The Residence of Mr. Moto
Restaurant · Williamsburg ·

The Residence of Mr. Moto

Restaurant · Williamsburg ·

Japanese bowls, kaisendon, sashimi, and sushi with ochazuke

The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by Kathryn M. Sheldon
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null
The Residence of Mr. Moto by null

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186 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 Get directions

$50–100

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186 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 Get directions

+1 347 227 7288
residenceofmrmoto.com
@dear.mr.moto

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Dec 3, 2025

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@infatuation
132,670 Postcards · 3,232 Cities

NYC’s New Restaurant Openings

"A follow-up to The Office of Mr. Moto, this restaurant in a brownstone in Williamsburg is a somewhat less formal affair. Unlike the omakase at The Office, at the (imaginary) Mr. Moto’s house, kaisen-don—featuring a 60-hour ochazuke fish broth—is the main event. As at the first restaurant, there are still plenty of theatrical touches: a display of violins and vintage suits, and tables are equipped with butler bells." - will hartman, bryan kim

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/new-nyc-restaurants-openings
The Residence of Mr. Moto
@infatuation
132,670 Postcards · 3,232 Cities

The Residence of Mr. Moto is for cozy Sunday night kaisendon - Review - New York - The Infatuation

"Mr. Moto—the fictional Japanese gourmand behind The Office of Mr. Moto in the East Village— has a more casual “home” in Williamsburg. The Residence replicates some of the same gimmicks that made the Office so popular: it looks like a mid-19th century home with oxford shoes, bow ties, a violin, maps, and an umbrella with a golden handle. photo credit: Kathryn M. Sheldon photo credit: Kathryn M. Sheldon photo credit: The Residence Of Mr. Moto Pause Unmute But behind all this window dressing is some pretty high-quality fish, particularly in the form of sashimi or tartare atop their kaisendon, which is the main focus here. (We like ours with a big extra scoop of ikura and uni.) The most fun part is pressing a butler bell for the ochazuke: the rich sea bream broth that’s poured over your rice once you’ve finished the sashimi. The Residence is also less of a commitment than the $215 omakase at The Office. So it’s easier to enjoy with a few friends, whether you like some theatrics with your otherwise casual dinner, or would rather ignore the fake backstory and all the artifacts and just focus on the food. Either way, start with a round of uni shooters and some scallops grilled with bacon that have a devils-on-horseback vibe. Food Rundown Uni Shooter Featuring the reproductive organs of three different animals, this uni shooter is worth getting instead of a cocktail. It’s briny and a great intro to the amount of uni and ikura you’re going to be eating later in your meal. photo credit: Britt Lam Ankimo Ponzu We weren’t huge fans of this dish. While the ankimo is well prepared and had a nice texture, it needed more of that ponzu sauce—the whole thing just felt a bit underseasoned. photo credit: Will Hartman Chawanmushi We found our chawanmushi a bit wetter than we like, as if some of the moisture had separated from the egg. Still, the flavor is good: savory, with sweet egg. Seared Scallops A good starter option, these little bites of scallop are seared up with bacon and nori and taste like something from a mid-century hors d'oeuvres menu. Kaisendon There are three options and we like the signature best, with tuna tartare, scallops, surf clams, and squid. Eat as much of the tuna as you can before getting your ochazuke pour—the hot broth cooks the raw fish, which ruins the texture. That broth by the way is straw-worthy. Rich, salty, bright, and comforting, we’d sip it any day. photo credit: The Residence Of Mr. Moto" - Will Hartman

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/the-residence-of-mr-moto
Kathryn M. Sheldon
The Residence of Mr. Moto
@eater
391,113 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

NYC New Restaurant Openings, December 2024 | Eater NY

"A sibling cocktail bar to the East Village’s Office of Mr. Moto that riffs on a fictional-character mascot and continues owner Tomo Kubo’s small-group of Japanese-leaning concepts (he also owns Tabe Tomo and a tsukemen spot), offering a themed, craft-cocktail experience in Williamsburg." - Emma Orlow

https://ny.eater.com/2024/12/5/24305669/december-openings-new-openings-nyc
The Residence of Mr. Moto
@grubstreet
13,506 Postcards · 1,478 Cities

Salmon Roe Is the Perfect Ingredient For This Moment

"A homey offshoot inspired by kaisendon traditions that serves hefty 45-gram portions of ikura marinated in soy and mirin so the eggs season the seafood beneath with sweet-and-savory pops; when a bowl is nearly finished, staff ladle hot broth made from butchered fish bones over the rice to transform the last bites into a porridge-like ochazuke with ikura bobbing throughout." - Tammie Teclemariam

https://www.grubstreet.com/article/salmon-roe-is-the-perfect-ingredient-for-this-moment.html
The Residence of Mr. Moto
@philtoronto
545 Postcards · 110 Cities
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The Residence of Mr. Moto

Jenn L.

Google
had this on my list of restaurants to try! finally went - recommend making a reservation as it can get busy. we went on a monday night for a 6:30 pm reservation, the decor was elegant. we ordered the fried tofu - which was amazinggggg! highly recommend! and ordered their miso cod and hitsumabushi eel dinner sets. however the wait in between the appetizer and entree was pretty long, i think we almost waited for 30 minutes after placing order for the appetizer to come. but otherwise the food was tasty, service was nice - and everything looked aesthetic. would go back to try their sushi/omakase.

