Morimoto is Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's flagship restaurant at 723 Chestnut St in Philadelphia, a landmark of contemporary Japanese fine dining since 2001. The menu spans pristine sashimi and hand-crafted sushi rolls, signature dishes like Black Cod Miso and Hot Stone Wagyu, a full wagyu program with certified Kobe, and an 8-course omakase that showcases Morimoto's mastery of Japanese technique refined by global influences.
Signature items
Chef's tasting with sake pairings selected for each course
Chef's tasting with wine pairings selected for each course
Large omakase-style selection of nigiri and sashimi
Key dishes across categories with their current Philadelphia prices.
| Dish | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Omakase Dinner (8 courses) | Tasting Menu | $165/pp |
| Black Cod Miso | Entrée | $43 |
| A5 Wagyu | Wagyu | $98 |
| A5 Olive Wagyu | Wagyu | $140 |
| Wagyu Hot Pot | Entrée | $68 |
| Crab Fried Rice | Rice & Noodles | $38 |
| Hot Stone Wagyu | Hot Appetizer | $36 |
| Toro Tartare | Cold Appetizer | $29 |
| Rock Shrimp Tempura | Hot Appetizer | $29 |
| Tuna Pizza | Cold Appetizer | $26 |
| Edamame | Hot Appetizer | $7 |
Like-for-like comparison of tasting menus, signature entrées, and sushi at similar fine-dining Japanese restaurants.
| Category | Morimoto | Nobu | Masa (NYC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omakase / Tasting Menu | $165/pp | ~$175/pp | $750/pp |
| Signature entrée (miso fish) | $43 | ~$45 (Black Cod) | N/A |
| Toro tartare / premium starter | $29 | ~$28–$35 | included in omakase |
| Nigiri (fatty tuna) | $16/piece | ~$14–$18/piece | included in omakase |
| Wagyu selection | from $58 | from $65 | market price |
Morimoto Philadelphia opened in 2001 as the flagship restaurant of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the celebrated Japanese-born chef who rose to international fame on the original Iron Chef television series. Located at 723 Chestnut St in Philadelphia's Center City, the restaurant was a pioneering force in contemporary Japanese fine dining in America, challenging the notion that Japanese cuisine was limited to neighborhood sushi spots. The dramatic interior, designed by architect Karim Rashid, features undulating bamboo walls and a striking 10,000-bottle wine room.
Chef Morimoto's culinary philosophy fuses centuries-old Japanese technique with global ingredients and modern creativity. His Black Cod Miso — marinated in white miso and sake then broiled until lacquered and tender — became one of the most imitated dishes in American fine dining. The Tuna Pizza, a crispy flatbread topped with tuna and truffle oil, exemplifies his approach: Japanese soul, global appetite. Morimoto Philadelphia has earned consistent praise from the James Beard Foundation and has maintained a position at the top of Philadelphia's fine-dining scene for over two decades.
Beyond Philadelphia, the Morimoto brand has expanded to include locations in Las Vegas, Maui, Napa, Mexico City, Doha, and beyond, as well as the casual Momosan ramen-and-sake concept. All properties share the same commitment to pristine sourcing and inventive Japanese technique. The Philadelphia flagship remains the original and the benchmark, a restaurant where special-occasion dinners and serious food lovers return year after year for the omakase, the wagyu program, and the unforgettable Fiery Chocolate tableside dessert.
Make a reservation at Morimoto Philadelphia, explore the current seasonal menu, and confirm today's prices on the official site.
Reserve at MorimotoThe Omakase Dinner at Morimoto Philadelphia is $165 per person for 8 courses, which includes dishes like Toro Tartare, Lobster Dumpling, A5 Miyazaki Strip Loin, and Nigiri Selection. Optional sake or wine pairings are available for an additional $95 per person each.
Black Cod Miso is Morimoto's most iconic dish — black cod marinated in white miso and sake, then broiled until caramelized and tender. Priced at $43 at the Philadelphia location, it has been a hallmark of the menu since opening day and helped popularize miso-marinated fish across American fine dining.
Morimoto Philadelphia is located at 723 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, in the city's Center City neighborhood. The restaurant is open for dinner service and accepts reservations through its official website and OpenTable.
Morimoto Philadelphia is a fine-dining establishment and expects smart casual to business casual attire. While there is no strict formal dress code, guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the upscale atmosphere.
Morimoto offers several vegetarian options including Yasai Ramen ($17), Vegetable Curry ($24), Leafy Greens Salad ($12), Wasabi Watercress Caesar ($16), a full selection of vegetarian sushi rolls starting at $5, and sides like Charred Cauliflini ($14) and Spinach Gomaae ($12).
Morimoto's wagyu program is one of the most extensive in Philadelphia, ranging from Domestic Wagyu at $58 and A5 Domestic Wagyu at $98 to ultra-rare A5 Olive Wagyu at $140. Certified Kobe Beef is also available at $52 per ounce. A full Wagyu Tasting is offered at $165 per person.
Yes, Morimoto Philadelphia offers sushi and sashimi a la carte. Individual nigiri pieces range from $4 (Maguro) to $16 (Oh-toro), with maki rolls starting at $5 for vegetarian options. A Chef's Combination platter is available at $75 (small) or $125 (large) for a curated selection.
The Tuna Pizza ($26) is one of Morimoto's most recognizable signature dishes — a crispy flatbread base topped with thinly sliced tuna, aioli, and finishing oil. It is not a traditional pizza but a Japanese-influenced appetizer that has become a staple of the menu and a crowd favorite since the restaurant opened.
Absolutely. The full à la carte menu is available every evening with cold and hot appetizers, sushi, rolls, rice and noodle dishes, and entrées. The omakase is optional — guests can build their own meal from any combination of the menu, making Morimoto accessible for a range of budgets and appetites beyond the full chef's tasting experience.