Navigation

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto to Open Ramen Restaurant in Wynwood

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto has announced his casual ramen and sake concept will open this summer in Wynwood.
Image: Chef and restaurateur Masaharu Morimoto
Chef and restaurateur Masaharu Morimoto Photo courtesy of Momosan Wynwood

Help us weather the uncertain future

We know — the economic times are hard. We believe that our work of reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now is more important than ever.

We need to raise $6,000 to meet our goal by August 10. If you’re able to make a contribution of any amount, your dollars will make an immediate difference in helping ensure the future of local journalism in Miami. Thanks for reading Miami New Times.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal
$6,000
$2,200
Share this:
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

After shuttering his namesake restaurant in South Beach in 2015, chef Masaharu Morimoto is set to return to the Magic City this summer. The Iron Chef plans to open an outpost of his casual ramen and sake concept, Momosan, in Wynwood.

Momosan will offer Morimoto’s take on Japanese ramen, grilled skewers, and izakaya dishes, along with a diverse selection of sake, beer, and Japanese whisky. The Miami outpost is the fourth location of the noodle-specializing concept — restaurants in New York City, Waikiki Beach, and Seattle are already open. Locations in Boston, Brooklyn, and San Jose are in the works.

Unsurprisingly, ramen is the star of the show at Momosan. Diners have multiple options to choose from, including classic tonkotsu, tantanmen with curry and coconut flavors, and soy-marinated chicken ramen. The menu also includes Japanese snacks and several grilled dishes, each made with a special twist by the chef. Expect a selection of small plates, rice bowls, and sushi rolls to round out the food offerings.

The beverage menu features a large sake list, including a selection of Morimoto’s signature sake. The chef's signature beer series, in collaboration with Rogue Ales, is also available. Other drink options are wine, cocktails, draft, and bottled beer, including classic Japanese-style lager and a local brew.

A longtime fan of the neighborhood, Morimoto says he chose Wynwood for its artistic vibe. “I’ve been so impressed with Wynwood during my visits to Miami and am thrilled that we found the perfect location to introduce Momosan Wynwood. The vibrant scene here is a wonderful setting for my playful Momosan concept, which is all about enjoying ramen, yakitori, beer, and sake in a fun, casual, and energetic environment."

Morimoto is best-known for his Japanese cooking techniques and appearances on the TV shows Iron Chef and Iron Chef America. He opened his first restaurant at the young age of 24 in his hometown of Hiroshima before moving to the United States, where he eventually became the executive chef at the original Nobu. In 1999, he began starring on Food Network’s Iron Chef America. Over the past two decades, he has opened dozens of restaurants around the world, including Morimoto in Miami Beach in 2014. Though the restaurant has long been shuttered, the Iron Chef is ready to bring his Japanese flavors back to the Magic City this summer.

“I am looking forward to opening Momosan in the lively and eclectic Wynwood and to being part of the continued growth of the culinary scene here,” Morimoto says.

Momosan Wynwood.
415 NW 26th St., Miami; ironchefmorimoto.com. Opening summer 2020.