Nhi P

Google
the food is delicious — we had the miso cod, kaisendon and sashimi and were blown away by all of them (we even ordered the sashimi twice)!! the drinks were delightful and the service was top notch. not to mention every detail in the decor was elegant and beautiful it truly makes me miss japan. music choice was everything (definitely visit if you like j-city pop/jazz) and i cannot recommend this place more:)

U.J. M.

Google
2/5 - - novel idea maybe worth one visit, mostly an influencer trap. Slow food service, small portions, not so fresh ingredients, and generally flavorless food and drink profile make the upscale pricing too expensive. The broth at the end is a highlight but not worth the $40ish. Details: Had a reservation for 2 and were seated in a mostly empty dining room at 6p on a Monday night. We ordered $150 worth of food and drinks and left generally disappointed and still hungry. Drinks - - 2/10 all cocktails are Shochu or sake based and not great. Had their Paloma and their grape cocktail ; neither were very flavorful or complex. The grape cocktail tasted exactly like Shochu with mashed-up grapes which didn't add much grape flavor. Paloma was more flavorful, slightly carbonated, but was a small portion. We also ordered their ginger teapot which was the most enjoyable, especially at its price point ($7, enough for 6-ish cups). Service - - our server was kind but main entrees took over 20 minutes after our appetizer to be served. No acknowledgment of the wait. Generally left alone and was not checked in on until we ordered the broth. One of our cocktail glasses was also served with a very large crack. Food - - We ordered the seared scallops, and 2 kaisen dons (signature and the newer chirashi). Seared scallops were overcooked and chewy, served with a brown sauce that was slightly buttery but mostly flavorless. Kaisen Don fish included very thin cuts of sashimi, about 14 pieces in chirashi not including the tamago. Did the premium up charge for the chirashi as well which added about a tablespoon of crab meat and a small claw for an extra $12(?). Neither the signature or the chirashi bowl had fresh tasting fish, the uni in both had an extra bitter touch to it making it taste less fresh, and the overall portion is only slightly more than a poke place in terms of proteins. What makes this experience slightly worth it is the broth at the end--they recommend to get it when you have a fourth of the bowl left but honestly just get it as soon as you can. The broth tastes like a very fishy nabe, which when combined with the texture of sashimi and the flavor of ikura and uni creates an interesting soup profile that is congee-like while being very Japanese. That's the part that makes the experience unique but otherwise the meal is very lackluster. Interior - personally a big turn-off (feels very colonized) but that's my personal judgment. Bigger issue for me was sitting right next to shoes that were eye-level and right next to my head ; worst seat in the house considering I'm also only able to stare in to the corner of the restaurant. Conclusion More fluffy marketing than value in the food, drinks, and experience. I would have valued our experience to be under $100, however our total bill was $180 ($30 tip). Come if you want a really expensive unique nabe.

Lina L.

Google
Amazing interior decor! It’s a really cute spot for date nights and the experience is quite unique. The decor, the postcards at the end (they mail it to you), having to ring a bell when you’re 2/3 done so the can come pour soup, are all nice additional touches. The food was great, would come back!

Jack T.

Google
5 stars across the board. The atmosphere was perfect very intricately designed but with simplicity I really enjoy the atmosphere and there is a cute little door that is in the design of a bookcase that leads to a bathroom. We thought it might be a secret room, but it’s not. The service was quite excellent. Everybody was very helpful and very nice. Gave us lots of recommendations which we trusted and believed and was able to have fun with the job. You can tell they enjoy working there. The food was perfect. We couldn’t ask for more. The dawns or bowls were my favorite part. they were super hearty full of fish full of flavor. I don’t think you need premium but if you want go for it, I could’ve eaten three or four of those bowls not because of the small size just because of how good they were. We also got the other fish dishes, which were small and just OK. The cod was a stand out. Make sure to eat all of your fish before they make it into soup because I feel that it kinda gets lost once they make it into soup, but that’s a cool way to extend your experience and make sure you’re full

Melissa N.

Google
The Residence of Mr. Moto is in my restaurants list. The restaurant is famous and has a unique vibe that different than regular place. Trendy , classy but can be casual. All price I pay, is about the ambiance of the place. Food is good but not the best fish I ever eat. Service is ok, has some missed treat from a waitress but a waiter is covering up. Like is said it is a trendy place and nice to get some good picture for your social media account. I actually read all the story of the restaurant and find it very interesting. So it think that is the selling point of the place. Overall, even it is not perfect but I'm happy that I complete my check list and have a good dinning experience.

Liat P.

Google
I really wanted to like The Residence of Mr. Moto. The decor is gorgeous, and it has so much potential to be a fun place for a casual meal, a date night, or a gathering with friends. But the service makes all the difference—in a negative way. The service was inattentive; our waiter could not have cared less about being helpful, explaining the menu, or answering basic questions. And the food was cold. We love raw, fresh fish, but it was so cold that we couldn't enjoy any of its flavor. The soup that was meant to accompany one of the dishes was served late, after we were almost done eating. We didn't even know it was supposed to be included. Overall, it was a disappointing experience. (No pictures of the food were taken. Only of the space). I hope they use this review to make improvements.

