Chef Masaharu Morimoto has never been one to do things halfway. From his breakout battles on “Iron Chef” to the global Morimoto restaurant empire, he’s built a career on precision, creativity, and flair. Now, the famed sushi master is taking things to a whole new level with OEN, a 12-seat omakase experience in Montclair, New Jersey, that’s equal parts art, theater, and dinner.
OEN sits adjacent to MM by Morimoto but operates as its own world—complete with a private entrance, sleek lounge, and a design that feels more like a collector’s gallery than a restaurant. Diners begin the evening in a dimly lit lounge with a handcrafted welcome cocktail before stepping into an intimate dining room where every detail, from the china to the wood grain, has been selected by Morimoto himself. Even the placemats change with each course, a subtle reminder that no two moments here are meant to be the same.
Why It’s Worth the Splurge
In Japanese, omakase loosely translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” referring to a chef-curated tasting menu that evolves through a progression of courses designed to surprise and delight. At OEN, that philosophy becomes the heart of the experience. Each dish shaped by Morimoto’s instinct, artistry, and timing. The 12- to 15-course menu ($300 per person, tip and service included) is paid in advance and comes with the kind of quiet anticipation usually reserved for a concert or film premiere. There’s a curated sake and wine list available à la carte, but the real show begins when Morimoto steps behind the counter. Yes, the Iron Chef himself, now in his late sixties, is the one slicing fish, brushing soy, and plating dishes that balance precision with playfulness.
Guests describe the experience as “a symphony” and “a masterclass in restraint and imagination.” Expect a “land and sea” progression of dishes that might include toro topped with wasabi paint, wagyu served with housemade chocolate jerky, or a seasonal nigiri finished with a flick of Morimoto’s brush. The night feels personal, immersive, and cinematic—like being invited into the chef’s private rehearsal.
The design, led by Blank Design, reflects the same meticulous energy: white leather, maple and spruce wood, slate, and an infinity bamboo wall that mirrors the omakase’s sense of flow. In the lounge, a cocktail list pushes boundaries with drinks like the Wagyu Wash Old Fashioned, the MM Manhattan featuring Morimoto’s own single malt, and the Wasabi Gimlet brushed with shiso paint.
By the end of the evening, when Morimoto signs each menu in his own handwriting, it’s clear OEN isn’t just another high-end sushi bar. It’s the culmination of everything that’s made him a culinary legend: technique, showmanship, and respect for tradition, with the intimacy of a personal performance. For those lucky enough to snag a reservation, it might just be the most unforgettable two hours in dining today.
