Beautiful presentation can attract people once, but bad taste guarantees they won't come back.

Absolutely fantastic. Masterful play of acidity and delicate ingredients, all while showcasing a distinct Japanese identity. Japanese food, fresh quality ingredients, Came here for lunch this past weekday Service was impeccable from start to finish, and the food lived up to the high expectations one. If You craving some EEL/Unagi, come here!!!! The Unagi DonBowl is the reason you come here!!! Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience with a great service! I was very impressed and will definitely come back again! read more

Unique menu, flavorful dishes, and understated but efficient service! Also lovely ambiance and well designed restaurant. We loved the booths. read more

Minoru is Montclair's stunning new addition to the town's growing list of must-visit restaurants. From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed into a space where every detail feels intentional. Every dish arrives with care, beautifully plated, and timed to perfection, allowing each course to shine: The Wagyu Uni Truffle Roll is pure indulgence, with buttery A5 wagyu, creamy Hokkaido uni, earthy grilled mushrooms, and just the right touch of truffle. The Shima Aji & Fig Carpaccio is light yet complex, pairing silky striped jack with fresh figs, bright yuzu soy, and a hint of lemon zest. Even the comforting Gyudon -- tender simmered beef, sweet onions, scallions, and a perfect poached egg over rice -- is elevated with care and precision. Food was flawless. Cannot wait for their upcoming omakase -- if it's anything like the rest of the menu, it's bound to be exceptional. Minoru isn't just a great new sushi spot -- it's a love letter to thoughtful dining, and Montclair is lucky to have it. read more

Minoru - shima aji & fig carpaccio - Japanese Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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We love it here. Every dish is a mouthful of flavor, and the service is always top notch. The vibe feels like you're in a restaurant in NYC, and the BYOB makes it slightly more affordable to splurge on the Wagyu hot stone. Besides the Wagyu, our favorites are the salmon carpaccio, wakame & cucumber sunomono, agedashi tofu, and katsu curry. Please go here so it can stay open for a long time! read more

Wonderful new addition to Upper Montclair. Beautifully decorated restaurant near train tracks. Great service and food will be experienced when you walk through the doors and go to the second story. Great selection of Japanese dishes for all kinds of palettes. We had five courses and was pleasantly surprised how well the meal came out. Even the co-owner came over to ask how we enjoy the meal. read more

The ambience is calm, with Japanese aesthetics. The food was delicious, we went during lunch and had the lunch sets. Service is very attentive, friendly, and explained all the dishes. read more

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The food was good but our experience was not the best. We were there with a big group of about 12 to celebrate a birthday. The food came out really slowly and not together so by the time some people were finished eating, others hadn't gotten their food yet. No one came to take our order, we had to call them over. We brought a cake and we had asked beforehand and they said there is a $10 cake fee which we agreed to. But in the restaurant, they told us it was $20. Then they said if we order dessert the cake fee would be waived. Our total bill came out almost $800, and they were up charging us for the cake we brought ourselves...I'm not sure if I misunderstood but I was left feeling odd about the whole situation. Overall food was good. The sets were good, especially the wagyu set. But it was very expensive and service was subpar. read more

Minoru - The special eel set in the chefs special - Japanese Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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Oh my gosh, what a delicious meal. Attentive service with a smile. Helpful with recommendations and answering questions. I don't eat pork or beef. I had the mushroom salad and the curry omelet. It was extremely delicious. The curry was just perfect. Gorgeous too. My husband loved the Tonkatsu and Ramen. Left nothing behind. I wish there were more poultry or fish options that are not Tempura. Menu could use some options for the rare outliers like myself. Overall, it's a winner. A special place that's pricey for an ordinary dinner out, but for a social occasion, yum! read more

Food is 10/10 and worth the price. Service is exceptional and very attentive and the decor is beautiful. What else is there to say. Go now. read more