Isaiah T.

Google
I super loved this place! I am usually averse to these higher end types of restaurants, but the atmosphere was so comfortable and relaxing, even someone like ME felt welcomed. the food was GREAT, everything was so fresh and delicious, and the meal was very filling, not too pricey especially for NYC. super SUPER impressed by this place. highly encourage y'all to check out the bathroom too!
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Rosanna N.

Yelp
The service was super good but we would definitely recommend having reservations to go. We were seated right away. The decoration here is super cute and cozy. 1. Pickled Edamame (8/10): Solid and a unique take on edamame that I really enjoyed and would get again 2. Chawanmushi (7/10): It was good but was a bit bland, would skip out on this for something else 3. Signature Bowl with Uni and Ikura (10/10): LOVED THIS. The portions were so good and it was so filling. They also added a soup at the end which really made it a complete meal 4. Mr. Moto's Sushi Set (8/10): It was a solid sushi set but I would definitely prefer the bowl over the set. The drinks were all so good. There was not anything I would not recommend from the drinks menu. We especially loved the cocktails.
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Steven Z.

Yelp
4 star meal, 5 star ambiance Residence of Mr Moto has a beautiful, cozy interior filled with warm lighting and plush seating. It's a true haven from the harsh winter. Both bar seating and table seating has ample space. Their menu is really thoughtfully designed too. The food -- they are known for their ochazuke. The ochazuke broth was delicious, just make sure you have enough left in your bowl when you ask for it! If that's not your thing, their sushi sets have decent portioning. Unfortunately, the uni was rather fishy and tasted not fresh. The fish quality was nothing special either, and for that reason it's 4 stars instead of 5. Drinks - Peach sake was too syrupy even after ice melted.
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Josephine L.

Yelp
Eh....If this is where Mr. Moto resides, I'll skip his office. Look, there was nothing particularly wrong with our meal. It was just a lot of hype and a lot of bucks for just-okay food. The Pickled Edamame we started with was nice but small. My Premium Signature Bowl came with fresh tuna tartare, scallops, squid, surf clams, yuzu tobiko, and other goodies--but I've paid less for more and better quality (cough * Galleria by Odo * cough). And the much-touted Ochazuke broth was delicious, but far too little. It barely covered the bottom layer of rice when it typically should fill at leas thalf the bowl. For drinkies, we tried the Takeshi the Alchemist, which contained a lot of buzzwords but delivered mostly borewords. The Hina the Apothecary was a bit better--the soda water and floral notes at least had some life. Like most W'burg Asian spots, TRoMM makes its living charging A+ prices for B- fare because it knows its clientele is too lazy to schlep to Manhattan for, well, the same treatment.
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Jenny Z.

Yelp
To start off, the ambiance is excellent! Such a fun date night spot, so would recommend to come. As an overview, I think the sushi is superior quality, and the fish in the bowl is OK but when eaten together (and with the soup at the end) it is pretty good. - Signature bowl (3.5/5): I think the toro in the bowl did not seem the best quality, but given this is the most ordered dish in the restaurant and they were mass-making it, it makes sense why this dish didn't have the BEST quality fish. the rice was delicious though and I loved the sides that came with it (the sashimi was a 10/10). My partner got the double portion, which I do not think was as worth it though since it came with only slightly more uni and ikura. -Toro scallion roll (5/5): this was the star of the show. The toro was so fresh and absolutely melted in my mouth, paired with the vinegary rice it was so good! Would definitely recommend ordering some sushi on the side. We were there for about an hour total. Making the bowl took a bit longer (~20 minutes) but our roll was made as soon as we ordered it. Recommend to try!
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Natalie C.

Yelp
This place is starting to get super popular so make sure to reserve in advance! We secured a reservation 2wks ahead of time. We sat at the bar and much preferred that. The service at tables seemed to be pretty slow but the chefs at the bar are pretty attentive which made up for that. We tried kaisen-don in Japan and might actually prefer The Residence of Mr. Moto. The fish quality obviously doesn't compare but flavor was great. I don't usually like the ochazuke and would prefer to skip it, but enjoyed it here! We each got a bowl, plus a sushi set to share. It was too much food and we probably could've shared a bowl. The bowls are also super well-priced, considering the pile of fish it is topped with. Overall, very satisfied with my experience and would definitely return.
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Amy W.

Yelp
I set a reminder on my calendar to make reservations 2 weeks in advance (that's when it opens) just so I can get it on my birthday. The vibes were cute - gave me a little 1800s spy vibes. The menu was kinda like a book with a quote from Mr. Moto, an about us page and a blueprint of the restaurant seating. As for food, my husband and I got 2 Kaisen don; one aka and one signature. We also got the Mr. moto sushi set and the steamed egg custard. They were so sweet to give me the Hojicha Panna Cotta for free because it was my birthday. I really like the sushi set - 10 piece plus a roll. You can taste the freshness. The Kaisen don was a bit disappointing. Because the fish was tartare, I could barely taste the difference between the tuna and the salmon. The portion was bigger than I expected (thinking small rice bowl); I probably could have just ordered one bowl instead of two. The Hojicha Panna Cotta was so good!!! Super light and great flavor. Just what I needed after stuffing my face. Overall I would come back for their sushi set if I'm in the area.
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Kate C.

