Koi Matsu Japanese Restaurant opened just a few days ago on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, with a beautiful decor and a menu offering delicious artfully crafted sushi, sashimi and other izakaya-style dishes, as well as hibachi and hot pot noodles.
Located in the Saw Mill Village shopping center which is between Route 295 and Kings Highway, Koi Matsu joins a powerful stable of restaurants in the building including Han Dynasty, Dolsot House, Salad House, and Rayaki.
I met up with owner Andy just a few days before the opening… Andy says with Koi Matsu they are looking to take Japanese cuisine to the next level with innovative recipes and beautiful presentations.
Inside, Koi Matsu feels larger than it appears from the outside… the design smartly includes plenty of space for tables in the open dining area, more private booth-style tables off to the side, and a large L-shaped sushi bar which seats 10 people.
It’s a beautifully designed restaurant interior which positions the style perfectly where you would feel very comfortable dressed casually for a quick bite, but also is perfectly suited for a business lunch, first date or celebrating a family member’s significant milestone.
The decor offers a darker slate base, but accents everything with bright colors such as the orange seating. They also put a lot of thought into the lighting which further highlights the restaurant, particularly around the sushi bar area which seems to glow like it’s a magical place.
And of course the kitchen and food prep areas are exactly where you want the magic to happen!
Although my pre-opening visit didn’t give me the chance to try the dishes at Koi Matsu just yet, Andy provided me a variety of photos of items made right in their Cherry Hill kitchen… and they look absolutely look amazing!
Koi Matsu only uses the freshest ingredients, and the presentation of their dishes is off the charts! Even the simplest sushi roll recipes become a work of art at the hands of the Koi Matsu chefs.
The restaurant’s website calls out their signature Dragon Roll and melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, which they describe as a true celebration of Japan’s culinary history.
The menu offers several categories including a selection of appetizers and salads leading into Special Rolls, Sushi Takosu, as well as Sushi and Sashimi.
Maki Rolls, Hand Rolls and Veggie Rolls fill out a “sushi” menu that is likely 100 different options!
That alone would be enough for customers but Koi Matsu also offers hibachi entrees in several varieties including Chicken, New York Steak and Shrimp.
Sukiyaki Hot Pot Noodles are offered in two varieties; Beef Tomato Kimchi Hot Pot, and Spicy Seafood.
One of the reasons Cherry Hill is so popular for restaurants is they have a very strong lunch crowd to support all of its area businesses… And Koi Matsu offers a Monday through Saturday lunch special from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
They have posted their menu online, so you can check it out here.
Links and Locations
Koi Matsu Japanese Restaurant
Sawmill Village Center
404 Marlton Pike East – Suite 7
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
856-633-7320
AloJapan.com