Sometimes a dining venue offers exemplary cuisine but lacks an aesthetically appealing interior design, or vice versa—leaving the patron satisfied with one factor, but not necessarily both. For a Japanese restaurant that's sure to please you with its innovative food items, as well as its décor, make a trip to
Morimoto in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
Enjoy sushi at Morimoto at 88 Tenth Avenue, in New York's Meatpacking District.
From the moment you notice the gigantic red Noren curtains from the sidewalk, you'll want to know more about the venue, which is co-owned by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and restaurateur, Stephen Starr. And what better way to get acquainted with everything than to walk under the curved archway and through the parted red curtains and glass doors. Once inside, the maître d will lead you to your spot within the chic and trendy dining area.
The world's largest set of Noren curtains beckon passersby.
As you look over the lunch or dinner menu, you may not be able to keep yourself from admiring a number of features as created by famed designer, Tadao Ando, such as the two-story-high wall of bottles, which comprises of 1,750 half liter plastic bottles with colored LED lights. The shimmering effect serves as a hip backdrop for your photos.
LED lights within the half-liter plastic bottles are a classy feature.
Billowing folds of white fabric drape from the dining area ceiling, and continues down the walls. The effect creates a calming and comfortable, yet dramatic feel throughout the first level.
White fabric extends from the ceiling to the floor.
Of course, the top-notch entrees inspired by Iron Chef Morimoto are delightful treats for any seasoned gourmand, or those trying Japanese food for the first time. Each creation coming from the open kitchen is well prepared and presented with class and skill.
Try their bento boxes, which include soup, mixed greens with Kabosu vinaigrette, tempura and sushi.
Enjoy the Wagyu bento box, which features kobe-style beef.
For a seafood bento box, give the cod bento box a try.
You can also add a la carte items to your meal, such as the soft shell crab maki, which is deep-fried soft shell crab with avocado, scallion, flying fish roe (Tobiko) and asparagus.
A la carte items enable you to try out various menu items.
While there are many cocktails and alcoholic beverages available, should you wish to enjoy the bottle of sparkling water at your table (additional charge), the wait staff diligently refills your glass.
Bottles of sparkling water sit atop each table.
When you time your visit during one of the promotional culinary events that
Morimoto participates in annually, your three-course prix fixe meals come with dessert, such as their panna cotta—an eggless custard served with seasonal fruit.
Dessert accompanies prix fixe event specials.
Your trip isn't complete until you venture to the second floor where the contemporary décor also catches the eye.
Bright reds for chic décor.
Trendy lounge bar and red walls.
While you're in the lower level, you might as well check out the restroom, which also exhibits innovation and creativity in design and function.
Toto Neorest bidet-toilets.
Walls within stalls show a multitude of floating cherry blossoms.
Invite a friend or two so you can all enjoy the fantastic Japanese fare, striking interior, plus the professional and friendly service that have become synonymous with Morimoto's thriving Zagat-rated restaurant in New York. But don't forget to make your reservation ahead of time—
Morimoto is quite popular with local residents, employees working in nearby offices and tourists who know where to go for a classy and chic Asian dining experience.
