Earlier this year, The Montclair Girl shared the news that Maddox and Musuko, located at 193 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair closed less than a year after its opening. Now we know what’s coming to the 12,000+ square foot space, and it’s a treat for Essex County locals and visitors alike. Internationally renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto, known as The Iron Chef, will open a new concept right here in Montclair. Read on for more about the new restaurant, MM by Morimoto.
^ Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Photo credit: Jeffrey Elkashab, @nj_native_
About the Space
The restaurant, MM by Morimoto, will be located at 193 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair. The space was most recently home to Maddox and Musuko, and before that The Crosby. Maddox and Musuko opened in April 2023 and closed in January 2024. The restaurant space housed two concepts plus a cocktail bar: Maddox, an American steakhouse, and Musuko, a sushi restaurant. The bar was a focal point of the space, taking a page from The Crosby’s book, the restaurant that previously occupied the space. The Crosby was a traditional American steakhouse that opened in 2017 and closed during the pandemic.
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The space seats 200 and has a full bar. The newest location of MM by Morimoto is expected to open in summer 2024. The menus will showcase Chef Morimoto’s modern take on classic Japanese cuisine, bespoke cocktails, and an extensive wine, sake, and beer list.
The Montclair Hospitality Group is part of the effort. MHG is also behind other local restaurants such as Ani Ramen House, pastaRAMEN, and Fatto Con Amore.
^ Montclair Hospitality Group CEO Joey Simons, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, + Montclair Hospitality Group Founder Luck Sarabhayavanija. Photo credit: Jeffrey Elkashab, @nj_native_
“I started Montclair Hospitality Group in 2014 in my hometown with the mission to launch the world’s leading dining concepts. We’re beyond excited to have Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto opening his first MM by Morimoto with our team in Montclair, NJ this year. It’s a career milestone happening ten years since we opened Ani Ramen on Bloomfield Avenue and truly is a dream come true. It’ll also be the first of many more to come,” Montclair Hospitality Group founder + Chief Business Officer, Luck Sarabhayavanija, told MG.
“MM by Morimoto is a brand new concept that is going to take the nation by storm. Locals know that Montclair‘s culinary scene is thriving, and MM by Morimoto’s opening will bring that message to the entire country,” Montclair Hospitality Group CEO, Joey Simons, said.
About Chef Morimoto
While many may know Chef Masaharu Morimoto from his role on Food Network’s Iron Chef, he is a celebrated chef with a long and successful career based on blending traditional Asian cooking with Western flavors. He started as a sushi chef in his native Japan and was hired in 1994 to be a part of the original Nobu. Chef Morimoto opened his first restaurant in 2001, and now owns 21 restaurants worldwide. He has written several cookbooks and has collaborated on several projects for culinary products including beer, sake, wine, soups, and more.
Until now, the closest restaurants in Chef Morimoto’s empire were located in New York City and Philadelphia. The New York City restaurant is called Sa’Moto and is located at 396 10th Avenue. Sa’Moto specializes in pan-Asian fine dining. Morimoto is located at 723 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia and specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine.
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“I’m happy to announce one of our first major concepts in the heart of Montclair, New Jersey! I have been eager to bring my cuisine to this vibrant community, and Montclair Hospitality Group is the ideal partner to make that vision a reality. Their focus on creating innovative hospitality experiences mirrors the philosophy I have at my restaurants. I am excited as partnering with Montclair Hospitality Group makes perfect sense, and I look forward to many more!” Chef Masaharu Morimoto said.
What to Expect
MM by Morimoto’s menu will include newly-developed appetizers and entrees. Steak enthusiasts can look forward to Chef’s new grill and protein program to be announced soon. The Omakase Bar and Dining Room Omakase menu promises a curated culinary experience, while the sushi and sashimi selection will provide an extensive array, as part of the quality-focused program which includes Chef Morimoto’s latest innovative dishes.
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MM by Morimoto’s Montclair location will feature a full bar menu with handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a selection of sakes and beers. Sushi boxes to-go will also be available, allowing patrons to savor Morimoto’s culinary delights anywhere. MM by Morimoto will additionally have on and off-premise catering options.
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