A Michelin Star is one of the most prized accomplishments for a chef or restaurant, and to join the ranks of those who’ve earned two or three is to be in a very exclusive club, indeed.
There are only 46 restaurants in the United States that currently have two or three Michelin Stars, and the folks at Restaurant Furniture recently analyzed all of their menus to determine which five among that premiere list are the most expensive.
See also: Weekly Recipe: Wagyu Oyster Tartare By Restaurant Yuu In NYC
You don’t necessarily have to shell out huge bucks to enjoy fine dining, but if you want to know what $400, $500 or even $750 gets you in terms of world-class food, these are the four most expensive tasting menus among the top-ranked Michelin Star restaurants across the country.
Masa
10 Columbus Circle, New York City; 212-823-9800 / Website
Michelin Stars: Three
Tasting Menu Price: $750
This sushi restaurant in Manhattan was awarded three Michelin Stars for its “exceptional cuisine.” The Michelin reviewer raves about chef Masa Takayama’s omakase menu, which serves some of the freshest seafood this side of Japan. In the reviewer’s case, there were delectable bites of hairy crab meat with citrus yuzu, Osetra caviar, Maine uni and more. The elevated atmosphere is part of the presentation. Guests feast at a counter made of solid Japanese cypress wood. Branches of seasonal plants decorate the mostly sparse space, which is intended to remain minimal so the flavors and textures of the food take center stage. Masa is open for indoor dining Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. The $750 price tag does not include beverages or tax, so save room in your budget for more.
Sushi Noz
181 E 78th St., New York City; 917-338-1792 / Website
Michelin Stars: Two
Tasting Menu Price: $525
Looking for more fine sushi in Manhattan? Sushi Noz earned two Michelin Stars for its “excellent cooking.” The Michelin reviewer called this space “sacred,” touting chef Nozomu Abe as a “meticulous and engaging craftsman.” It might seem odd to flaunt the cooked dishes as a sushi spot, but the pearly sea perch, and miso soup with eel “noodles” are among the top notes in Michelin’s write-up. The space was designed with an ancient Kyoto temple in mind, and the Edomae-style tasting menu begins with five to six small plates of seasonal fish and vegetables, followed by 12 to 14 seasonal nigiri, miso soup, tamago and dessert. Guests enjoy their meal at either an eight or six-seat counter, and you can add a beverage pairing of sake, champagne and white wine for an additional charge.
Single Thread
131 North St., Healdsburg, CA.; 707-723-4646 / Website
Michelin Stars: Three
Tasting Menu Price: $495
Another three-starred establishment, this time in Sonoma County California, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco. An absolute gem of wine country, Michelin loves chef Kyle Connaughton and head farmer Katina Connaughton’s “deeply personal vision.” The 24-acre farm sources the restaurant’s ingredients, prepared with the influence of the owners' time spent in Japan. Reservations for this in-demand eatery are released on the first of every month for the following month, so plan your trip accordingly. It’s well worth the effort as you dine in paradise on sumptuous Californian dishes paired with delightful wines. Plus, Single Thread also boasts a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability.
Benu
22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco; 415-685-4860 / Website
Michelin Stars: Three
Tasting Menu Price: $420
If Asian contemporary is your flavor, Benu is praised by Michelin as “an oasis in the center of the city.” The Bay Area is blessed with chef Corey Lee’s technical prowess and ambitious approach to tasting menus. The Michelin reviewer indulged in barbecue quail, faux shark’s fin and ciao long bao, among other fine plates. The menu here is centered around seafood and vegetables with a few meat courses and some sweets to finish things off. It takes about three hours to dine at Benu, and if you’re a returning customer, the chef will even curate a new menu for you to try so you never get bored. Now that’s attention to detail!
Want to bring Michelin Star taste to your own kitchen? Recreate the Wagyu oyster tartare served as Michelin-starred Restaurant Yuu in NYC with this recipe.
