Waygu is to steak as toro is to sushi.
In other words, wagyu represents the pinnacle of the culinary world. This “super-meat” stands proud and tall next to uni and truffle in the gourmet hall of fame.
While tons of New York City restaurants serve this top-of-the-line steak, only a select few know how to prepare it to absolute perfection.
See Also: The Best Sushi In NYC, From Omakase To A La Carte
Only the best of the best serve A5 wagyu–the most superior cut in the entire wagyu category.
Keep reading for the most delectable wagyu dishes in all of Manhattan, from melt-in-your-mouth sushi to drool-worthy burgers.
View this post on Instagram
239 E 5th St, Manhattan/Website
Known as NYC’s premier Japanese wagyu destination, J-Spec is the authority of all things wagyu. J-Spec exclusively serves A5 Japanese beef, the highest grade, with a nearly perfect beef marbling score. The marbling, AKA the creamy white fat, gives the meat its glorious tenderness, unparalleled richness, and mouthwatering juiciness. In simple terms, it doesn’t get better than J-Spec. Except maybe at its sister spot, Esora Omakase.
View this post on Instagram
239 E 5th St, Manhattan/Website
J-Spec’s revolutionary new dining concept, Esora Omakase, takes the traditional idea of sushi omakase and completely flips it on its head. The first and only place to serve wagyu tempura in all of NYC, Esora is a leading player in the city’s bustling culinary scene. A musician by training, Chef Endo believes in the harmony of flavors and ingredients. Everything at this innovative spot is top-notch, but the Ozaki Wagyu Tartare with uni, Hokkaido scallop, and caviar is hands down one of the most magical things we have ever tasted.
View this post on Instagram
37 W 17th St, Manhattan/Website
If Emilio’s Ballato is the mecca of chicken parm, Yakiniku Futago is the mecca of Japanese wagyu. Topped with a generous amount of black truffle, the A5 Wagyu Sirloin Carpaccio is the epitome of luxury. In the mood for nigiri? The Wagyu Sushi Assortment is a one-stop shop for wagyu addicts: wagyu, uni, toro, and black truffle. In the words of Chandler Bing, could it be any better?
View this post on Instagram
62 Thomas St, Manhattan/Website
You’ll probably feel like a giant Buddha after this decadent meal, but hey, at least you’ll be fat and happy. $54 might seem like an exorbitant amount of money to spend on an appetizer, but the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu is truly priceless. Served over some of the city’s most delicious crispy rice, the lustrous meat melts on your tongue like butter. The tangy soy emulsion and crispy garlic chips take this dish from an A to an A+.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple Locations/Website
We can’t possibly think of a better combination than wagyu and carbs–two of god’s most divine gifts. The Wagyu Beef Truffle Dashi tastes like a miracle sent from heaven above. The thinly sliced ribeye has a luxurious, buttery tenderness that is truly unmatched. The earthiness of the truffle and the creaminess of the homemade udon noodles elevates the wagyu to unimaginable heights.
View this post on Instagram
600 11th Ave, Manhattan/Website
While many go to Lobster Club for their wagyu sando fix, we go to Don Wagyu. Nestled inside Gotham West Market lies a hidden treasure: a pint-sized venue that exclusively serves premium, wagyu beef sandwiches. Yes, the prices are ridiculously high, $180 for the Okazaki beef sandwich, and $80 for the American-Japanese Mayazaki hybrid, but this will be the best few bites of food you have ever had. The wagyu explodes in your mouth like fireworks on the Fourth of July, and the nori-dusted fries add a salty, briny flavor that fits with the sando like two peas in a pod.
View this post on Instagram
157 Ludlow St, Manhattan/Website
We’re sushi snobs when it comes to hand rolls, so having Sakamai’s Wagyu Beef Hand Roll on this list is a pretty big deal. We applaud the Japanese eatery for putting an innovative twist on the traditional dish, redefining the form and flavors to create a true culinary masterpiece. There is no other word to describe the A5 Miyazaki beef than scrumptious, and the sticky white rice and fried leeks offset the savory flavors with an intoxicating sweetness.
View this post on Instagram
650 W 42nd St, Manhattan/Website
Taking after the legend himself, Kings of Kobe serves some of the most delicious burgers in all of New York City. Made with all-natural American wagyu beef, this no-frills eatery blows your typical fast-food joint out of the water. While everything at Kings of Kobe is insanely good, the Reuben XXI is truly a show-stopper. Made with Gruyère cheese, dijon mustard, hot wagyu pastrami, sauerkraut, pickles, and Russian dressing, this burger rivals the Jewish Deli classic we all know and love.
Photography by: Courtesy J-Spec
