Suzu Has A Lot Going On, And Both Sides Of Me Are Excited.

Written By: The Gnarly Gnome

10/11/26

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When I first started hearing the news about the upcoming Suzu that is opening this week (10/13) in Madisonville, I was thrilled. As a HUGE fan of Iron Chef, hearing that Masaharu Morimoto’s protege and Sous Chef Makoto Okuwa would be opening his next restaurant right here in Cincinnati, the news made the foodie side of me literally gleeful.

As the plans started really coming together and developing, though, the excitement only continued to build. This space is feeling like it’s going to be absolutely epic.

The Bar Program

We hang out here on this website because we all have one thing in common. We love the beverage industry. That means that it’s probably where we should start when we talk about Suzu.

The bar program leans heavily into things like Japanese Whisky, Saké and Shochu – paying homage to it’s Japanese roots in a way that it sounds like no one here in Cincy has before.

It’s hard to find a niche in a drinking scene as robust as this city’s and yet – here we are. I’m finding myself so eagly optimistic about this bar, which is way, way too rare these days when a new place opens up.

That’s not even beginning to talk about the food, either!

Japanese Neighborhood Dining

Inspired by the cooking by his family growing up, Suzu is going to bring what they are calling “Japanese Neighborhood Dining” to the Madisonville neighborhood. This restaurant sits right in the sweet spot of cost – it’s expensive enough to remind you that you’re going out for a nice meal, but it’s affordable enough that it doesn’t have to be a once a year endeavor, either.

They are leaning into premium seafood, robata grilled specialties, sushi and other dishes that are square in my wheelhouse. If you ask me what my perfect meal is – it sounds like Suzu is RIGHT there.

They don’t just have their traditional dining room, either. They’ll be opening up a concept called ‘Suzuné’ this winter that provides an intimate 10 seat Edo-style omakase counter if you’re looking for something a little different. A Private tea room will be on site too for an experience that sends things in a completely different direction, again.

Sign Me Up!

This spot gets me excited for SO many different reasons. Incredible space, a menu that seems catered towards me, fun dining options, unique drink options…

And it’s all in Madisonville.

There is 100% no way that I could have anticipated this a few year’s back… it’s so freaking exciting!

To learn more about Suzu – visit their website at https://suzurestaurant.com