Press

The Japanese word "sen" resists easy translation. At its simplest, it means one thousand. In other contexts, it describes a battle or competition. But the name also carries deeper resonance drawn from ancient martial arts teachings: a comprehensive yet subtle thoughtfulness.

In the world of Hamptons prestige, there's one name that quietly commands the sushi-bar spotlight: Sen Sag Harbor. Here, Japanese culinary craft converges with waterfront charm and the kind of clientele few venues unlock. For luxury brands operating in the realm of elevated experiences, this is not just a dinner stop—it's a platform.

Emily's knowledge of Hamptons restaurant, chef, bartender and general hospitality history is unparalleled; the woman knows her stuff. Partly because she spent many years behind the scenes in some of the most renowned and beloved restos (as she likes to say) on the South Fork; partly because she's an enthusiastic home cook who likes to know how a meal's parts fit together; and partly because, like me, she grew up out here.

My Favorite Things: Jesse Matsuoka

"One of the first drawings I can remember doing as a little kid was an infinity bowl of curry and rice, and in my imagination every time I'd get to the bottom, it would magically fill up again," says Sen co-owner Ryunosuke "Jesse" Matsuoka with a smile. "Definitely a sign that I just loved food!"

The Sen Tasting Menu Returns In Sag Harbor

Every day, the co-owner of the Japanese restaurant does a daily lottery drawing for its tasting menu, which began on October 15 and will continue Sundays to Thursdays, through April, at the popular Sag Harbor eatery.

Jesse Matsuoka is Sag Harbor's Sake Sommelier

Mr. Matsuoka said he also traveled to Japan, where he observed the “big guys” who produce 400,000 sake beverages per day and small breweries who sing as part of their specific timing and custom rituals.

Sag Harbor Restaurant Review: Sen

When all else seems relatively sleepy on the East End, Sag Harbor still has a vibrant restaurant scene. It drags people out of their homes even on the coldest nights, when gusts of wind seem intolerable, and they stroll in the glow of Main Street as if it were Manhattan.

Sen Co-owner Jesse Matsuoka on Sag Harbor Success, Surviving the Winter, and Kumiso

If you've spent any time threading your way through Main Street crowds in Sag Harbor, you are probably familiar with Sen, the hugely popular sushi bar and restaurant that, during the high season, rivals just about any eatery in the Hamptons for being a tough-to-get reservation.

After 30 years, Sen says ‘arigato’ to Sag Harbor

HE JAPANESE WORD “sen” is, like many words in that beautiful language, something that isn’t easily defined in one tidy, tight phrase oridea. At its simplest, it can mean one thousand; in other context, it can be a battle or a competition. According to the teachings of the ancient martial artist Ryukyu Kobujutsu, “it’s often considered to be a comprehensive yet subtle thoughtfulness, but in its more extreme use, it is to know and deal with people, often without them realizing.”

Sen Restaurant Hosts 30th Anniversary Bash

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Sen Restaurant’s owner Jesse Matsuoka hosted its first Japanese Matsuri Festival in Sag Harbor. The festival provided live performances, including traditional Japanese drumming, martial arts demonstrations and Koto instrumental music.