Minoru

I’ve had this spot saved in my bookmarks for so long, I’m so excited I finally got to come here!! Reservations are easy and they allow cancellations for at least 4 hours before without a fee. But who cares about that right? Let’s get to the food. Everything on the menu sounded and looked delicious but we were most intrigued by the kaisendon and the hitsumabushi. The Mentaiko spaghetti as well — which was unlike any other Mentaiko spaghetti I’ve had before ! Everything was so delicious, fresh, and full of umami. Our favorite dish was definitely the hitsumabushi, which you can enjoy 4 different ways. Staff are all so kind and sweet and explains everything to you thoroughly. 10/10 recommend and 10/10 will come back!

Stopped by on a random Thursday around 8:30 PM and were seated right away. The restaurant is located on the second floor and has a cozy, stylish vibe with dim lighting and jazz playing in the background. The staff was very attentive and helpful with recommendations. The food was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Expect to spend around $50–$100 per person. It’s BYOB, which is a nice bonus. Overall, we had a great experience and will definitely be back to try more dishes.

The presentation is the only thing this place has going for it. While the food was generally "tasty," the experience was a complete letdown. The seafood shabu-shabu was underwhelming—generic ingredients and tiny portions. Generally speaking, the portions are microscopic and wildly overpriced. $5 for a small bowl of rice is absurd. ​The breaking point was the $47 chirashi don. Not only were the toppings sparse, but when I asked for three extra pieces of seaweed to finish the excess rice, the server tried to charge me extra. If I’m paying nearly $50 for a bowl of rice and fish, I expect the bare minimum of hospitality, not to be nickel-and-dimed for a garnish. If you enjoy burning money for mediocre value, this is your place. Otherwise, avoid.

Don’t fall for the hype. I came because of the IG reels and glowing reviews, but the biggest issue is the price. At what they charge, the food should wow you in flavor, portions, or creativity. Instead, it just drained my wallet. I’d feel better if prices were 30% lower or portions 30% bigger. They lean on premium ingredients but miss balance. The dishes are rich, yet not worth the tag. Take the Waygu Uni Truffle Roll — the name says it all. I’m sure the ingredients cost $40, but it doesn’t taste like $40. Tossing together luxury items doesn’t automatically create a luxury experience. My biggest letdown was the beef donburi. A good donburi should set the tone for a Japanese restaurant. The ingredients were solid, but the meat-to-rice ratio skewed heavy on rice, and the poached egg came s

Minoru delivers exceptional Japanese cuisine with care, balance, and flavor in every dish. The vegetable fried rice was perfectly cooked and deeply flavorful, the miso soup was comforting and rich, and the bao bun was outstanding- soft, fresh, and packed with deliciousness. Every bite felt thoughtful and expertly prepared. On top of the food, the service was truly stellar: warm, attentive, and polished without ever feeling rushed. It elevated the entire experience and made the meal even more enjoyable. Minoru is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression and immediately earns a spot on your “must-return” list! An absolute standout in Montclair.