When most people think of Japanese food, sushi is the first thing that comes to mind—and rightly so. But at Masuta Japanese Fusion Restaurant in Brooklyn, our appetizer menu is packed with bold, creative, and luxurious small plates that often steal the spotlight from the sushi bar. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, exploring the hidden gems on our appetizer menu is a culinary adventure in itself.
Here are 5 must-try appetizers at Masuta that go beyond the traditional—and might just become your new favorites.
1. Japanese Pizza
Crispy, Creamy, and Umami-Rich Fusion Delight
At first glance, “pizza” might not sound like something you’d find in a Japanese restaurant—but that’s exactly what makes our Japanese Pizza such a surprising and satisfying bite.
This dish is built on a crispy rice base and loaded with eel, kani (crab stick), avocado, cream cheese, and caviar, then broiled to perfection. Each bite offers creamy textures, umami-packed seafood, and a crunchy finish that makes this appetizer one-of-a-kind.
2. Ginger Chilean Seabass (S.P.)
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Seabass with Asian Elegance
If you love fish but want something different from sushi, the Ginger Chilean Seabass is a must. This premium dish features Chilean seabass a la plancha, served with asparagus, mushrooms, and a flavorful sweet soy-ginger pan sauce.
Perfectly cooked and rich in flavor, this dish brings out the buttery texture of seabass with a balanced kick from the ginger and soy.
Chef’s Note: It’s delicate, aromatic, and elevated—ideal for a refined sushi starter or as a shared small plate.
3. Paradise (4 pcs) – $16.95
Sweet, Spicy, and Cheesy Sushi Heaven
The name says it all—Paradise is a creative, indulgent twist on sushi that showcases our flair for Japanese-Mexican fusion. This dish features spicy tuna, kani, kewpie mayo, and caviar, all wrapped in sesame soy paper, then broiled with melted Mexican cheese and drizzled with eel sauce.
It’s creamy, spicy, savory, and slightly sweet—a flavor bomb in every bite.
4. Ika Maruyaki – $16.95
Whole Squid, Grilled to Perfection
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Our Ika Maruyaki is a whole broiled squid brushed with a rich ginger teriyaki sauce, served tender and smoky with just the right amount of sweetness.
Grilled squid is a popular street food in Japan, and Masuta brings it to Brooklyn with upscale finesse.
5. Dynamite – $13.95
Scallops, Kani, Cheese & Caviar—Baked Bliss in a Bowl
The Dynamite appetizer is exactly what it sounds like: an explosion of flavors. Made with scallops, kani (crab stick), mushrooms, kewpie mayo, and melted Mexican cheese, this rich and creamy dish is broiled until golden and topped with caviar.
It’s warm, savory, and decadent—the perfect start to a luxurious sushi meal.
Why Masuta’s Appetizers Deserve the Spotlight
At Masuta Japanese Fusion Restaurant, we take pride in not just offering traditional sushi, but in innovating and reimagining Japanese cuisine to surprise and delight our Brooklyn guests. These appetizer “hidden gems” are perfect for adventurous foodies looking to go beyond standard sushi rolls.
Whether you’re dining in with friends, ordering a fusion feast for takeout, or celebrating a special occasion, our appetizers are designed to wow your taste buds and complement your sushi experience.
The Art of Japanese Fusion: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
At Masuta Japanese Fusion Restaurant, we don’t just replicate classic Japanese dishes—we reinvent them with a modern, global twist. Our appetizer menu is where we let creativity shine, combining traditional Japanese techniques with international flavors to create something entirely unique.
From the use of Mexican cheese in our Paradise roll to the crispy rice base of our Japanese Pizza, each dish tells a story of fusion cuisine done right. We focus on using the freshest hand-selected seafood, paired with unexpected ingredients like avocado, teriyaki-glazed meats, and caviar, for a bold and balanced flavor profile.
Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or new to Japanese cuisine, our hidden gems give you a fresh reason to explore beyond the usual rolls and sashimi.
How to Build the Perfect Masuta Meal: Pairing Appetizers with Sushi
Here’s how to build the perfect dining experience:
Start Light: Begin with Edamame or Gyoza to open up your palate.
Add Bold Flavors: Follow up with a Japanese Pizza or Dynamite for that deep umami kick.
Balance with Fresh Sushi: Choose lighter sushi rolls like Yellowtail Jalapeño or a Salmon Avocado Roll to balance the richness.
Finish Strong: End with Mochi Ice Cream or a sweet plum wine cocktail.
Combining our hidden gems with your favorite rolls ensures that you get both comfort and excitement in one unforgettable meal.
Ready to Try Something New?
Book your table or order online to explore the bold, unexpected flavors that make Masuta one of Brooklyn’s best Japanese fusion spots.
Call us now or visit our website to experience these hidden gems for yourself.