Yelp
Honestly soooo disapppinting. I got the original Kaisen don and just found the rice way too vinegary. It overpowered the seafood, but the seafood was also cut into such small pieces that it was hard to figure out what I was tasting sometimes. The tea broth soup was good tho, but again the vinegar overpowered it, making me feel tired of eating it. Pros: The matcha tiramisu and hojicha cafe panna, the server, and the interior design!
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Charles W.

Yelp
Fantastic combination of ambience, aesthetic, great service, and delicious food, The Residence of Mr. Moto is well worth the visit for a good time. The prices were surprisingly OK given the more upscaled feeling, though I expect this to increase as they become even more popular then they are now. Adding the tea soup at the end was fantastic as it was super flavorful and went well with the rice. The place was a bit loud, but fortunately for us we sat at the bar so our conversation was right next to each other. If we have guests visiting us again in the city, I would definitely love to bring them here.
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Katrina T.

Yelp
Copped a reservation in the first month that they opened! I haven't tried the other Moto restaurants but was excited to give this a try. The ambience is nice, dim lit, cool paintings, Kingsman-esque decor. What we tried- Chawanmushi: Good but I've had better Seared Scallops: Some pieces were more overcooked than others. They also did not remove the muscle part so that was really tough/dry to chew. Sauce was good but salty Kaisen Don: We got the Aka bowl which has both salmon and tuna. I love the set it comes with but wish they explained it better. For example we ended up ordering a side of egg even though it came with one (not listed on the menu nor did our waitress tell us). I think this was bit fishy and would skip next time even tho this is what they're known for. The broth was good and a great way to change it up. The pickled radish was so good! Big portion, my bf and I split this Mr. Moto's Sushi Set: This was ok. I was expecting higher quality and taste for Mr. Moto! The spicy tuna roll was unevenly cut and looked messy. Tasted all right tho. Wish the quality was better for the nigiri Yumi the Poet: Great N/A. A tad too sweet imo. My partner got a cocktail tho and it was amazing! Really well balanced but can't remember the name of it They were not serving dessert when we went which is a bummer bc the tiramisu sounds yummy. Service was good but a bit touch and go. Our waitress was nice but idk was expecting more for Mr. Moto. In the end, not worth it IMO. I thought it was reasonably priced but for that $ think we can get fresher omakase elsewhere
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Danielle D.

Yelp
Thoroughly enjoyed this meal but it's one of those that you should try once and don't need again, does that make sense? The monkfish liver and miso cod were a great start. The standard signature bowl was a very eye catching set. I honestly enjoyed the sashimi on the side more than the actual bowl. The bowl was good and the concept of adding the ochazuke broth towards the end is new to NYC. I didn't get to try one while in Japan so I am unable to compare. Regardless, the uni, scallops, and ikura were fresh and this place definitely deserve a visit, especially not having the need to fly to Japan for it.
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Joo Yeon Jessica H.

Yelp
Food: 4.5/5 pretty good. Ikura and Uni were great quality. I think they could've done a better job with sushi but the nori was really flavorful, and overall pretty good. The egg appetizer was really good, but chicken wing was a bit too salty Service: 5/5 the staffs are professional and make sure you are treated very well. It almost felt like quasi-fine dining experience? The service is absolutely better than the average restaurant. Ambiance: 6/5 ive never given more than 5 for any restaurant but the ambiance is absolutely killer here, one of the best in NYC. The idea was very creative, feels like vintage Japanese. The decor was insanely detail-oriented and VERY WELL PUT TOGETHER
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Sara L.

Yelp
In contrast to The Office of Mr. Moto, The Residence of Mr. Moto is a pleasant, more informal experience. The space is quite appealing. The music seemed to be a deliberate contrast to the atmosphere, even if I didn't entirely mind it playing. To be honest, the service could have been better. Our waitress that evening wasn't very good, and the service was a little slow. I'm happy I tried this place, although there aren't many complaints about the entire experience. I shared some plates with the small group I came with. We ate the chicken wings, miso cod, chawanmushi, and pickled edamame. We didn't like the miso cod the most out of all of these. Additionally, I didn't believe it was worth the higher price. I think my favorite part was probably the chicken wings. I ordered the Signature Bowl with the ikura and uni added for my main course. In general, I enjoyed it. At the end, they ask you to leave 3/4 of the rice and pour in some kind of fish broth so you can eat the remainder. It was a good experience all around, but in terms of the food and service, I still prefer The Office of Mr. Moto. Since the sushi sets are reasonably priced for a large quantity, I would probably go back and try one.
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Tiffany M.

