MOON Opens in Greenwich: Japanese Omakase + European Fine Dining

Moon is the newest restaurant to grace Greenwich’s illustrious restaurant scene offering a mixed culinary concept featuring an immersive cocktail experience, and an authentic Japanese Omakase experience. The upscale eatery boasts an interior with influences from both Asia and Europe.  Sleek lines, natural elements of woods, stone and glass grace the interior offering an atmosphere that is sophisticated, elegant and welcoming.

Moon is the flagship, and second, restaurant under the Ambias Hospitality Group umbrella. Founder and CEO Kevin Yin partners up with Chef Matthew Madera whose prior experience includes A Voce Columbus, Gunter Seeger and Jean-Georges. Chef recently earned 2 Michelin stars at the world-renowned L’ Atelier de Jöel Robuchon NYC. He can be found at some of New York’s most prestigious residences as a private chef, and now we have him in Greenwich.

The menu selections are simple and elegant, a reflection of the restaurant’s interior.  Let me be the first to recommend the Colorado Lamb Loin. This exceptional dish features a meat so tender and mild I didn’t realize, initially, that I was eating lamb. The tell-tale gaminess is replaced with a mild, sweet grassiness. The tender meat is accompanied by miso eggplant, fermented plum, brown butter carrots cooked to perfection, and drizzled with a black garlic soy glaze offering just a hint of Asian inspiration. The lamb was nothing short of exceptional. 

The Half Chicken, a free range chicken in a black garlic jus with a grilled Maitake Mushroom (Hen of the Wood) and grilled scallions was another example of simple done to perfection. Supple and succulent the chicken was tender and flavorful - proof that the simplest of ingredients yield the best flavors. The grilled Maitake was extraordinary.

Oysters are always a good thing. Here Blue Points are plated on a bed of river rocks and served with a kimchi daikon relish and a wonderful pink mignonette which owes its hue to Szechuan peppercorns. 

Greenwich has another serious contender on the local sushi scene. Let's move on to the darlings of the menu - the sushi. Each piece was delicate, flaky and tender. Moon meticulously sources their fish from around the world, and fans should take note. We were privileged to try select pieces which included Akami, a lean Bluefin tuna, and Chutoro, a medium fatty Bluefin tuna, both from Spain. Aji, a horse mackerel, from Norway, and Shima Aji,a striped Jack and the Botan Spot Prawn both imported from Japan.

SMOKE SIGNAL

It would behoove you to splurge and enjoy the ultimate experience, the singular bite of Foie Gras torched over a supple piece of Bluefin tuna. This decadent savory smooth rich yet clean piece of sushi was over the top. 

For serious sushi fans, Moon brings you the ultimate, the Omakase experience, with 12 and 14 course options, all selected by the chef. 

What’s a night out without a cocktail?

Moon’s drinks program is as stellar and meticulous as their food. Let me steer you toward their signature cocktail, the MOON, made with Cazadores tequila, moon rosewater, fresh lime juice, sparkling wine, kaffir and decorated with a simple, beautiful pansy. The result is a beverage that’s not only stunning, but light, refreshing and absolutely delicious.  A market inspired cocktail has beauty and whimsy, the OKISAN is another eye-catching drink made from Suntori ‘toki’ whiskey, Japanese purple yam, fresh lemon, orange bitters, decorated with some angel's breath served in a fun and whimsical bird shaped glass. 

The piece de resistance is, without a doubt, the SMOKE SIGNAL where the experience is every bit a part of the drink. Made from Sagamore clove infused rye, demerara, star anise smoke and angostura bitters. The Star anise is torched on a wooden plank and covered with a highball. Meantime the liquids are blended together, stirred vigorously and a giant craft, house-made ice cube is then carefully placed into the smoked glass, and joined by the blended liquors. The result is a spectacular, ever so slightly smoky, light and refreshing cocktail. This drink should really be a requisite! 

For those wanting to indulge in something a little sweeter at the end of the meal, we have three recommendations. Okinawan donuts, bite sized pieces of delectably fried, sugar coated balls of airy doughy goodness are accompanied by blackberry jam and salted caramel. There is also the Yuzu Cheesecake. Don’t let the word cheesecake fool you. This airy and light mousse-like dessert is topped with a thinly sliced piece candied orange, hazelnut brittle, lime sorbet and yuzu curd for a perfect citrusy-creamy balance. And my chocoholic friends, fear not, there’s something for you too! The Matcha Green Tea Chocolate tart is pure decadence. The rich chocolate is balanced by pieces of lime meringue, elegantly placed over the top and sprinkled with powdered Matcha.

Moon is currently open for dinner service only.
Reservations strongly suggested.
Moon is located at 130 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
(475)500-0888