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Minoru, where BYOB means Bring Your Own Bread. In all fairness, I'm not going to say that we didn't like what we ordered, overall, but the clams with butter sauce appetizer came with some bread that was intended to be used for dipping, but there were not enough slices for the three of us to share. With a lot of sauce remaining, I asked if they would bring us a few more pieces, and to our shock they said sure but there would be an extra charge. On a $28 appetizer, we found it aggressively petty, silly, and shortsighted not to accommodate a simple request that might have cost them 20 cents. Had it not been raining, I promise you I'd have walked to Kings mid-meal and brought back a baguette. What's even more ridiculous about this episode is that they knew we were disappointed, and obviously feared we'd leave a negative review, so they offered us dessert at the end. But I explained that all we wanted was to have enjoyed our app, so we left and absolutely will not be returning. We have been dining in Montclair for a very long time, and this was a first. So if you do decide to go, remember, BYOB. read more

This place is an incredible experience start to finish. The cuisine is innovative, the service is excellent and the ambiance is perfect. The chef came out herself to present one of our appetizers and that kind of personal touch is refreshing and exciting to see in a suburban restaurant. We will definitely be back and recommend to friends. Thank you for the hospitality! read more

Minoru - Japanese Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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I almost don't want to write this review because this place is so good and it's going to get harder to get a reservation . We had an amazing dinner, innovative dishes and kind staff. The wagyu beef on the hot rock was amazing and the corn ribs were so fun. The chef came out to say hi and we thanked her for a lovey meal. Will be back read more

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Minoru, which to my mind rates extremely high in food, service, and ambiance, has an eclectic menu, from wagyu beef to sea urchin. In addition, it features standard bearers like ton-katsu and gyoza and ramen--but upscale. We had the cucumber and wakame salad, with a great hit of lime and ginger; and the black cod, which is worthy of Nobu. But the star was the grilled eel, a large portion over rice, with condiments, pickles, and broth to accompany it. A truly memorable occasion! read more

Minoru - Hitsumabuchi, grilled eel served Nagoya style - Japanese Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Minoru is a gem. From start to finish, this was one of the most thoughtful and well-paced meals I've had in a long time. The sabazushi was a clear standout -- perfectly cured, rich, and delicate all at once. It's rare to find mackerel done this well. The dumplings were another highlight: savory, juicy, and packed with flavor, with a texture that tells you real care went into making them. And don't sleep on dessert -- the parfait was an unexpected showstopper, beautifully layered and not overly sweet, with just the right balance to end the meal. Service was phenomenal throughout. Friendly, attentive, and incredibly dialed in -- each course arrived at just the right moment, making the whole experience feel relaxed and intentional. Montclair has no shortage of great spots, but Minoru is truly something special. Will absolutely be back. read more

We've been to Minoru 3 times since it has opened. The food is absolutely phenomenal. The flavors of the sauces, freshness of ingredients and presentation is that of a Michelin Star restaurant. The service has been spectacular and the setting is sleek, modern and still warm. Absolutely perfect. Bravo team!! read more

Minoru - Japanese Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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I just have an amazing experience today., let me begin with this. Firstly, a staff is so professional the minute i walk in, i feel cozy and welcome. Secondly, the decoration is so pristine, simple but somehow luxury. Next,The food is very good, I am normally do not eat Eel due to mushy texture, but this place has changed my mind completely , crispy skin, buttery texture that melted in my mouth. I do fell in love with this dish. Lastly, the hospitality is very good, always assist and accommodate requested. Well definitely, I will go back any time soon. read more

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Interesting dining experience. Some hit or miss. The wagyu appetizer was disappointing (cold, waxy fat, roast beef-esque slice of nothing good. The tempura was perfect, although bland. The udon soup and the wagyu fried rice were delicious. BYOB, so come prepared! I'll give it another shot before I walk away, but it was a mix of awesome and ehhh.. read more

We waited too long to get there but have now dined twice in the past three weeks . The space is beautiful, the service so welcoming , friendly and professional . After the first time we couldn't wait to go back and try different foods, as did my NYC offspring who are very experienced Japanese food lovers. Once again we were surprised and delighted by all the delicious food we ate. The quality and presentation was excellent and whatever we fancied delivered . My advice is to go with your desires and be surprised, but the pork buns will always be the start of our meal . If you like eel you will be delighted , the udon hotpot is great as is anything with Uni and Ikura . Can't wait to go back. read more

