MEGU means “blessing” in Japanese, and if you’ve sampled the modern Japanese cuisine at either of their Manhattan locations (the original in Tribeca, or the one near the UN in Midtown), you know the name is well deserved.

The ambiance and decor at MEGU New York and MEGU Midtown take cues from both traditional and modern Japanese design, with Yasumichi Morita of Japan’s Glamorous Co. conceiving the unique interiors for both locations. The two-tiered, 13,000-square-foot downtown space—which just received a Six Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences—blends ultra-modern design with ancient Japanese details. In the glass-walled Kimono lounge, stacked bolts of antique kimono fabric cover the walls, while white leather banquettes provide an intimate setting for pre-dinner cocktails. Below, a giant temple bell, or bonsho, and an ice Buddha sculpture provide the centerpiece for the main dining area. 

The intimate midtown location is designed so that everything points from the ceiling to the floor, with lamp pillars, family crest emblems, open sushi and Teppan-yaki kitchens, and a crystal chandelier.

A similar harmony is reflected in the menu, which utilizes both authentic and avant-garde ingredients. There is no star chef at MEGU; it’s the food and that takes center stage. Signature dishes include: MEGU Original Crispy Asparagus; Salmon Tartare; Kobe Beef Carpaccio with Basil; Foie Gras in Crispy Kobe Beef Croquettes; MEGU Kobe Beef Slices “Ishiyaki”; and Tajima Kobe Beef Skewers.

MEGU Midtown is open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11:30am-2:30pm and dinner 5:30-10:30pm (until 11pm Thurs.-Sat.). MEGU New York is open for dinner 5:30-11pm (until midnight Thurs.-Sat.). 

Also located in Tribeca at 62 Thomas St.