In celebration of Japan’s renowned cherry blossom season, Mark Matsuoka Grill is offering a seasonal sakura-themed menu that embodies the essence of this magical time of year.

This Western-Japanese fusion restaurant, of which the menu, interior design, and vibes are inspired by one of the co-owner’s time in Brooklyn, New York, rests along the Meguro River—making it a prime spot to enjoy one of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.

 

The limited-time menu starts on March 17th, but has no definitive end date as of now. The restaurant will stop serving the menu once this year's cherry blossom season comes to an end.

Start your picturesque dining experience with one of the restaurant’s four beautifully-crafted beverages—Sakura latte, Sakura green tea, Strawberry blossom (sparkling wine), or Sakura sour.

 

All of these drinks expertly balance the subtle floral notes of the cherry blossoms with sweet and refreshing flavor profiles, while shining with Instagram-worthy visuals. With these beverages in hand and the essence of spring on your tongue, you will instantly be transported to a flower-filled oasis.

Continue your culinary adventure with marinated salmon and Shikata beef. For the salmon dish, the restaurant marinates the raw fish in cherry blossom-infused water and artfully pairs it with a celery puree and pickled pecoros (mini onions). The combination of the salmon’s floral aroma with the puree’s herbal sweetness and onion’s tanginess creates an addicting bite.

 

The Shikata beef, sourced from Hyogo Prefecture, is cooked to a perfect medium rare and elevated with cherry blossom salt, cherry blossom leaf and rhubarb jam, and potato puree.

To enjoy the multiple elements of this dish, the restaurant recommends that you try the beef with each component separately. The savory butteriness of the steak acts as a wonderful base for both the salt as well as the sweetness of the jam. With the numerous flavor combinations, each bite sends your taste buds in a new direction.

 

You can enjoy the delectable dishes either outside from restaurant’s terrace seating or inside with views of its eye-catching cherry tree display.

Please note that reservations for the cherry blossom dishes are only available as part of a fixed dinner course with terrace seats. You can make reservations on the restaurant’s reservation website (available only in Japanese).

Otherwise, walk-ins are also welcome. Depending on how crowded the restaurant is, you may be seated indoors or on the terrace. You will, however, be able to order the cherry-blossom themed dishes a-la-carte without having to commit to a fixed course.

 

Do note, though, that the restaurant is extremely popular during the cherry blossom season, so prepare to wait in line.

The restaurant also has an English-Japanese menu, making it an excellent choice for tourists enjoying Japan’s springtime wonders.

If you are looking for mesmerizing cherry blossom views, well-realized and beautifully plated dishes, and foreigner-friendly menus, Mark Matsuoka Grill is the perfect place for you.

 

Mark Matsuoka Grill’s sister yakiniku restaurant, located about a one-minute walk from Mark Matsuoka Grill, is also offering a limited cherry blossom-themed menu with a focus on yukke, Korean raw meat dishes.

It is undoubtedly a great alternative for those who prefer Japanese-Korean cuisine, so be sure to check it out as well!