At mealtimes, Omoté draws a steady crowd. Many stand in line for its affordable Japanese fare, and in particular, the chirashi don ($12.80) that’s topped with freshly diced seafood. But there’s another reason why people keep coming back – and it involves no queuing at all.
The reason: Omoté Dining, an exclusive dining space that’s hidden at the back of the restaurant, available only to those in the know. Finding the restaurant is part of its appeal. And those that are privy to its low-key existence can look forward to an elegant meal, served in a Zen enclave outfitted with minimalist furnishings and ornate Japanese ceramics.
Here, the menu revolves around washouku, a form of traditional Japanese cuisine that focuses on rice and side dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Head chef Nagae Toshiharu uses grains sourced from Niigata prefecture as a base for his set meals, or in the sushi omakase menu. It’s an intimate, bespoke dining experience typically reserved for Omoté’s regular customers, their friends, and now, you. Seek out more about this covert restaurant, as well as other hidden finds in our story here.
