Chef Makoto Okuwa’s newest concept introduces modern Japanese dining, cocktails, and omakase at Madison Square
Cincinnati, OH (Restaurant News Release) Suzu, the ingredient-led Japanese restaurant from Chef Makoto Okuwa and Suzu Hospitality, will open this July at Madison Square, welcoming guests into an experiential dining concept that brings Japanese tradition and craftsmanship to life through reimagined offerings.
Designed as a place where food, design, and hospitality move in harmony, Suzu reflects Chef Makoto’s lifelong connection to Japanese cooking and the people who first inspired him in the kitchen.
“Growing up, my mother and grandmother showed me how much care goes into preparing food for others,” said Chef Makoto. “That spirit lives in every dish we’ll serve at Suzu. We want each guest who walks through the doors to feel that sense of warmth, intention, and respect for ingredients and leave feeling that they’ve shared a remarkable experience with our chefs, staff, and the people they dined with.”
Suzu offers a dynamic Japanese dining experience featuring indoor and outdoor seating, a private dining room known as the Tea Room, and a full beverage program in addition to an omakase experience.
The menu celebrates the balance and simplicity that define Japanese cuisine, with shareable starters, fresh sushi, warm rice and noodle dishes, and premium Japanese grill items.
The most intimate expression of Chef Makoto’s roots is Suzuné (soo-zoo-neh), a 10-seat Edo-style omakase counter where guests can experience the tradition and brilliance of Edomae sushi and Chef Makoto’s craft firsthand. Here, the chef team will highlight seasonal ingredients, precise technique, and the artistry of Japanese culinary traditions through a curated tasting experience.
Suzu joins Alara, Zingaro by Chef Fabio Viviani, and The Element Food Hall, cementing Madison Square as a growing dining destination in Cincinnati. Located just minutes from downtown, the Madison Square development is designed to attract both locals and visitors from across the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana region.
To stay up to date on casting calls and the grand opening date, please visit SuzuRestaurant.com and follow @suzu.cincy.
About Suzu
Arriving this July at Madison Square in Cincinnati, Suzu is an ingredient-led Japanese restaurant defined by the harmony of tradition and modernity. Led by Suzu Hospitality, a globally experienced boutique hospitality company, Suzu brings together refined Japanese cuisine and a modern lens under the culinary guidance of Chef Makoto Okuwa. Highlights include the Edo-style omakase counter Suzuné, a private Tea Room, a craft cocktail bar, and expansive indoor/outdoor dining. SuzuRestaurant.com
About Chef Makoto
Chef Makoto Okuwa brings more than 25 years of culinary experience rooted in Japanese tradition and shaped by a lifelong respect for ingredients. His earliest inspiration came from his mother and grandmother, who instilled in him an appreciation for thoughtful cooking and the importance of sharing good food. Makoto often credits his mother’s energy and ability to balance many things at once as an influence on his own fast-paced, highly attentive style in the kitchen. Known for his precise technique and deep respect for seasonal ingredients, Makoto has opened acclaimed restaurants in cities including Washington, D.C., Miami, and Mexico City.
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