This place delivers quality that keeps people returning. Their offerings satisfy completely. I'm eager to return to Minoru soon. Their meals come in substantial servings. The visit here had everything I needed. read more

I find Minoru comforting. The wood-on-brick decor is warm and inviting, the staff seemingly self-conscious but attentive. Everything we've had in two visits was terrific: the corn ribs simple but delicious (my wife's favorite), the gyoza firm and fresh and not overly cabbage-y, and the spicy ramen just spicy enough. I was afraid the beef fried rice would be to oily, but it was lovely. I had the gyudon my first time in, which was really sweet until I broke the poached egg over it, which made the dish warm and rich and deeply satisfying, like grandma's best cooking. Not my grandma, but someone's. Get the gyudon. Two cautions: prices are high though not outrageous, and the menu is relatively short. Minoru is right in our neighborhood, and I'm afraid of burning out the selection if we visit too often. Highly recommended nevertheless. read more

The most beautiful place in the neighborhood with an intriguing menu of classic and modern Japanese dishes many of which are unavailable elsewhere. So, not your usual sushi joint. But, expect to pay for the privilege. Service is attentive. Located in the space formerly Upstairs from Daikichi. Romantic booths, IMHO. BYOB read more

Too expensive and the dishes were decent, but not exceptional. We ordered the soba noodles with tempura, which was amazing. The black garlic ramen was underwhelming. read more

What an exceptional new Japanese restaurant in Upper Montclair, terrific hospitality and service..the authentic Japanese flavors and inventive cuisine in NJ makes this a must try dining experience. One of the chef's specials is Hitsumabushi - Nagoya style grilled Japanese eel over rice, wasabi, scallion, nori, pickle, bonito broth and miso soup to enjoy in three way truly special dish. The Shima aji & fig carpaccio - Sliced Striped jack fish, figs with yuzu soy dressing and lemon zest was a terrific pairing, and the Chashu buns and Mushroom buns were big hits. We also tried the Asari butter - Steamed manila clam with sake butter and truffle oil served with toast, which was exceptional...run don't wait to experience Minoru! Highly recommended!!! read more

It felt like we were transported back to Japan aesthetically and through our taste buds. The food was delicious. My friend and I enjoyed the Hitsumabuchi and Sabazushi so much. The wait staff were kind and gave us the lovely recommendations. Loved the vibe and can't wait to come back. Also their signature drinks are great too- don't sleep on those. read more

Great, authentic food. Very nice service as well. It made a perfect date night with my husband. I will definitely be back!

Had an incredible experience. Enjoyed the specific food items that we ordered (the remainder of the menu looked very appealing but it was a matter of weighing for ourselves what items were worth the price point for us). Came here for lunch on a Saturday. Our waitress, Amp, was really wonderful and made it a very enjoyable experience. She was very kind, and respectful. She didn't make us feel rushed with the menu at all. Really enjoyed the ambience for my husband and I. Seating was very nice (we sat in one of the booths). The carppacio appetizer was really incredible; very bright and flavorful, and would definitely come back for it. We enjoyed the entrees as well. I don't see myself re-ordering the wagyu entree for the price point; upon first bite it was incredible, but there was an off taste (a "raw meat" or "fishy" taste) towards the end of the bite for my husband and I. Overall, the place is on the pricier side and portions were on the smaller side. read more

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Tired of restaurants leaving you feeling that you could have made better food at home? Then try this one. First off, the staff is gracious with smiles and bows. The interior design is real contemporary Japanese, not the cliched cookie cutter style you see in many Japanese restaurants. We had the Wagyu tataki melt-in-your-mouth appetizer and the equally tender, Sliced Striped jack fish, figs with yuzu soy dressing. Yum. My flavorful entree was Shoyu truffle ramen - veggie broth, maitake, shiitake, kikurage, scallion and truffle paste. The curry and other entrees at the table were just as good. They brought us unique Matcha and Mango parfaits for my son's birthday. A really fun and enjoyable experience. (BTW, this isn't a sushi restaurant, the entrees are way more diverse and complex -- in a good way). read more

