Chef Makoto Okuwa, known for his work with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and for running the nation’s highest‑grossing Japanese restaurant, is set to open Suzu in Cincinnati’s Madison Square district on Oct. 13. The 6,000‑square‑foot venue will seat roughly 200 guests and includes a dedicated 12‑seat Edo‑style omakase counter called Suzunone, as well as a full‑service cocktail bar.
Local dining scene gets a Japanese flagship
Suzu joins a growing roster of upscale eateries in Madison Square, joining Alara, Element Eatery and Zingaro as the neighborhood aims to become one of the city’s premier dining destinations. The restaurant’s design emphasizes a contemporary aesthetic while preserving the intimacy of traditional Japanese sushi service.
Chef Okuwa’s culinary pedigree
Born and raised in Japan, Okuwa moved to the United States and quickly earned a reputation for precision and hospitality. After collaborating with Morimoto, he opened Makoto Bal Harbour in 2011, which later became the highest‑grossing Japanese restaurant in the United States. His work has attracted attention from Michelin reviewers and the James Beard Foundation.
In recent years Okuwa expanded his portfolio with Makoto Ocean, a restaurant‑concept aboard Princess Cruises ships, and a European outpost in Madrid that showcases his refined approach to Japanese flavors. Suzu will be his first stand‑alone restaurant in the Midwest.
Menu highlights and dining experience
The menu offers a range of shareable starters, fresh sushi, warm rice and noodle dishes, and premium Japanese grill items. The centerpiece, Suzunone, provides guests with a rare opportunity to sit at an Edo‑style counter and watch chefs craft each piece of sushi with meticulous care. Okuwa says the experience reflects the lessons he learned from his mother and grandmother about the importance of intention and respect for ingredients.
“Growing up, my mother and grandmother showed me how much care goes into preparing food for others,” Okuwa said. “That spirit lives in every dish we’ll serve at Suzu. We want each guest who walks through the doors to feel that sense of warmth, intention, and respect for ingredients and leave feeling that they’ve shared a remarkable experience with our chefs, staff, and the people they dined with.”
Impact on the local economy
Suzu’s opening is expected to create a number of jobs, from kitchen staff to front‑of‑house positions, and to draw diners from across the Greater Cincinnati area. The restaurant’s upscale positioning aligns with the city’s broader effort to attract high‑end culinary concepts that boost tourism and local spending.
City officials have expressed support for the development, noting that new dining concepts help diversify the downtown economy and enhance the cultural fabric of Madison Square. The project also underscores Cincinnati’s growing reputation as a food‑forward city.
What to expect
Reservations for the omakase counter will be limited, given the 12‑seat configuration, so interested diners are encouraged to book early. The cocktail bar will feature a curated selection of Japanese‑inspired drinks, including sake, shochu, and craft cocktails that complement the menu’s flavors.
With its blend of traditional Japanese technique and contemporary Cincinnati hospitality, Suzu aims to become a staple for both local families and visitors seeking an authentic, high‑quality dining experience.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
