A new contemporary Japanese restaurant headed by famed chef Makoto Okuwa is coming to Cincinnati.Suzu will open in Cincinnati’s Madison Square, joining other culinary destinations Alara, Element Eatery and Zingaro.The large 6,000 square foot space will seat around 200 guests and feature its own omakase counter and cocktail bar.The restaurant will be led by acclaimed Chef Makoto OkuwaThe restaurant’s Suzunone, a 12-seat Edo-style omakase counter, will offer guests a rare opportunity to experience Japanese sushi tradition in its purest form.The restaurant design will be led by John Im of Lovecraft.“Suzu is a celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine, where every detail matters – from the design of the room to the way a single piece of sushi is crafted,” said Chef Makoto Okuwa. “It’s about honoring tradition while creating something vibrant and alive, and it’s unlike anything in the region.”The new restaurant will grow the Madison Square dining spot, aiming to make it one of the premier destinations in the city.Chef Makoto Okuwa will bring his culinary expertise to the Cincinnati region. After moving to the United States from Japan, Okuwa worked close with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto before opening restaurants of his own.In 2011, he opened Makoto Bal Harbour, which has since become the highest-grossing Japanese restaurant in the U.S. Okuwa has received nods from Michelin and James Beard for his work.Recently, he opened Makoto Ocean, his first venture at sea in partnership with Princess Cruises. Since its start in 2024, the concept has grown to more ships worldwide.Last year, Okuwa opened his first European restaurant in Madrid, featuring a menu that celebrates his refined and creative approach to Japanese cuisine.
CINCINNATI —
A new contemporary Japanese restaurant headed by famed chef Makoto Okuwa is coming to Cincinnati.
Suzu will open in Cincinnati’s Madison Square, joining other culinary destinations Alara, Element Eatery and Zingaro.
The large 6,000 square foot space will seat around 200 guests and feature its own omakase counter and cocktail bar.
The restaurant will be led by acclaimed Chef Makoto Okuwa
The restaurant’s Suzunone, a 12-seat Edo-style omakase counter, will offer guests a rare opportunity to experience Japanese sushi tradition in its purest form.
The restaurant design will be led by John Im of Lovecraft.
“Suzu is a celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine, where every detail matters – from the design of the room to the way a single piece of sushi is crafted,” said Chef Makoto Okuwa. “It’s about honoring tradition while creating something vibrant and alive, and it’s unlike anything in the region.”
The new restaurant will grow the Madison Square dining spot, aiming to make it one of the premier destinations in the city.
Chef Makoto Okuwa will bring his culinary expertise to the Cincinnati region. After moving to the United States from Japan, Okuwa worked close with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto before opening restaurants of his own.
In 2011, he opened Makoto Bal Harbour, which has since become the highest-grossing Japanese restaurant in the U.S. Okuwa has received nods from Michelin and James Beard for his work.
Recently, he opened Makoto Ocean, his first venture at sea in partnership with Princess Cruises. Since its start in 2024, the concept has grown to more ships worldwide.
Last year, Okuwa opened his first European restaurant in Madrid, featuring a menu that celebrates his refined and creative approach to Japanese cuisine.
AloJapan.com