Yelp
I recently dined at The Residence of Mr. Moto with my family, and it was an absolutely delightful experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with friendly and warm service that made us feel right at home. The food was exceptional. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and packed with flavor. The miso cod, marinated for three days, was perfectly tender. The Signature Bowl was a luxurious mix of tuna, scallops, surf clam, and tobiko on seasoned rice. It's advise to leave about a third of your rice and a sea bream left, the servers will come back to fill your bowl with broth and then you can drink the rest of the bowl as soup. The Mr. Moto sushi set, with 10 pieces of nigiri and 6 pieces of fatty tuna roll was fresh. The Chawanmushi was silky and comforting, while the Oyako Don, with marinated chicken and soy egg over rice, was satisfying. For dessert, the Matcha Tiramisu by Kitsby was a delightful way to end the meal--light, creamy, and not too sweet. For my cocktail, I enjoyed the Lychee Martini, which was smooth and refreshing, complementing my dishes. The decor was elaborate and detailed, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance that made the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend The Residence of Mr. Moto to anyone looking for exceptional food, impeccable service, and a fantastic atmosphere. Can't wait to return!
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Siyun Z.

Yelp
My husband took me here to celebrate my birthday and we had such a nice time at Mr.moto. The service was okay, perhaps due to it being a fairly new restaurant, but the food and ambiance makes up for it. We ordered the chicken wings and kaisen don. I got the signature one with the extra uni and it was a lot of uni. Everything was delicious. The only thing I didn't like was the broth at the end because it was really salty. They also gave us a complimentary dessert as a happy birthday gesture. Very nice! Will definitely be back!
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Cheryl K.

Yelp
Really nice new spot. Love the story of the restaurant and the interior design, super cozy vintage vibes. The food is so great. So much toppings for the Kaiden don with fresh ingredients, which is a must have and the oyako don is just amazing. And the waitress at the counter is so sweet.
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Leemor Y.

Yelp
Visited Mr. Moto on a Saturday night as a walk in and we were lucky enough to get seated with the condition that we get up before the next reservation in an hour, which we didn't mind. The decoration and vibe of the place is very fun and well executed. This was definitely a 5/5. The bathrooms are hidden behind a bookshelf at the back that opens as a sliding door. Overall it's a fun, cozy, almost James Bond-like vibe. The servers were all attentive and friendly. It still gave me an underlying tone of "we've only been open a few weeks and still smoothing things out" but maybe it was a placebo affect of me knowing it was still new. Food: - pickled edamame (4/5): a fun, unique take on edamame. For some reason it didn't immediately click that it would be a cold dish but it was very enjoyable nonetheless. - Mr moto sushi set (4.5/5): this was delicious. The only customization you can choose is between the spicy tuna roll or the negitoro roll. We picked negitoro which was great, but if you're looking for more punch maybe go with spicy tuna. - Signature Kaisen-Don bowl with premium, double toppings (4.5/5): this bowl is an experience. From mixing the ponzu sauce with the egg yolk, to remember to not eat everything so they can pour the broth after you're a third was through, it was a unique dish. The flavor of the broth was very deep. Honestly though my favorite party was the sashimi that came on the side - it melted in your mouth and the sauce it came with was delicious. - Hiddeo the artisan (5/5): this was a great NA cocktail if you like fizzy spicy drinks. Overall a very fun spot to checkout for a special occasion or a date.
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Wendy W.

Yelp
the best and only place I can get a big kaisendon bowl in the city!! The signature bowl comes as a mountain of super fresh fish. I definitely recommend getting the premium because they will give you soooo much uni and ikura. Don't forget to save a little rice at the end for the soup - it's such a comforting way to end the meal. I also tried some appetizers - the chicken wings are some of the best I've ever had, and they are deboned so they are so easy to eat.
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Stephen W.

Yelp
Absolutely awful and overhyped to say the least. We came in on the Friday before Christmas and had high hopes but were quickly disappointed. The sashimi tasted old and at the end of our meal we were left sitting for 45 minutes with a dirty table while the staff of six sat around talking to each other and completely ignoring us. When we finally got their attention and the bill the waitress apologized tor the miscommunication among the staff. Which would have been fine if at least two members of the waitstaff hadn't passed our table on several occasions and could have easily seen our table needed to be cleared. As a chef and someone who has worked in the industry for over 35 years, this is totally unacceptable. Needless to say we will not be returning.
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Pria H.

Yelp
I've never tried Kaisen Don before but a friend recommended this spot and I had to check it out. The restaurant is small and reservations can be a little hard to get but the concept and decor are beautiful and so unique, the staff are super kind and helpful with any questions you may have, the menus are beautiful and the food is top tier! We tried the Signature, the Shiro and the Aka and they were all fresh and flavorful. Our server recommended to leave a third of our rice and came back to fill our bowls with broth which converted the dish into a warm delicious soup! We also tried the Matcha Tiramisu and Hojicha Panna Cotta which were light and flavorful! Definitely plan to be back when I'm craving Kaisen Don again!
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Nikki H.

Yelp
The bowls were really pretty and good. Fish was fresh and the cod was perfectly cooked! Decor and ambiance is also great
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Jenny L.

Yelp
Absolutely incredible, from the food to the ambiance. The kaisendons are super fresh and generous - I've had something similar at a very popular spot in Korea, and I daresay I liked this one better. And that ochazuke broth added at the end - wow, so unexpectedly rich and delicious. Also the miso cod and chicken apps are not to be missed! I also really appreciated the gorgeous and immersive storytelling of the experience itself. The moment you walk in, you're transported to a different time period with walls of carefully curated artifacts. Even the menu was so fun and engaging to read. You best believe I'll be back!
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Christian L.

