Mifune Rolls into Midtown on a Constellation of Michelin Stars

There’s no shortage of options in NYC, for where to plunk down hundreds of dollars for a Japanese feast.  And yet, the newly-opened Mifune may just outclass them all, being that it’s helmed by a cadre of Michelin star-wielding chefs; Hiroke Yoshitake (of Sola in Paris, which scored a single sparkler) and Shion Uiono — former consigliere for the three-starred Sushi Saito — which is widely considered to be the best sushi bar in Tokyo.

Yoshitake’s luxurious, European-tinged offerings are showcased in the upper dining salon, at Mifune’s bi-level location in Midtown East.  Overseen by Restaurant Guy Savoy alum, Yuu Shimano, opulent creations are part of a $120 8-course tasting menu (Sea Urchin Egg Custard with ponzu jelly, Broiled Gindara Miso Cod with parmesan foam), or part of a roster of a la carte options; appetizers include Soy Milk Vichyssoise with caviar and Smoked Foie Gras with mango chutney, while Entrees run to Steamed Cherrystone Clams with tomato ginger oil and Roasted Wagyu with wasabi and Japanese beets.

And to further bolster that collective culinary firepower, star mixologist, Shingo Gokan (notably the bar manager at the ever awesome Angel’s Share), has overseen the drinks menu, where you’ll currently find the “Drunken Angel” (Hibiki Japanese whisky, plum wine, shiso), as well as “Seven Samurai,” made with rye, sherry and koshu aged sake, and decanted into a snifter wreathed with fragrant bamboo smoke.

Then there’s Uiono, who impressively presides over the lower half of the space, which actually functions as an adjunct eatery called Sushi Amane.  There, he personally executes 12+course, $250 omakase progressions for eight bar-occupants at a time, featuring pristine morsels like Abalone in salted ice water, Sea Urchin Trios, Hokkaido Hairy Crab with tamale and vinegar, Grilled Penshell Clam in seaweed, and Black Throat Sea Perch.

His previous restaurant, Sushi Saito, is one of the toughest to score resys in Tokyo; and we have no doubt that Mifune’s Michelin-endorsed dream team will inspire the very same fervor in New York.

Mifune
245 E 44th St
(212) 986-2800
mifune-restaurant.com