Minoru - Matcha and Mango parfaits with carmel cornflakes, house made cream cheese, and other goodies. - Japanese Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Had the great pleasure of dining here last night. The restaurant has a cool vibe with an open kitchen, tables, booths and a long communal table. We typically dislike communal tables but we were seated at the communal table with plenty of space between us and others. It almost felt like we were at our own table. As soon as we were seated our lovely server came over to ask about water and to bring us an ice bucket and glasses for our sake (it's BYOB). The service is excellent! Now for the best part....the food; we had the Ebi Katsu Bun (yummy), Mushroom Bun (crazy umami), Shima Aji and Fig Carpaccio (fresh and clean), Soba Tempura Hot (best noodles ever), Sabazushi (crazy good) and Wagu Tataki (delicious). Each dish was presented in a lovely way and was bursting with flavor. This restaurant is a true gem! Needless to say, we can't wait to go back! read more

Minority is the best Japanese in town. We love the wagyu fried rice here, the Cashu bun and udon. We try to get something different on the menu but these things are just TOO good. The service is amazing and the overall atmosphere of the restaurant is very welcoming read more

Calm and warm ambiance, very attentive service, but the food doesn't justify the high prices. It is beautiful presented but boring to the taste buds. read more

The restaurant manager Christine is the best! She is very nice and service was on point! Our first time there but will definitely come back again for the food and great service. read more

I'm sad that I have mixed reviews for this restaurant. The interior is stunning and our meal was incredible. We loved the fish and fig appetizer, a memorable pork bun, tasty cod dish and all with an impeccable presentation. Our issues came when our cc statement came and the amount did NOT match the receipt we signed that night. To make a long story short the amount we signed for was altered and a "tip" added. We paid partially on a card, and the remainder in cash with the tip. So guessing that tip was pocketed. It was by a weird "luck" that we even noticed it because we are not in the habit of comparing all of our restaurant bills to our cc statement. It has genuinely never occurred to me that a restaurant could just write more money onto your receipt after you have signed it. When we called to address it - the front desk person said they would tell the manager which they did do promptly. Later that day the desk person said I was credited the additional amount - which was great and responsive. I asked on both calls for the manager to call me back so I could address this issue with them as I would have thought it would raise concern at such a new and high end restaurant if the manager was not aware. After a week without a return call, I called again. It surprised me how he really didn't seem too concerned or shocked with what happened - had no real answer as to how or why it happened or response that he regarded it as theft/fraud and how he would address it. He seemed to regard as just a mistake and seemed eager to just not talk (not I was not angry or nasty - just more surprised and puzzled). He did give me a credit, which was certainly good customer service - but I have no feeling that he was as appalled/shocked as I was. Maybe I'm crazy, but had I not noticed it and called them, whoever pocketed that money - assuming the waiter since it is noted as a tip on the new receipt - would just have skimmed the 10% seamingly a small amount so it could go unnoticed, imagine if that's done more than just with me. So food great. Ambience great. But check your statement. Not sure if this was a one off with me or common. I guess I have to start doing that in general. read more

Went to Minoru with my wife, daughter and her boyfriend last week and were seated upstairs as lower level not open. There is no sushi upstairs. Funky menu and we got 5 appetizers and some entrees. Dumplings were good but the rest of the meal was uninspiring. Two people got the fried rice with waygu which was very expensive and you needed a magnifying glass to find the steak. It is a BYOB but our bill for 4 people without tip was $360. All agreed we definitely will not be going back. read more

After having great ramen in Japan I've been looking for some authentic ramen in NJ. In my opinion the tonkotsu here is definitely the most authentic ramen I've had in NJ. However at $25 I wont be coming here very often. You can get much more affordable ramen in New York, of all places. read more

Good service and ambiance. Overall, most entrees were good while other entrees were questionable. This is traditional Japanese dishes. Wish there were more choices as we struggled to find appetizing choices for our dinner. We visited during first few weeks of opening, so will try again. Note, this review is for the upstairs restaurant. read more