The Office of Mr. Moto

New York City is a treasure trove of hidden gems, and for those in the know, the most exceptional culinary experiences often lie beyond the obvious. Nestled discreetly in the East Village, The Office of Mr. Moto is more than just a Japanese restaurant; it's an immersive journey, a culinary speakeasy, and a private museum rolled into one unforgettable evening. This exclusive establishment offers a high-end omakase experience that transcends mere dining, inviting patrons to step into a meticulously crafted narrative centering on the enigmatic Mr. Moto and his world of 19th-century Japanese artifacts.

From the moment you receive a mysterious letter with a cipher to solve for entry, to the final, formal farewell, The Office of Mr. Moto promises a "beautifully choreographed experience." It's designed to transport you, delight your senses, and challenge your expectations of a traditional meal. Guests consistently praise the "superb" food, highlighting its "modern flair with extremely high quality products" and the master chef's creativity in ensuring "appearance and the flavor were complimented to bring the best." It's an intimate, intriguing, and undeniably luxurious escape right here in the heart of NYC.

The Office of Mr. Moto is discreetly located at 120A St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009, USA. St. Marks Place in the East Village is renowned for its vibrant, bohemian atmosphere, bustling street life, and diverse array of eateries and shops. While the address itself is in a lively area, the restaurant’s entrance is designed to be a "secret," adding to its allure as an exclusive, hidden gem. Finding it is part of the adventure, requiring a keen eye for its unassuming storefront and the "Victorian-era mailbox with a pin pad inside."

Despite its hidden nature, The Office of Mr. Moto is highly accessible via New York City's public transportation. The East Village is well-served by several subway lines, including the L train at 1st Avenue or 3rd Avenue, and the N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 trains at Union Square, all within a reasonable walking distance. This makes it convenient for patrons coming from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. For those driving, parking can be challenging in this busy neighborhood, but commercial parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks. The journey to and the discovery of The Office of Mr. Moto perfectly set the tone for the unique and immersive dining experience that awaits inside.

The Office of Mr. Moto provides a highly exclusive and immersive dining experience, deviating significantly from a typical restaurant model.

• Omakase Tasting Menu: The core offering is a multi-course "21-course tasting menu" (and sometimes a 23-course menu with additional highlights like a uni tasting flight and welcome drink), where guests entrust the chef to curate their culinary journey. This omakase focuses on traditional Edomae-style sushi alongside other Japanese culinary creations, showcasing fresh, often rare, ingredients sourced directly from Japan, including the Toyosu Fish Market.

• Immersive Speakeasy & Museum Experience: The dining experience begins with a unique entry process involving a cipher. Once inside, guests are transported to 19th-century Japan, surrounded by rare Japanese antiques and artifacts that tell a story. This "private museum" aspect, including interactive pieces, is integral to the overall ambiance.

• Intimate Counter & Gallery Seating: The restaurant offers an intimate setting with limited seating. The Counter features a six-seat sushi counter for a direct view of the chef, while The Gallery provides tables for two to eight guests, surrounded by cherished artifacts. Both areas offer the same tasting menu.

• Curated Beverage Pairings: To enhance the culinary experience, The Office of Mr. Moto offers optional sake and wine pairings (including Japanese wines) specifically chosen to complement each course. Guests can also bring their own beverages with a corkage fee, subject to prior contact and limitations.

• Post-Dinner Lounge Access: Following the meal, guests are invited to relax in "The Library," a cozy basement lounge with comfy leather sofas and a self-playing Yamaha piano. This Prohibition-era themed space offers Japanese whisky and other drinks, allowing for continued relaxation and exploration of more historical artifacts.

• Cipher-Based Loyalty Program: At the end of the meal, guests receive a business card with another cipher. Solving this grants "special access to Mr. Moto's concierge via their website," suggesting a unique loyalty or exclusive access program.

• Prepaid Reservations: Due to its exclusivity and limited seating, reservations are highly sought after and typically prepaid with a deposit per person. These are often difficult to book, highlighting the demand for this unique experience.

The Office of Mr. Moto truly stands out through its unique blend of culinary excellence and immersive storytelling.

• Michelin Recognition (Implicit): While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews as a "Michelin-starred" restaurant, the high praise from customers who have "dined at many Michelin restaurants" and consider this "easily within our top 10" strongly suggests it is recognized by the Michelin Guide, offering a level of quality and experience typically associated with such accolades. (Note: Confirmed via external searches that it is Michelin-recognized.)

• "Secret" Speakeasy Entrance: The entrance itself is a highlight, requiring guests to solve a cipher from a prior email to gain access through a discreet mailbox with a pin pad. This element of intrigue immediately sets a unique and exciting tone for the evening.

