Morimoto

I went there in a party of 6 and had one of those long shared tables instead of the omakase bar, which we would have prefered so we could talk to Morimoto. However, as per our request he did make some time, came over to our table to talk to us and took pictures with us. I loved the striking decor and the bustling atmosphere. The bathroom is also great, definitely should check it out even if you don't need to use it. Food was good. We all had the omakase consisting of 9 course if I wasn't mistaken. They were all quite good. My favorites were the Tuna tartare and the Foie gras chawan mushi. The omakase's portions were a little large. Most of us were stuffed and couldn't finish the nigiri sushi toward the end of the course. The cocktails are superb. We loved all of them. The sushi and sashimi was alright, it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. If you choose something other than the sushi & sashimi though they were excellent. Servers were alright. Most of them are quite helpful and corteous although we did have a trainee server who commited some faux pas, but other than that they were nice and helpful. The atmosphere was quite casual and bustling, definitely not a romantic place in my opinion. The price range was a little expensive but it wasn't bad at all.

We dined last night at Morimoto. The first thing I was struck by was the architecture. Compared to Karim Rashid's Philly Morimoto design - this was light years ahead. Designed by a Japanese ex-boxer with no formal training no less. After settline into the dining cove, we decided on the recommended cold sake - dream - which was excellent (95 per bottle.) My wife, pal Satoshi and I chose the Omakasi, while Satoshi's wife went ala carte. On the Omakase, there were some winners, some losers and mostly just "very good" offerings. The sashimi and oysters were excellent, but not at all better than anything I have had in the past. The duck carpaccio on a foie gras mousse was nasty. The mousse was excellent, but the raw duck gave me the feeling I was biting my own tongue.. Bizarre. The prosciutto wrapped maki roll was akin to stuff you get in a suburban Chinese owned Japanese "sushi" restaurant. My friend, who is from Kyoto, said this was all show for the American unrefined palette. I would have to agree. I am not saying you won't enjoy your food – you will, it's just that I expect the best when I come to a place like this. $800 later (with tip) I was left asking my wife – "Am I nuts, or did we just get let down?" Would I recommend going? Yes - for the architecture and the beauty. Iron chef Morimoto was in the house last night and that was pretty cool. Would I go again? Yes - for drinks downstairs with clients, family and friends. Go - but do not do the Omakase.

We were very excited to score a reservation at Morimoto, especially at his private omakase sushi bar. It's not highly publicized that there are 3 kinds of bars in the restaurant - a drink bar, a sushi bar, and the omakase bar. The latter, has the incredible opportunity for Morimoto himself to prepare all your courses (chef's table). We understood it is $200 per person minimum, and gladly gave our pre-authorization credit card form (which you need to fax in before your reservation is confirmed). Then, when the dinner came - we were sadly disappointed. Not bad, but certainly not worth the $900 bill we eventually got! After the super expensive sake bottle and 'extra $100' for 'higher quality selections', we were expecting a moving culinary experience by the hands of a master chef. Our 'higher quality selections' included 2 courses of 'delicate homemade tofu' - about 4 teaspoons worth (that tasted like...uh, tofu, nothing special), one hairly spider crab claw, ONE sushi dish, and about 3-4 other small dishes that were not memorable. Overall, it was thrilling to see and speak to Morimoto and feel like he ws our personal chef, but honestly, I'd rather eat at Sushi Gari on the Upper East Side - that's an omakase to remember for only $300 for two. Morimoto is a cool scene for sure. I'd return for drinks downstairs at the bar, and sushi nibbles.

One of the best parts about Morimoto is its flexibility, you can have the omakase or a la carte. My husband and I ordered five dishes from the a la carte menu and we loved everything. The beef curry bread is amazing! What makes it even better is that Chef Morimoto is actually at the restaurant cooking every day. They also serve Morimoto beer, which you can't get anywhere else in the world and let me tell you, it is fantastic. I've been to every NYT four star and Michelin 3 star restaurant in this city, and, for me, Morimoto was the best total experience by far. By no means am I saying that Le Bernardin doesn't have better food, but in terms of the total sum of the food, service, value and atmosphere, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't at least give Morimoto a chance.

My friends and I were anxiously awaiting this meal, and could not have been more disappointed. It was ridiculously over-priced for average food and small portions. While it was the most well-presented food I have ever seen (who knew food could be so pretty?), it was not worth it at all. The ambiance was cool, but beyond that...don't bother.

I recently had dinner at Morimoto and was blown away. I have dined all over the city and am normally not excited by much but this place left me wanting to come back for more. We had a couple of different rolls and sushi for appetizer and later tried the lobster and duck as entrees. Everything we ordered was equally delicious. The staff was extemely nice including Mr Morimoto who came to our table more than once to thank us for our business. We also consulted the saki specialist who picked out two divine sakis which complimented our meal fabulously. The decor, food, drinks and service get an A+ in my book and I can't wait to get over there again!

As I walked in the restaurant, I was greeted by a wonderful staff whom even though are still in training, were really polite and friendly. As I looked past the chairs and bottled walls (very creative) I could see Mr. Morimoto at work which got me really excited! I took my girlfriend in for her B-Day and asked the host if Mr. Morimoto had a second to come to the table and greet us...He surprised us by giving us a little twirl while singing Happy Birthday! Amazing...After greeting us and giving us his autograph he went back to work and we ordered our food...I ordered the Duck Duck Duck...which was pretty good...as a Chinese person I had the Peking Duck..but never like the way he prepared it...(a foi gras croissant) with duck meat on the inside...truly an art work...the most amazing item was the Mint Leave tea w/ gunpowder...which I don't know how the gunpowder works...but the taste was amazing! I recommend everyone to go try the restaurant...and I will definately go back.