Morihiro, the acclaimed Japanese restaurant led by Chef Morihiro “Mori” Onodera, has reopened at Elysian in Echo Park. The new location opens its doors to welcome guests starting October 10. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship and Michelin-star distinction, Morihiro adds to Los Angeles’s vibrant dining scene.
Morihiro’s New Chapter: Chef Mori Onodera Relocates to Echo Park
Morihiro, an acclaimed Japanese restaurant operated by Chef Morihiro “Mori” Onodera, has officially relocated and opened its doors at The Elysian in Echo Park. Morihiro first opened in Atwater Village in 2020 and has earned a Michelin star every year since 2021.
Chef Morihiro Onodera’s culinary journey began on his family’s farm in Fujisawa, Japan, where he learned the importance of seasonality and freshness. After refining his craft in Tokyo, Chef Mori moved to Los Angeles in 1985. In Los Angeles, he honed his skills at renowned restaurants such as Matsuhisa, Katsu, and R-23.
Back in 2000, Chef Morihio opened Mori Sushi in West Los Angeles, which earned Michelin stars in 2008 and 2009.
Through an Instagram post, the restaurant shared, “We open our doors on Friday. And we are so looking forward to having you in. Reservations are now available. Walk-ins are always welcome. We are pleased to share an additional à la carte menu featuring unexpected dishes such as California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and seasonal, traditional Edomae rolls. You will also find “steak and potato” on the menu.”
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The New Space: Innovations and Offerings
The new Echo Park location gives Chef Mori room to expand his concept. The restaurant offers a special à la carte menu and an extensive cocktail program, which is led by Han Suk Cho. The restaurant’s Signature Omakase experience continues to serve just four guests each evening at 6:30 p.m. The Signature Omakase dinner costs $400++ per person.
The menu also highlights premium fish and seasonal produce from California and Japan. At the new location of Morihiro, guests can also enjoy a California roll and a spicy tuna roll.
Guests can also enjoy signature dishes like Zabuton Steak and Potato and Sakura Smoked Jidori Chicken.
The new dining room at the restaurant accommodates 18 seats, and additional seating at the bar is available for walk-in guests. Guests can sip cocktails in the lounge before dinner. Reservations can be made online.
The Signature Dish: A Focus on Rice
Apart from creating amazing dishes, Chef Mori has also mastered the art of rice. He is known for perfecting the Japanese ‘koshihikari’ strain of rice grown in Sacramento. Eventually, this led to a new project of cultivating his own ‘Satsuki’ rice in Uruguay.
Chef Mori continues to perfect his rice-making techniques, treating rice as the heart of Japanese cuisine. At his restaurant, Chef Morihiro uses rice from his hometown of Iwate. The rice is hand-milled daily to protect its ideal moisture and texture.
With the move to Echo Park, Chef Mori remains committed to quality while refining the menu. The Echo Park opening marks a new chapter in Chef Mori’s celebrated culinary journey. The restaurant blends traditional Japanese techniques with a modern sensibility, creating a refined dining experience.
