Walking into Tobi Masa feels like stepping into a different pace of living. Not slower, exactly, just more deliberate. The kind of atmosphere where conversation instinctively softens and your senses sharpen without effort. It’s here, within The Chancery Rosewood’s landmark Mayfair setting, that Chef Masayoshi “Masa” Takayama introduces London to a style of dining he’s spent decades refining: one rooted in precision, calm, and the quiet luxury of doing things exceptionally well.
This is Masa’s first restaurant in London, an extension of a legacy that began long before omakase became a buzzword and long before sushi counters were considered destinations. But while New York has known his influence for two decades, Tobi Masa opens an entirely new chapter. It's not a replica. It’s not a sequel. It’s his philosophy translated for a city with a taste for both excellence and curiosity.
What Shapes Chef Masa’s Culinary Point of View?
Masa’s story is one of discipline and clarity, qualities that defined him long before he earned three Michelin stars. In New York, he reimagined what omakase could be, elevating it from a simple “chef’s choice” menu into a deeply personal exchange between diner and craftsman.
His approach was subtle but transformative: pristine fish flown from Japan, an insistence on purity of flavour, and a belief that the experience should feel effortless, even if the craft behind it was anything but.
At Tobi Masa, that same principle guides everything. There are no theatrics here. No aggressive spotlighting of technique. Instead, you’ll find a kind of pared-back excellence that rewards attention. With Masa, minimalism isn’t an aesthetic; it’s a commitment. Every cut, every brush of soy, every moment is intentional. The result is a style of hospitality that feels quietly grounding, almost meditative, especially in a city that rarely slows down.
How Does Tobi Masa Redefine “Quiet Luxury” in London?
Located within the reimagined former U.S. Embassy, now The Chancery Rosewood, Tobi Masa sits in one of Mayfair’s most architecturally striking spaces. Yet the ambience inside is the opposite of imposing. The dining room moves with gentle rhythm: warm light, clean lines, and a sense of intimacy that feels rare for a venue with this much global anticipation.
The name “Tobi,” meaning “to fly,” nods to the eagle poised atop the building, but it also speaks to the restaurant’s ethos. Instead of grandeur, it embraces elevation through restraint. Guests aren’t pushed toward a formal script; the space adapts to the energy you bring. Some arrive dressed for a milestone, others for a quiet mid-week moment, and both feel equally at home.
This balance of refinement and ease is where the Rosewood influence shines. The hotel has become a cultural anchor for art, design, and sophisticated hospitality, and Tobi Masa enriches that narrative. It’s not trying to be the loudest restaurant in Mayfair. It’s positioning itself as the most intentional.
What Can Diners Expect From the Menu?
Fans of Masa’s New York outpost will recognise a few signatures, the dishes that helped shift the West’s understanding of sushi as fine dining. The Coco Curry Carabinero Shrimp. The Peking Duck Tacos. And the iconic Masa Toro Tartare, crowned with caviar in a way that reads indulgent yet understated.
But London isn’t simply receiving a curated box of greatest hits. Several creations are exclusive to this location, shaped specifically for its audience and the ingredients Masa’s team can source here. As always, seasonality leads. Temperature matters. Texture matters. Even the silence between courses matters. Masa’s reverence for technique is present, but never heavy-handed; each dish feels like a conversation rather than a performance.
Whether seated at the omakase counter, exploring the main dining room, or beginning with a refined drink at the bar, the experience adapts to how deeply you want to sink into the moment. Some diners will come seeking the precision of the counter. Others will gravitate toward the broader rhythm of the dining room. The beauty of Tobi Masa is that both feel equally immersive.
Why Does Tobi Masa Matter for London Right Now?
London has no shortage of destination restaurants, but Tobi Masa arrives with a different type of influence. It signals where the city’s dining culture is heading: toward spaces that value presence over spectacle, craftsmanship over noise, connection over theatrics.
For The Chancery Rosewood, the restaurant strengthens its identity as an epicentre of culinary intention. With the European premiere of Carbone and now Masa’s London debut, the hotel is emerging as one of the city’s great dining hubs, a place where global names don’t simply expand, but evolve.
For the city’s diners, Tobi Masa offers something rarer: a space that reminds you how dining can feel when every detail has been thought through, yet none of those details demand attention. It’s luxurious, yes, but more importantly, it’s sincere.
How Does Tobi Masa Leave You Feeling?
The most memorable part of the experience isn’t the caviar, the truffle, the knife work, or even the architecture. It’s the sense of clarity you leave with. A kind of groundedness that emerges when a restaurant understands the value of intention, how it shapes flavour, atmosphere, and the way a meal can subtly recalibrate your mood.
Tobi Masa doesn’t chase intensity; it invites emotion. And in a city known for bold openings and fleeting trends, its quiet confidence feels like the truest luxury of all.
For those ready to experience Chef Masa’s approach up close, Tobi Masa is now open inside The Chancery Rosewood. Book a counter seat. Settle in. Let the pace recalibrate you.
Address: The Chancery Rosewood, 30 Grosvenor Square, London
Website: rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-chancery-rosewood/dining/tobi-masa