Yelp
More casual than I expected and the food is really good especially the kaisendon. Pretty good value for the sushi as well.
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Jeff T.

Yelp
My first gripe is with the name. It's an awkward mouthful that needs to be typed out word-for-word into Yelp or Google Maps. Miss a "the" or type "mister" instead of "Mr." and you'll get the wrong (or no) result. Their entire story on their website is just a few sentences about a virtually anonymous Mr. Moto from the 1800s who was an accessory to American imperialism. Supposedly the menu is composed of some of his favorite dishes? Not to be a kaisen-Karen, but when was kaisen don introduced? Some sources say after WWII... Nevertheless, I admire their commitment to a bit. Superficialities aside, I thought the kaisen don was good. I got the signature bowl, which I think has the best mix of fish and seafood. However, they put way too much vinegar into the rice. It was tolerable mixed with the rich seafood flavors, but when the server added the ochazuke at the end, it all became an overwhelmingly sour soup. I also found the prices to be a little steep. Of course it's unfair to compare it to Japan, but I'm going to. A similar kaisen don would be about half the price (and they refill your rice). But in terms of an experience as a whole, I'd say Mr. Moto is worth it.
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Jeanne S.

Yelp
This place...is not good. It was almost a comedy of errors from start to finish. First, the 1800s decor is cool but they played loud rap music the whole time, which totally takes you out of the ambience. We ordered soy glazed chicken wings for an appetizer that turned out to be too salty and rubbery. I don't know how you can mess up chicken wings. Then we ordered hot tea but the server mixed up our tea pots even after we told her what tea each of us got. It took us a long time to even realize it because the tea was so watery. The Shiro Kaisen Don was fine. The fish was a little meh and it really just wasn't that flavorful. My friend got the Aka bowl which was better but honestly I think most poke bowl places do this better. And then the ochazuke broth just made no sense. Ochazuke is literally supposed to just be tea broth that you poor over rice to make a delicately flavored soup. The ochazuke that they served us was full of rice vinegar so it was barely edible. The matcha tira misu was super bitter because they just used raw matcha powder without any sweetener. It was so weird but perfectly encapsulates this place. It's like a concept of Japanese food made by people who know nothing about Japanese food or cooking. And to cap it all off this place is super expensive. I can get way better Japanese food back in California or Japan for like $20. So save yourself the money and just visit places that know how to serve Japanese food you can actually eat.
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Ji Lin Z.

Yelp
TLDR - Come before it becomes super popular! The Residence of Mr. Moto, newly opened on a charming street with many other great spots, immediately catches the eye with its big glass storefront. On this rainy day, the view through the window felt cinematic, like a scene from a movie. Inside, the space is beautifully decorated, combining Japanese roots with what felt like some European influence. As I waited outside for friends, I watched every passerby stop to check out what was the buzz. When we entered, we were quickly shown our seats and given a brief menu overview. The staff was super friendly and service was attentive throughout the night. For the appetizers, the standout dish was the black miso cod. It was sweet, savory, buttery rich, and not too heavy--just overall perfectly cooked. The scallops, however, were a bit underwhelming--they felt overpowered by the other ingredients, especially given they were bay (the mini ones) rather than sea scallops. For the main, we ordered the kaisen-don, a dish I've been searching for in NYC since having it at Tsujihan in Japan. With a bowl full of seafood goodies, how could it not be delicious! My only suggestion would be to leave extra sauce on the side for guests who might want more. The sashimi side was a surprise hit as well, with a perfectly balanced wasabi sauce bringing the slightest kick and sweetness. Finally, the dish ended with a seafood broth poured over the bowl. It was perfect for the rainy day though leaned a bit acidic for my taste. Overall, a great experience and I'm excited to come back soon to see how things evolve (and to try their desserts :))
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Kaitlin P.

Yelp
10/10 mr. moto, will be revisiting over and over again! restaurant is also designed so uniquely with a book shelf hidden bathroom, button to press for brother, and so much more! the staff is also super friendly and attentive!!
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Sze Ting L.

Yelp
Came with super high expectations for the signature kaisen-don bowl. We each ordered the premium with double toppings. However, with the way the fish were sliced and mixed, I could honestly barely tell what flavors in the bowl and it felt like an elevated, aesthetic poke bowl, but I couldn't actually taste the uni flavor as much as I would have liked. The ambiance was a 5/5 but the food left something to be desired. The bowl is definitely very filling tho, lots and lots of rice. They also don't tell you (or at least my server didn't) about the fact that you had to ring the bell to get the broth, and we could have easily missed it if I didn't already know about it.
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Sreya A.

Yelp
Such an incredible experience! The food and ambiance were impeccable, with great service and all the creative touches leading to a particularly enjoyable experience - would highly recommend!
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Sarah R.

Yelp
Really enjoyed the food. The service was excellent, everyone is super nice and the place looks cute as well although the night I went the music was pretty dissonant from the vibe of the place but that was the only off note

Jessica Y.

