers the way it targets the gambling kind: Jade Dragon had that kind of kitsch opulence that top-end Chinese restaurants specialise in, but the food was unremarkable, even if it served what I discovered was the single most expensive dish in town (a forgettable wok-fried abalone for $128) at the time I went looking for a special money issue of the Weekend Herald's Canvas magazine.

Many would argue that Masu is not just the best Japanese restaurant in Auckland, but it was once considered the best restaurant in Auckland of any style of cuisine. The brainchild of celebrated chef Nic Watt, Masu serves modern Japanese robata cuisine that looks like fine art and tastes Hijō ni oishīdesu (extremely delicious). Robata translates literally into 'fireside cooking', so expect to see flame jumping behind the open kitchen as your meal is cooked, and prepare for a Japanese dining experience that has been awarded a hat by the Cuisine Good Food Awards for good reason.

Auckland’s best location for casual Japanese dining, Masu by Nic Watt combines the elegance of professional cuisine with the ambiance of a day-to-day restaurant. The restaurant’s robata (or fireside) specialties and great drink options make this one of our personal favorites. Masu by Nic Watt offers a world-class sushi bar, along with a smorgasbord of entrees like ika no kara age (fried squid with green chili and lime) and buta kimchi gyoza (pork and kimchi gyoza with soy vinegar and pickled cucumber).

_With the inside always busy with diners, it’s easy to forget how nice it is to drop in just for a drink and some snacks at one of Masu’s outdoor tables, which look out onto the pedestrian-heavy Federal St. Just as the people-watching is great, so too are the cocktails, split up into helpful flavour profiles such as sweet, salty, sour and bitter. We recommend anything under “umami” (savoury and refreshing), but we also like the “East End Sling”, an improved take on the much more dull Singapore Sling.

Celebrated chef Nic Watt brings his passion for flavour and dedication to detail to Auckland with MASU, his new Japanese robata bar and restaurant. Celebrated chef Nic Watt brings his passion for flavour and dedication to detail to Auckland with MASU, his new Japanese robata bar and restaurant in the Federal Street Dining Precinct. The restaurant draws on Nic's exceptional pedigree, experience he has gained from running highly successful robata restaurants in London, Macau, Hong Kong and America.

The outstanding inner-city Japanese restaurant offers a couple of different options if you’d like to go for a slightly more intimate experience. The Obi Room is a striking, semi-private space anchored by a solid wood table crafted from two pieces of suar hardwood and earthen walls decorated with spectacular vintage Japanese obi kimono prints. The Obi Room is framed by bubble glass which creates the impression of privacy and seclusion without being completely separated from the main dining area.

Named Restaurant of the Year in 2021, MASU brings the dynamic flavours of Japanese cuisine to Auckland. Presenting signature dishes like scampi tempura, green tea cha soba noodle with king crab and six-month aged beeswax Japanese wagyu, MASU sets a standard in culinary excellence that is hard to beat. To truly feel transported to Japan, MASU boasts an extensive sake collection that details the gentle flavours and aromas of each enticing option, available by the glass or in tasting flights.

A longtime entry as one of Auckland's best Japanese restaurants, at MASU you'll get dinner AND a show thanks to their insanely epic robata grill. Here, the contemporary Japanese dishes are cooked in a traditional style over the hot coals of the grill and served up right before your eyes. One of Chef Nic Watt's greatest Auckland restaurants (no shade, INCA), MASU is the place to come for authentic Japanese fare, sake and incredible cocktails.

Masu is a fabulous Japanese restaurant that was listed amongst the top 10% of restaurants worldwide in a recent TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. They offer a separate gluten-free menu, and the staff has a clear understanding of coeliacs and dietary requirements. Best of all, the food is outstanding, the service impeccable, and it’s one of my favourite gluten-free restaurants in Auckland, especially for special occasions.

Tokyo Bay is renowned for its Japanese and seafood dishes, while Azabu offers a fusion of Japanese and South American flavors. MASU is a high-end restaurant known for its top-notch Japanese fare, and Danryu in Devonport serves a mix of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes. Cocoro is a local favorite for its authentic Japanese cuisine, while Gurume is celebrated for its fresh and visually appealing sushi.

