Nestled discreetly in the East Village, The Office of Mr. Moto beckons with its cozy atmosphere and impeccable hospitality. The setting exudes exclusivity, providing an ideal canvas for a memorable dining experience.While the service remains outstanding, it's important to remember that taste is subjective; while some sushi selections stand out, others are merely satisfactory, in my opinion, especially considering the premium pricing. Nevertheless, credit must be given to the charming chef, whose skill and dedication are evident in every dish.Despite this, The Office of Mr. Moto continues to attract patrons seeking an intimate ambiance and flawless service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jonathan Ong
Second time here of manyThis is my new bohemian replacement#IykykThe sake pairing was worth it, much different experience from traditionalPairings and at 7 different tastings, quite worth it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emma Eskander
Worth the wait for sure! You need to book a month in advance but if you get really lucky you’ll get a random notification something has opened up, the space is intimate. Elevated but also casual. Chef is so sweet and just amazing. The selection was definitely something you have not had at other omakase spots. They do seasonal menus which is great if you go back more than once. The waiter was very attentive and made sure you knew exactly what you were eating or drinking while also giving you the background of it as well. Speakeasy is very small, it’s for after dinner only. Sits about 6 people. They have a self playing piano. Would definitely go back ! Thank you Mr Moto for such a great experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex F.
I've been here twice. Exemplary experience. I learned about the history of sushi and Japan (not in a lecture way). Service is perfect, every dish is made to perfection. And the guided experience of your arrival and the ambiance of the interior is truly unique and a story I tell over and over. A great place for an anniversary or a really special occasion above and beyond.
Annie G.
Super gimmicky "speakeasy" setup and great social media marketing does not equal good food. If you want to impress someone who's never had fresh fish in an omakase setting then yes go to this place. The fish is straight out of some freezer from a fish market in Flushing and they add a bunch of gimmicky ingredients like soggy black truffle shavings to mask the not so fresh taste of the actual fish. Service was super hurried and they did not really care to explain what you're eating. Skip and go to Noz Market or Nakazawa for way fresher food and real omakase.
Mariana B.
The concept of Mr. Moto's Office is really great- such a cool omakase speakeasy! Highly recommend getting the full experience with the sake pairing- it really brought out all the fish flavors! The chef was definitely a master and knew what he was doing! Some pieces were better than others (some were very fishy!) and it was a little hard to hear the explanation of each course. But overall good omakase experience for a special occasion.
Bernise Wong
Cannot recommend The Office of Mr. Moto more. The ambient (with the whole branding) is so on point. The omakase menu is spot on. Super fresh. Good pacing. The FOH team is incredible. Make sure the check out the lounge downstairs — absolutely fabulous. Super intimate, well crafted.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Robby D.
My partner took me here for my birthday and we loved it. To get in, you must ring the door using an old telephone and say the password. Within, there are items from Mr Moto's travels throughout. Downstairs there is a pre or post lounge as well. All the sushi was amazing. My only complaint is that I was too full! Not a bad thing at all. The saki pairings were also lovely and generous. I liked how they switched our cup out each time and we occasionally got to select the cup we wanted. The food, service, and atmosphere was all top notch.
Ried S.
Outstanding omakase experience for someone coming just for the food and in a hurry. We were seated promptly and opted to skip drinks, so the food service began pretty much immediately. All of the dishes were excellent, and I mean, EXCELLENT. I don't want to get too much into the description since th menu is always changing, so please scroll through the photos. I will note that Mr Moto is not for everyone. Reading one 2-star review jolted my memory that we had very little interaction with the chefs and staff. There was an overall lack of 'community' in that sense - food was prepared and served, and we were "rushed" out by being invited to have drinks downstairs in a place that can only seat around 6 people. Others came after us and left because there were no seats. I definitely think this matters as we've enjoyed a number of great omakase restaurants around NYC, Japan, and other places where the chefs interact with you too.
Alex Z.
This is one of the omakase that's very hard to reserve. Limited 8 counter and 3 table seating speakeasy makes getting reservation really tough. Reservation open first day of the month for the whole month. Usually seats are gone within minus. $100pp deposit required upon booking. Standing out from other omakase is the experience you received. It's a speakeasy, you received a letter once reservation is confirmed; you will then decode the letter to find the code to get in the restaurant by calling the phone at the door. There's no name or any sign just a door and a phone in the box out front. Inside is small but cozy, with a lot of artifacts from Mr Motto's time. Letters and pictures all over the wall. It's more like a museum. Ground floor is dining and downstairs is a speakeasy bar you can enjoy drinks after the meal. The price is definitely high but the fish are super fresh. The most impressive is the scallops, they are still alive in the shelf when served, the chef cut them out, clean them and serve them right in front of us. All the fish are super fresh no fancy toppings just the pure fresh fish taste. Nothing stood out on each piece but overall enjoyable.
