New York chef Masa Takayama to open first London restaurant at the Chancery Rosewood hotel

New York chef Masayoshi “Masa” Takayama is opening his first London restaurant, Tobi Masa, at the Chancery Rosewood hotel in Mayfair this September. The launch will bring Masa’s omakase dining philosophy to the newly redeveloped venue.

Chef Masa, who is recognised for his influence on modern Japanese fine dining in America, first gained international attention with the opening of his eponymous New York restaurant, Masa, in 2004. The restaurant holds three Michelin stars and has been credited by the New York Times with “changing the sushi game” through its meticulous approach to omakase – the Japanese tradition of chef-selected tasting menus. At Masa, Takayama combines fish flown in from Japan with high-end ingredients such as truffle, caviar and foie gras, served in a minimalist counter setting.

The arrival of Tobi Masa marks the chef’s first foray into the London dining scene. The restaurant will join a line-up of dining options within the Chancery Rosewood, a luxury hotel situated in a Grade II listed building originally designed by Eero Saarinen and recently renovated by David Chipperfield Architects. The venue, which occupies the former US Embassy site, has positioned itself as a new centre for gastronomy and high-end hospitality in London.

The menu will feature dishes that have become synonymous with the chef’s style, including Surimi Masa Pasta, Peking Duck Tacos and Masa Toro Tartare – a blend of fatty tuna topped with caviar. In addition to these signature offerings, the restaurant will introduce new dishes created specifically for London diners.

Takayama places his focus on traditional Japanese techniques, seasonality and purity of ingredients. His approach to cooking has been described as an artform, with as much attention paid to composition and atmosphere as to flavour. He commented: “I’m so proud to be partnering with a creative and innovative brand like Rosewood. We are very excited about this new collaboration, and especially in such a historic landmark building in the middle of Mayfair.”

Tobi Masa is scheduled to open at the Chancery Rosewood in September this year. The restaurant will offer a range of dining experiences, from drinks at the bar to omakase counter seating and a main dining room, aiming to appeal to both special occasion diners and those seeking a more casual meal.

Food Desk

Tobi Masa opens at the Chancery Rosewood, 24-31 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 2LQ in September 2025. For further information about Masayoshi Takayama visit here.