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The basics:

• MM by Morimoto will debut in Montclair on Glenridge Avenue
• Menu blends modern Japanese cuisine with steakhouse influences
• Featured items include sushi, Wagyu, omakase and cocktails
• Chef partnered with Montclair Hospitality Group on the project

A new dining concept developed by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is preparing to launch in Montclair.

Developed in partnership with Montclair Hospitality Group, MM by Morimoto is scheduled to open July 31 for dinner service. Ahead of the grand opening, reservations went live July 16 on Resy.

Located at 193 Glenridge Ave., the 12,779-square-foot, 200-seat restaurant will feature a menu that blends modern Japanese flavors with steakhouse influences, according to MHG.

Standout items will include exclusive cuts of fish flown in from Japan, along with Japanese and Australian Wagyu, and domestic USDA Prime steak. Diners can also expect to see some of the chef’s favorites, like tuna pizza, sushi and sashimi, as well as unique dishes, such as tacos two ways and A5 Wagyu carpaccio.

MM by Morimoto will also have a specially designed omakase bar, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine, sake and beer list. Sushi boxes to go will also be available as well as on- and off-premises catering options.

Morimoto and MHG

Morimoto said, “I’m happy to officially open our doors in Montclair. This restaurant showcases the premium ingredients and culinary techniques I am passionate about. I’m excited to share this unique dining experience with this wonderful New Jersey community.”

Best known as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, Morimoto is also an acclaimed restauranteur with nearly 30 restaurants around the world.

He has written two cookbooks, won two IACP [International Association of Culinary Professionals] awards and was a James Beard Award nominee. Currently, Morimoto serves as an executive producer and head judge on Roku’s Sushi Master.

MM by Morimoto joins portfolio of restaurants that includes Asian fusion eatery Ani Ramen House and Italian-style ramen restaurant concept PastaRamen. For the latter, MHG collaborated with James Beard Award-nominated chef Robbie Felice to launch and helm the concept.

MHG is also preparing to open a sixth Ani Ramen House location at Bergen Town Center in Paramus. MHG has previously said the space would feature a handroll sushi experience created by Morimoto known as Mori Mori.

‘Bergen’s Best Bite’

A spokesperson for the shopping center said the restaurant will be coming soon.

Both eateries recently participated in a “Taste of BTC” at the mall. The event gave visitors samples of popular restaurants and soon-to-open ones to then vote on “Bergen’s Best Bite.” Ani Ramen House won Judges Choice and Mori Mori took home the People’s Choice.

At Bergen Town Center, Ani Ramen House and Mori Mori will take over space previously occupied by Bobby’s Burger Palace. The fast-casual chain founded by Chef Bobby Flay closed most of its locations during the pandemic.

MHG founder Luck Sarabhayavanija said, “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, N.J., this year. It’s a career milestone happening just over 10 years since we opened Ani Ramen on Bloomfield Avenue and it’s truly a dream come true. It’ll also be the first of many more to come.”