Fresh sushi and sake! The lounge downstairs was nice and relaxing. Accommodated gluten allergy.
Rashid B.
Mr. Moto and his office welcomed us with open arms, treating us to an unparalleled sushi experience as we celebrated our 20 years together. The chef's artistry in blending various sushi flavors left us speechless. Amidst the delightful culinary journey, we found solace in the calm and impeccably clean ambiance of the establishment. The serene atmosphere enhanced our dining experience, perfectly complementing the exceptional food and warm hospitality of the staff. We feel incredibly grateful to have celebrated such a milestone in the presence of such culinary mastery and tranquility.
Barret
Epcot-quality lore (re: Mr “Moto”) with Trader Joe’s-level fish.Admire attempts to be creative & serve interesting fish. Admire attempt to make dinner a ‘historical experience’ beyond just food. Neither landed. Gimmicky.Very nice server. Sake great. Notes of “this is my quant” with the bizarre meal pause for chef intro & offer to translate. Opener of secret-coded door had palpably zero remaining soul to feign interest in ‘Moto’ talk track.All this to say: fish poor ex. 2-3 bites, go elsewhere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Alexsandra S.
The only notable thing of Mr. Moto...is his Mr. Toto. No difference from the ambience of the bathroom to the actual dinner setting. Whoever did their marketing/PR deserves a raise because we were conned into believing that the area was larger than it was. Save yourself the $600 (yes $600, don't let the prepaid reservation fool you, it's "applied" but it really isn't) and go to an all you can eat sushi or a place near the ocean that has fresh food. Theirs was drenched in wasabi and soy sauce, and had grades of sushi that are easily available at a fish mart in flushing. Left hungry. Here's all the photos of the food, ambience, and postcard (if they truly do mail it).
Alex Lee
Food is well-balanced and thoughtful. The chef used high-quality ingredients, and the fish were carefully prepared. It's joyful watching how the chef prepares and serves each piece to you. Definitely choose the counter seat if you can.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chawanmushi, Sushi, Green Tea Matcha Ice Cream, Toro with Caviar
Nestled discreetly in the East Village, The Office of Mr. Moto beckons with its cozy atmosphere and impeccable hospitality. The setting exudes exclusivity, providing an ideal canvas for a memorable dining experience.While the service remains outstanding, it's important to remember that taste is subjective; while some sushi selections stand out, others are merely satisfactory, in my opinion, especially considering the premium pricing. Nevertheless, credit must be given to the charming chef, whose skill and dedication are evident in every dish.Despite this, The Office of Mr. Moto continues to attract patrons seeking an intimate ambiance and flawless service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Second time here of manyThis is my new bohemian replacement#IykykThe sake pairing was worth it, much different experience from traditionalPairings and at 7 different tastings, quite worth it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Worth the wait for sure! You need to book a month in advance but if you get really lucky you’ll get a random notification something has opened up, the space is intimate. Elevated but also casual. Chef is so sweet and just amazing. The selection was definitely something you have not had at other omakase spots. They do seasonal menus which is great if you go back more than once. The waiter was very attentive and made sure you knew exactly what you were eating or drinking while also giving you the background of it as well. Speakeasy is very small, it’s for after dinner only. Sits about 6 people. They have a self playing piano. Would definitely go back ! Thank you Mr Moto for such a great experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been here twice. Exemplary experience. I learned about the history of sushi and Japan (not in a lecture way). Service is perfect, every dish is made to perfection. And the guided experience of your arrival and the ambiance of the interior is truly unique and a story I tell over and over. A great place for an anniversary or a really special occasion above and beyond.
Super gimmicky "speakeasy" setup and great social media marketing does not equal good food. If you want to impress someone who's never had fresh fish in an omakase setting then yes go to this place. The fish is straight out of some freezer from a fish market in Flushing and they add a bunch of gimmicky ingredients like soggy black truffle shavings to mask the not so fresh taste of the actual fish. Service was super hurried and they did not really care to explain what you're eating. Skip and go to Noz Market or Nakazawa for way fresher food and real omakase.
The concept of Mr. Moto's Office is really great- such a cool omakase speakeasy! Highly recommend getting the full experience with the sake pairing- it really brought out all the fish flavors! The chef was definitely a master and knew what he was doing! Some pieces were better than others (some were very fishy!) and it was a little hard to hear the explanation of each course. But overall good omakase experience for a special occasion.