Yelp
My second time at The Residence, and this doesn't disappoint! While I do find the Mr Moto character somewhat distracting, you can't deny that the food is really good (and I think great value in the city). The shiro bowl was really lovely and fresh tasting, and the signature was bursting with flavor. I do think the Standard is a must- I would not feel full on the Light. The soup at the end is tangy, vibrant, savory and robust, and you can have as much as you want!
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Albert K.

Yelp
Got to try out the lovely Residence of Mr. Moto today, which felt significantly more like home vibes for Mr. Moto. It's their first week open, and this restaurant has tremendous potential with their staff, location, and food. When you first enter, you realize it feels like a home living room with beautiful walls, clean floors, and perfectly aligned chairs. It's bright inside with famous hits playing not too loudly with the acapella version. Drinks: - had various sake bottles here; selection is great - hitochino beer is on the list (my favorite) - cocktails were great; tried the lychee and tangerine drinks - they have various sodas on their list; wish they had diet coke Food: - really enjoyed the scallop, soup, and tuna with peanut sauce on top - monkwish was soft, tender; could add a bit of flavoring on top - seared scallop (favorite dish) - very flavorful, moist, and melted in the mouth - chicken wings (2nd favorite dish) were deboned - cod (3rd favorite dish) was moist and flavorful; cooked perfect, just be sure to remove the bone - edamame was a bit cold; could be warmed up a bit, as the cold took out some of the taste - sushi roll had excellent tuna inside; the seaweed was a bit soft and uncut evenly, but the taste was excellent - the main mixed bowls of rice were very unique; after understanding how to mix them, and how they provide you soup when you reach the end by hitting the bell on the wall (super fun), it made sense to us - i preferred the matcha tiramisu over the panna cotta; it was packed with a ton of matcha flavor so if you like matcha, this is your dish. If not, get the panna cotta Maggie was an excellent server. The pacing was quick at first, but eventually became quite even and consistent. Getting instructions on how to eat the rice dish and panna cotta helped a lot, which made the experience fun overall. I highly recommend the scallop, chicken wings, and cod. Those are a must. I see tremendous potential with this restaurant and look forward to returning!
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Phil C.

Yelp
My new favorite restaurant in Williamsburg! The residence of Mr. Moto is going to be my go to sushi spot moving forward. The best bang for your buck based on the quality of food. I really enjoyed the service as well. Emily, the front of house manager is phenomenal and our server was so nice. The chef's playlist was fire.
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Lisa M.

Yelp
The Residence of Mr. Moto in Williamsburg isn't just a restaurant; it's a multi-sensory experience that will change your life. And no, I'm not exaggerating. This place is what would happen if a Michelin star and a spy movie had a baby, and that baby turned out to be a flawless, secret-bookcase-having, sake-pouring masterpiece of dining. Let's talk food. First, the Kaisen-Don. Imagine the freshest seafood on the planet. Now, top it with an absurd amount of uni. This isn't just food; it's like they've distilled the essence of the ocean and served it to you in a bowl. The uni is so rich and velvety, it could probably be used as a facial moisturizer. The fish is so tender, it practically melts into your soul. You eat it, and then you weep because you'll never eat anything this perfect ever again. Then, just when you think things couldn't get better, they hit you with the Ochazuke--a bowl of steaming, comforting magic that somehow enhances everything you've already eaten. It's like they handed us a bowl of liquid magic, and we drank it like it was the elixir of life. If I could marry a dish, I would *definitely* marry Ochazuke. Sorry, spouse. But, let's talk about the *bathroom*--because this is no ordinary bathroom, my fellow diners. It's a *portal*. You think you're walking into a regular restroom, but no! Behind a secret bookshelf (yes, a SECRET bookshelf), there's a hidden button that opens up into a bathroom area that feels like you've just discovered Narnia. It's that kind of place. This bathroom is so chic, it probably has its own influencer account. I'm pretty sure James Bond uses it as his personal spa. I half-expected the toilet paper to be made of gold. I'm telling you right now, if you haven't been to The Residence of Mr. Moto yet, you're missing out on one of the greatest culinary experiences of your life. 10/10, would eat (and drink sake, and discover hidden bathrooms) again.

SJ K.

Yelp
I absolutely loved this place and its authentic, very fresh Kaisen-Dons. If you happen to be at Brooklyn, The Residence of Mr. Moto is a must try. The vibe and food were absolutely amazing!
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Zhiru W.

Yelp
We really liked the concept. It's just right when you need something low key, comforting but yet tasteful. Great for dates. We like the bowls a lot and the selection of drinks is pretty solid.
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Esther K.

Yelp
Everything was SO vinegary from the uni shooters, kaisendon, & sea bream broth. SO vinegary I couldn't finish the broth or taste it properly. Would not come back sadly.

Michelle H.

Yelp
We had an early reservation, so the restaurant was empty when we arrived - a big plus, since the interior is beautifully decorated and we were able to appreciate the details before it got busy. The service was quick and the staff was attentive and patient, taking time to check in often and explain how to enjoy the dishes. The food was great as well - our favorites were the Ankimo Ponzu and the Signature Kaisen-don. Already planning to drop by again, if we find ourselves in the area!
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Jill N.