Located in the Federal Street dining precinct, MASU is an exciting Japanese robata restaurant and bar known for bringing atmosphere, passion, and a contemporary twist to traditional robata cooking. Using fresh local ingredients, head chef Nic Watt takes a pure approach to cuisine, letting the food speak for itself. The atmosphere at MASU is lively, informal, and unique, and the décor is clean and natural.

For a modern twist on Yum Cha, Cāntīng delivers contemporary Chinese flavours in a vibrant setting. Their handcrafted dumplings and bao buns bring a fresh take to traditional dishes, making it a great spot for foodies looking for something different. Why You’ll Love It:✔ Modern, stylish atmosphere ✔ Handmade dumplings with unique flavours ✔ Centrally located in Commercial Bay

Drop by MASU for Japanese food cooked robata-style: local fish and meat perfectly flamed over a charcoal grill. A buzzing yet casual atmosphere, complemented by a refined yet understated decor, allows you to relish in the mouth-watering flavours cooked up by Chef Nic Watt (who at one time worked at the Park Hyatt Tokyo’s famous New York Grill) and his team.

MASU by Nic Watt ~ MASU brings atmosphere, passion and a contemporary twist to the traditional robata style of cooking over an open charcoal grill. Jade Dragon ~ An authentic Chinese restaurant with a delicious and varied range of á la carte options and live seafood, located in the heart of SKYCITY. Federal Delicatessen ~ Welcome to ‘The Fed’!.

Why we love it: Masu is a Japanese restaurant that combines traditional techniques with modern flair. The menu is designed by renowned chef Nic Watt, who showcases the best of seasonal and local ingredients. The dishes are beautifully presented and bursting with flavour, from the sushi and sashimi, to the robata grill, to the desserts.

Situated in the ever lively Federal Street dining precinct, MASU serves modern, innovative Japanese cuisine, embracing the traditional style of Japanese ‘robata’ cooking - that is, cooking over an open fire (or in this case, a charcoal grill). Take a seat at the robata grill, the sake and shochu bar, or at a table near the kitchen.

Here’s the list of the available restaurants (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) – Andy’s Burger’s and Bar, MASU by Nic Watt, Huami, The Grill by Sean Connolly, The Sugar Club, Gusto at the Grand, Jade Dragon, Depot, Federal Delicatessen, Sky Cafe, Fortuna Buffet, Bellota by Peter Gordon, Spice Alley, Sammy’s Lounge and Orbit 360 Dining.

MASU is a Japanese robata restaurant from well-known Kiwi chef, Nic Watt. Located in the heart of central Auckland's Federal dining precinct, at MASU you get dinner and a show, as you watch food being prepared before your eyes. MASU’s dishes are designed for sharing, which is ideal for family-style dining.

Masu by Nic Watt is a Japanese restaurant based in Auckland, New Zealand. It is a robata restaurant and bar serving sumptuous Japanese meals and dishes. The chef and owner want to promote the purity of the ingredients used with his meticulous preparation that maintains its flavour.

Definitely one of the more unique options on this list, is the Nichiyo Brunch option available at MASU in SKYCITY. You start with a continuous selection of sashimi, maki rolls, small dishes and salads, available from the robata counter and then move on to other dishes and courses.

If you’re looking to make a statement, Masu is an excellent choice. This Japanese restaurant provides a unique dining experience with its robata grill and sushi selection. The minimalist yet elegant décor and impeccable service ensure a memorable business lunch.

For those special occasions, Sky City’s MASU Restaurant takes Japanese food to the next level with an elegant dining twist. The place is always packed with energetic customers enjoying incredible food such as crispy fried squid, prawn tempura, and wagyu beef.

burgerburger.co.nz Masu, because we crave fresh seafood on our days off and we love open kitchens. Sitting at the bar watching the team is great. We also love sake, and they have a great list.

MASU by Nic Watt: This restaurant serves seafood and sushi with a Japanese influence. You can also find vegetarian options like tofu salad, vegetable tempura, miso soup, and more.

Masu by Nic watt– This Japanese robata restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream , but the meat is also Halal.