Cannot recommend The Office of Mr. Moto more. The ambient (with the whole branding) is so on point. The omakase menu is spot on. Super fresh. Good pacing. The FOH team is incredible. Make sure the check out the lounge downstairs — absolutely fabulous. Super intimate, well crafted.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
My partner took me here for my birthday and we loved it. To get in, you must ring the door using an old telephone and say the password. Within, there are items from Mr Moto's travels throughout. Downstairs there is a pre or post lounge as well. All the sushi was amazing. My only complaint is that I was too full! Not a bad thing at all. The saki pairings were also lovely and generous. I liked how they switched our cup out each time and we occasionally got to select the cup we wanted. The food, service, and atmosphere was all top notch.
Outstanding omakase experience for someone coming just for the food and in a hurry. We were seated promptly and opted to skip drinks, so the food service began pretty much immediately. All of the dishes were excellent, and I mean, EXCELLENT. I don't want to get too much into the description since th menu is always changing, so please scroll through the photos. I will note that Mr Moto is not for everyone. Reading one 2-star review jolted my memory that we had very little interaction with the chefs and staff. There was an overall lack of 'community' in that sense - food was prepared and served, and we were "rushed" out by being invited to have drinks downstairs in a place that can only seat around 6 people. Others came after us and left because there were no seats. I definitely think this matters as we've enjoyed a number of great omakase restaurants around NYC, Japan, and other places where the chefs interact with you too.
This is one of the omakase that's very hard to reserve. Limited 8 counter and 3 table seating speakeasy makes getting reservation really tough. Reservation open first day of the month for the whole month. Usually seats are gone within minus. $100pp deposit required upon booking. Standing out from other omakase is the experience you received. It's a speakeasy, you received a letter once reservation is confirmed; you will then decode the letter to find the code to get in the restaurant by calling the phone at the door. There's no name or any sign just a door and a phone in the box out front. Inside is small but cozy, with a lot of artifacts from Mr Motto's time. Letters and pictures all over the wall. It's more like a museum. Ground floor is dining and downstairs is a speakeasy bar you can enjoy drinks after the meal. The price is definitely high but the fish are super fresh. The most impressive is the scallops, they are still alive in the shelf when served, the chef cut them out, clean them and serve them right in front of us. All the fish are super fresh no fancy toppings just the pure fresh fish taste. Nothing stood out on each piece but overall enjoyable.
Restaurantji Recommends
Fresh sushi and sake! The lounge downstairs was nice and relaxing. Accommodated gluten allergy.
Mr. Moto and his office welcomed us with open arms, treating us to an unparalleled sushi experience as we celebrated our 20 years together. The chef's artistry in blending various sushi flavors left us speechless. Amidst the delightful culinary journey, we found solace in the calm and impeccably clean ambiance of the establishment. The serene atmosphere enhanced our dining experience, perfectly complementing the exceptional food and warm hospitality of the staff. We feel incredibly grateful to have celebrated such a milestone in the presence of such culinary mastery and tranquility.
Epcot-quality lore (re: Mr “Moto”) with Trader Joe’s-level fish.Admire attempts to be creative & serve interesting fish. Admire attempt to make dinner a ‘historical experience’ beyond just food. Neither landed. Gimmicky.Very nice server. Sake great. Notes of “this is my quant” with the bizarre meal pause for chef intro & offer to translate. Opener of secret-coded door had palpably zero remaining soul to feign interest in ‘Moto’ talk track.All this to say: fish poor ex. 2-3 bites, go elsewhere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
The only notable thing of Mr. Moto...is his Mr. Toto. No difference from the ambience of the bathroom to the actual dinner setting. Whoever did their marketing/PR deserves a raise because we were conned into believing that the area was larger than it was. Save yourself the $600 (yes $600, don't let the prepaid reservation fool you, it's "applied" but it really isn't) and go to an all you can eat sushi or a place near the ocean that has fresh food. Theirs was drenched in wasabi and soy sauce, and had grades of sushi that are easily available at a fish mart in flushing. Left hungry. Here's all the photos of the food, ambience, and postcard (if they truly do mail it).
Food is well-balanced and thoughtful. The chef used high-quality ingredients, and the fish were carefully prepared. It's joyful watching how the chef prepares and serves each piece to you. Definitely choose the counter seat if you can.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chawanmushi, Sushi, Green Tea Matcha Ice Cream, Toro with Caviar