Set the scene.
Upon entering The Residence of Mr. Moto, tucked away in a secluded Williamsburg enclave, those familiar with its secretive omakase sibling, The Office of Mr. Moto, will recognize the connection—but these two are siblings, not twins.
At Mr. Moto’s Brooklyn residence, the ambiance is decidedly more approachable within its 52-seat dining room. Inspired by the fictional Mr. Moto—a globetrotting enigma and art connoisseur who sailed the high seas aboard the USS Susquehanna in 1853—the restaurant evokes the elegance of a captain’s quarters on a luxury ship. Antique gold-framed Japanese artworks lend an ornate touch, while intricate, swarthy-toned wallpaper, recessed shelves displaying collectible curios (think fine china, vintage hardbacks, and preserved newspapers), and a warmly lit check-in desk set the stage for an exceptional meal.
What can we expect from the food?
Led by Chef Tomotsugo “Tomo” Kubo, The Residence of Mr. Moto presents an à la carte dining experience that pays homage to the art of Japanese home cooking. Staying true to the impeccably designed space, the menu unfolds like a story—each page adorned with sketches and notes curated by “Mr. Moto” himself, complete with dates that make it feel more like a well-traveled journal than a list of dishes.
Things begin with Small Bites, where the sought-after Uni Shooter is bound to catch the eye. A delicate yet daring combination of sea urchin, ponzu, ikura, and a quail egg, it’s an adventurous start—not for the faint of heart, we must say. From there, Large Bites await, with the Hokkaido Seared Scallops, drizzled in soy butter and bacon, and the Miso Cod, a three-day marinated filet served with cucumber and haijikami ginger, both strongly recommended by our server.
However, it’s the Kaisen-Don seafood bowls that steal the show, drawing well-earned hype across Instagram and TikTok. These vibrant sushi bowls, already beloved by food enthusiasts, certainly live up to expectations. Guests may find themselves torn between the Signature Bowl (tuna tartare, scallops, surf clam, yuzu tobiko, cucumber), the delicate Shiro Bowl (amberjack and sea bream sashimi with daikon pickles), and the fiery Aka Bowl (salmon, tuna tartare, yuzu tobiko). Fortunately, sharing is encouraged, making it easy to try more than one.
As the final bites of fish and rice dwindle, the playful butler bell is meant to be rung—signaling for the tableside ochazuke broth. This rich, 60-hour seafood stock is then poured over the remnants of the bowl, following a centuries-old Japanese tradition. Each day’s broth carries forward flavors from the last, ensuring that nothing goes to waste—a true circle of life for the freshest seafood and vegetables.
For those seeking a more classic sushi experience, the bowls can be skipped entirely in favor of sashimi. With fish flown in regularly from Japan, every bite of nigiri is certain to impress—and may even introduce diners to sea species they’ve never encountered before. Seafood spreads like Mr. Moto’s Sushi Set (10 pieces of chef’s selection of nigiri with a roll of your choice) or the Sashimi Set (16 pieces of assorted sashimi) are perfect for those in search of a purist’s approach to raw fish.
You might be full to the brim, but skipping dessert—crafted by Brooklyn’s own Kitsby Dessert Bar—would be a shame. The Matcha Tiramisu, a Kyoto-style twist on the classic, is decadently layered with velvety custard and rich matcha, while the Hojicha Panna Cotta, infused with roasted green tea, offers a smooth, silky finish. After a meal filled with bold, briny flavors, a little sweetness is just the thing to round it all out.
Touch on the drinks.
Naturally, a well-curated selection of sake takes center stage, accompanied by a brief history of Japan’s beloved libation and Mr. Moto’s ties to it. (A quick taste: authentic sake dates back to the 3rd century AD and was originally made using enzymes in saliva to kickstart fermentation. By the time Mr. Moto arrived in Japan, sake was plentiful, and at his Williamsburg residence, varieties like Junmai and Daiginjo proudly grace the menu.) Unique takes, such as Yuzu Sake and Lychee Sake, also make an appearance.
For those craving something more inventive, the craft cocktail menu doesn’t disappoint. Playfully named creations like Kazuo the Collector (yuzu, ginger, and shochu) and the lively Ichiro the Merchant (a so-called “Lychee Saketini”) offer worthy elixirs to sip on.
Final thoughts?
At The Residence of Mr. Moto, it’s the meticulous details—paired with an outstanding culinary experience—that make you want to return. A hidden bathroom concealed behind a sliding bookshelf, a mirrored hallway leading to the washroom, and a postcard offering (ready to be mailed anywhere in the world) all add to the sense of adventure. From start to finish, you’re not just dining—you’re stepping into the ever-expanding tale of Mr. Moto’s global legacy.
Top Takeaways
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 186 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Cuisine: Japanese
The vibe: An immersive culinary journey that transports you into the fictional world of Mr. Moto—where an ornate, maritime-inspired Japanese adventure unfolds.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: We’re big fans of the Signature Bowl, a standout version of the hearty Kaisen-Don seafood dish, featuring tuna tartare.
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Monday through Sunday from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