Yelp
All seafood lovers MUST stop by the Residence of Mr. Moto. I had my first ever Kaisen-don bowl here, and I can now confidently say it is my new favorite food. Each bowl comes with a very generous pile of seafood (think scallops, lots of fish, uni, Ikura) on rice, and topped off with delicious ponzu sauce. Definitely ask for the broth at the end, which is super warming. And like the Office of Mr. Moto, the decor is so beautiful. I already know I'll be coming back!
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Min C.

Yelp
After finally snagging a reservation I was able to try this place out. The decor was really unique and I read other reviews stating how fresh the fish was and the quality of the food. Unfortunately, my experience was the exact opposite. I got the Mr. moto sushi set and the chicken wing appetizer. The chicken wing portion was so small it was 3 halves of a wing. The flavor was a soy sauce glaze - standard and nothing to rave home about. I thought it was pretty expensive ($16) for what it was. The sushi set was advertised on the menu as $35 however when the check came I was charged $40. The waitress told me that there was a discrepancy in the menu and the actual price is $40 but they were able to honor the menu price for me at least. Still... not a good look. Now back to the sushi, the sushi set came with a clam miso broth which i felt to be really salty so I didn't finish it. The fish quality was not as expected and didn't taste as fresh. There was one particular fish called the gizzard shad that tasted like rubber I couldn't finish it... it left a lingering taste in my mouth and sadly ruined the entire meal for me. Outside of that, the rest of the sushi was just average and tasted like your regular sushi spot. I guess for the price it was decent (aside from that gizzard) but I would pay a little bit more and just go to sugarfish nearby where their fish is extremely high quality and consistent. Overall, I would not come back.
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Melissa T.

Yelp
Such a cool spot - the interior design, bathroom, wall decor is all so incredibly detailed and aesthetic. Food was amazing, loved the monkfish liver (ankimo) which I rarely see on menus in NYC but was so good, and a generous portion. We got the premium bowls which were honestly such a great value for the price compared to most spots in the city, and the fish was all super fresh. The broth at the end was the perfect way to end our meal, especially on the cold/rainy night when we visited. We also got an amazing unfiltered sake (thanks to the recommendation from our lovely server) which I still dream about!
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Emily H.

Yelp
Great local spot here in Williamsburg with kaisen-don and sushi options. If you're looking for authentic Japanese foods in a historical atmosphere, you really cannot miss this place. I came with a group of friends and while it was packed, they found a seat for us at a table and stayed for a few hours before they closed.

Sarah T.

Yelp
The servers seemed a little confused about several things but whatever since I guess they're new. My low review really come down to the food. I love fresh sushi but this was the first time I felt like I couldn't finish my meal. I ordered a sushi set - the spicy tuna roll was weird. All I could taste was something super creamy like mayo, which overpowered any fish taste. I normally love spicy tuna. It was also really messily put together - The nigiri was all bland. I don't think they seasoned the rice at all or at least it didn't taste seasoned. The fish itself was bland - I had a nice fatty looking piece of tuna and I fully expected that to at least be flavorful or tender but it was bland and not tender at all. I don't know if it's the storing process of the fish or what but the delicate flavors you typically get from fresh fish or nice sushi restaurants was not present. If I'm honest because the fish was bland and the rice was unseasoned, I had trouble finishing it. It didn't necessarily taste bad, it just was so bland that it was difficult to eat. The sushi sets are not that expensive but from a place like Mr Moto I expected a lot better. Maybe it is because they are a new restaurant working out the kinks, but I don't think the food is good. There are tons of great sushi spots in NYC/Brooklyn

Luke L.

Yelp
High quality sushi with amazing atmosphere! Highly recommend checking out this sister restaurant of Office of Mr. Moto!

James C.

Yelp
The first of its kind and a great addition to the neighborhood, The Residence of Mr. Moto is a must try. We first tried Kaisen-Don in Japan and this place holds its own with a twist! Must get appetizers include the chicken wings and miso cod. Of course we finished our Kaisen-Don's with a warm ochazuke perfect for a cold December night. We'll definitely be coming back if we can snag a reservation.
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Yi L.

Yelp
This place is a total vibe. The food is fresh, the portions are generous, and the Signature bowl? Absolute perfection--don't skip the little bell for fish broth; it's basically magic in a bowl. The decor makes you feel like you've stepped into a Tokyo dream, and the Yuzu/Ginger mocktail? So good I'm considering writing it into my will. We've already locked in a return visit with friends and decided this is where we're celebrating our anniversary. Sorry, other restaurants--you've been replaced.

Jean C.

Yelp
We absolutely loved the concept (especially since we've been to The Office of Mr. Moto). The food was really amazing and ambiance was on point! Would definitely come back!
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Chia P.

Yelp
The Residence of Mr. Moto in NYC offers a whimsical journey into Japanese comfort food. The kaisen-don, featuring seafood flown in from Japan's Toyosu market, is a standout--especially with the unique touch of ochazuke broth poured over the rice. The ambiance feels like stepping into a cozy home, complete with playful elements like a hidden bathroom behind a sliding bookshelf. With a diverse sake selection and creative cocktails, this spot perfectly blends fun with fine dining. A must-visit for anyone craving an enchanting culinary experience! I will definitely come back