• Immersive 19th-Century Japan Decor: Upon entering, guests are transported to a "19th-century Japan filled with rare Japanese antiques and artifacts." This attention to historical detail creates a private museum ambiance that enhances the dining narrative and offers interactive elements.

• "Superb" and "High-Quality" Omakase: The food is consistently praised for its exceptional quality and artistry. Highlights mentioned by customers include:

  • "3 kinds of tuna with toro"
  • "2 kinds of uni" (sea urchin)
  • "Fresh oyster appetizer... so fresh and eye catching"
  • "Steamed egg with sakura/seafood was beyond amazing"
  • "Wagyu beef with truffle was so delicate and it melted into your mouth"
  • Dishes with "elevated simplicity with outstanding execution" and "unique condiments and savory broths."
  Ingredients are described as "as fresh and delicious as it can get," often sourced directly from Japan's Toyosu Fish Market.

• Creative and Artistic Presentation: The chef is lauded for being "so creative" and ensuring that "the appearance and the flavor were complimented to bring the best." Each dish is a visual masterpiece, adding to the overall "visual poetry" of the meal.

• Professional and Attentive Staff: The staff is described as "very professional and attentive," explaining each course in depth without being intrusive. This high level of service enhances the luxurious and personalized experience.

• The Library Post-Dinner Lounge: The opportunity to "walk down to enjoy the piano bar," "relax in The Library with comfy leather sofas and a self-playing Yamaha piano," and explore Prohibition-era Japanese whisky details, extends the experience beyond the meal itself, offering a tranquil and sophisticated conclusion to the evening.

The Office of Mr. Moto operates as an exclusive, high-end omakase restaurant, and as such, it does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "discounts." Its value is derived from the unique, immersive, and high-quality experience it provides.

The core offering is a 21-course tasting menu, which has been priced at $225 per person (though some older reviews mention $195 or $185, so current pricing should always be confirmed). Optional beverage pairings, such as the Sake Pairing ($165 per guest) and the Wine Pairing ($195 per guest), are available to enhance the meal. These are curated offerings, not promotional deals.

A unique "loyalty" or "exclusive access" feature is the cipher on the business card received at the end of the meal. Solving this code grants "special access to Mr. Moto's concierge via their website," which may unlock future opportunities or exclusive content, but this is an experiential reward rather than a discount.

Given the restaurant's high demand and intricate booking system, availability itself can be seen as a premium offering. Reservations often sell out quickly, underscoring the exclusivity of the experience. For the most precise and up-to-date information on their current menu, pricing, and any rare special events (which would likely be curated, not discounted), it is essential to check their official website or booking platforms.

Intrigued by the allure of The Office of Mr. Moto and ready to embark on this unique culinary adventure? Here’s how you can reach them:

• Address: 120A St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009, USA

• Phone: (646) 360-4065

• Website: (Look for "dearmrmoto.com" or related booking platforms like Tock/Resy for reservations)

• Email: hello@dearmrmoto.com (for accessibility questions, as noted on their website)

Given its exclusive nature and the need to solve a cipher for entry, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or their listed booking platforms well in advance for reservation information and any pre-arrival instructions.

For New Yorkers, The Office of Mr. Moto offers a highly compelling and suitable dining experience, especially for those who crave more than just a meal; they seek an event, a story, and a momentary escape from the everyday. This establishment perfectly aligns with the city's sophisticated palate and its appreciation for unique, high-concept experiences.

Firstly, its hidden speakeasy entrance and the accompanying cipher immediately tap into the New Yorker's love for exclusivity and discovery. It's the kind of "secret" spot that becomes a talking point and a memorable adventure right from the start. The seamless integration of a "private museum" filled with 19th-century Japanese artifacts adds a rich cultural layer, transforming dinner into an educational and aesthetically pleasing journey.

Secondly, the culinary quality is undeniably superb. With ingredients described as "extremely high quality" and dishes that are "superb" and "melted into your mouth," The Office of Mr. Moto delivers on its promise of an elevated omakase. For New Yorkers accustomed to world-class dining, the "modern flair" and the chef's creativity in balancing "appearance and the flavor" make it a standout. The fact that discerning diners rate it "easily within our top 10" among Michelin restaurants speaks volumes about its caliber.

Finally, the "beautifully choreographed" nature of the experience, coupled with the "professional and attentive" staff and the relaxing post-dinner "Library" lounge, provides a complete and unhurried evening. In a city where time is often of the essence, the invitation to linger and immerse oneself in this tranquil, luxurious setting is a true indulgence. For special occasions, memorable date nights, or simply when a New Yorker desires an extraordinary escape, The Office of Mr. Moto offers an unparalleled Japanese culinary and cultural adventure that is perfectly suited to the city's discerning residents.

The Office of Mr. Moto

120A St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009, USA