Dinner at Japanese Restaurant Moono in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Since Scott has been doing food delivery lately, it’s a great way for him to discover new restaurants or places we haven’t dined yet in the area. He picked up at this Japanese restaurant Moono, which used to be a ramen restaurant that we would frequent. This place seemed to offer ramen, sushi, and Japanese appetizer dishes, as well as craft cocktails. Scott said I would love it because it’s my vibe. And my vibe it certainly was when we went for Valentine’s Day.

Moono is nestled in a row of other restaurants that have been long-time staples of the area. Scott believes the restaurant may have been passed down within the family to the current owner Chef Petcheer (bringing his culinary expertise and experience as an architect in Tokyo) - whatever happened we are here for it. I love the mood lighting with all of the lanterns illuminating the space with an ambient glow which is calming even if the restaurant is packed and bustling.

There are menu items for the both of us since Scott is a picky eater, so he ordered the Chicken Ramen (with tonkotsu broth) and I ordered the Salmon in the Forest roll (salmon, cucumber, masago). We also shared spicy edamame and two portions of gyoza (since we found out after ordering the first portion that by following Moono on IG, we could receive a complimentary pan-fried gyoza). I also wanted to try a craft cocktail, so I ordered the “Never lose your smile” - lillet blanc, lychee organic lemonade. My roll was tasty, but fell apart, I think it was sitting in too much sauce, which don’t get me wrong I love an abundance of sauce over a lack of sauce - but I think it was not holding the roll together, so as soon as I picked up the roll the rice would fall off. Overall, we will definitely be back, the staff were very personable & attentive, it was a nice atmosphere and food was delicious.

MOONO
22342 El Paseo f2,
Rancho Santa Margarita,
CA 92688
Hours:
Mon - Fri 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Sat-Sun 11:30pm - 2:30pm, 5:00pm - 8:30pm
(949) 888 8979
moonokitchen@gmail.com

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