Discovering Morimoto by Sea: The Latest Culinary Adventure on Holland America Line

Morimoto by Sea is the latest culinary venture by Holland America Line. Created in collaboration with celebrated Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, this initiative presents a unique sustainable seafood dining experience available across its fleet.

This dining experience mainly operates as a “pop-up” within the cruise line’s Tamarind restaurant, except on the Nieuw Amsterdam where it stands alone as a unique restaurant.

As an aficionado of both seafood and Chef Morimoto’s culinary art, I was ecstatic about the opportunity to dine at this new establishment during my Alaskan cruise aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam. This is what it’s like to eat at Morimoto by Sea on Holland America.

The Restaurant is Small, but Not Crowded

Anticipating my excitement for Morimoto by Sea, I made my reservation weeks ahead of my cruise. Despite this, by my reservation time at 6:30 p.m., the prime window seats were already occupied. Luckily, our thoughtful host informed us that a couple was just about to leave, although the foggy weather lessened our need for a window view.

The restaurant maintained a steady flow of diners over the two hours I was there, but it never reached full capacity. The moderate $55 cover charge might deter some early in their voyage. I checked the reservation app frequently and observed openings on most days.

The decor of Morimoto by Sea includes understated Asian elements, complemented by a serene blue and white color scheme. Tables mostly accommodate groups of two or four, with a few able to seat six.

Before our dinner, I overheard a lively discussion at the Tamarind Bar about Michelin stars and celebrity chefs, underscoring the restaurant’s appeal to food enthusiasts.

Noteworthy mentions of Morimoto and Holland America Line’s Eurodam were also featured on season 21 of Top Chef, adding a layer of celebrity allure that complements HAL’s focus on Alaskan cruises, seafood, and sustainability.

You Don’t Have to Love Seafood, but it Helps

Chef Morimoto doesn’t just lend his name to the restaurant; he also serves as the line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, ensuring only the highest quality sustainable seafood is used. Within this role, he impacts menu creations by insisting on a high standard of ingredients.

The menu features outstanding seafood options like crispy whole fish and fresh tuna pizza alongside a variety of sushi and sashimi, available for an extra charge. During my visit, I tried a diverse range of appetizers, savoring the freshness of yellowtail and spicy tuna tacos, enjoying sticky ribs and pork gyoza, though found the ramen a bit lackluster.

For the main course, the succulent beef tenderloin and a unique buri bop dish provided a delightful culinary experience, enhanced by the accompaniment of exclusive signature cocktails and sake offerings particular to Morimoto by Sea.

Service is Really Good at Morimoto by Sea

The service at Morimoto by Sea was exceptional. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations, reflecting the well-trained staff’s understanding of both the menu and Chef Morimoto’s vision. Each dish was explained as it was prepared, adding to the immersive dining experience.

Staff coordination ensured that service was seamless, even accommodating our desire to share dishes by providing extra plates and arranging our appetizers centrally.

Sustainability is Front and Center

Holland America’s dedication to sustainability is evident through its Global Fresh Fish program, which holds certifications from major marine councils. All seafood served at Morimoto by Sea adheres to these sustainability standards. The rigorous requirements include sourcing from certified vendors and meticulous handling and storage processes aboard the ship.

While sustainable practices do incur higher costs, the value offered by Morimoto by Sea makes it a worthwhile dining experience, reflecting Holland America’s commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

Bottom Line: Is Morimoto by Sea Right for Me?

If you are a seafood lover, Morimoto by Sea is definitely a dining destination you should consider. The menu is inventive, and the quality of the seafood is exceptional. Even those who aren’t big on seafood will find delectable alternatives, particularly some of the meat dishes that became my favorites.

However, if you’re not inclined towards Asian flavors or are picky about your food, Morimoto by Sea may not meet your palate preferences.