I Tried This Hidden Speakeasy Omakase That You Can Only Access With A Secret Code

 You better be attentive to the reservation details and be on the lookout to find this hidden restaurant!

The Office of Mr. Moto is an intimate new omakase speakeasy from the veteran team behind TabeTomo and Tomokase. Boasting impeccable cuisine and a collection of rare, priceless Japanese antiques, The Office of Mr. Moto is a restaurant and private museum that offers an immersive experience, transporting customers through the history and modernization of 19th century Japan.

The delectable culinary journey begins with the reservation, where guests receive a personal letter from the fictional master of ceremonies, Mr. Moto himself; visitors will need to read the letter carefully to determine how to access the hidden restaurant. The letter includes a cipher that guests must solve ahead of their visit.

Upon entrance to the hidden restaurant, guests will embark on a journey through history during the Edomae-style omakase featuring fresh ingredients sourced directly from the Toyosu Fish Market in Japan. The menu features thoughtfully designed courses, each of which is representative of a different period of Japanese history.

The Office of Mr. Moto’s seasonal tasting menu features a variety of meticulously sourced ingredients from Japan. Executive Chef Toshio Matsuoka and his team artfully highlight the highest-quality, premium pieces in generous courses from Ni-Anago (Simmered Sea Eel), Kohada (Gizzard Shad), Zuke-Maguro (Marinated Lean Bluefin Tuna), Madai-Kobujime (Kelp-cured Japanese Sea Bream) and Hako-sushi (Traditional Pressed Sushi). Alongside the omakase, guests have the option to enjoy seasonally selected craft sake to match each course.

Throughout the culinary experience, guests are brought on a journey through time via each course. Examples include Oshizushi (traditional pressed sushi from the 18th Century), 19th Century Nigirizushi and more. Towards the end of the meal, guests will enjoy more modern interpretations and 21st century staples like Uni and Temaki.

My personal favorite was the torched scallop wrapped in nori (seaweed), as well as uni (sea urchin) that just melts in your mouth.

Following the meal, guests are invited to unwind and enjoy drinks in The Library while listening to Mr. Moto’s jazz collection. The intimate space is complete with cozy leather furnishings, thoughtful artifacts like a Prohibition-era prescription for Japanese whisky and a self-playing Yamaha piano.