Meet Chef Nakago Matsumoto: The acclaimed Kyoto culinary star with a one-year waitlist bringing his highly sought-after ‘yoshoku’ fusion to NYC for a rare two-month pop-up

Restaurant Nakago & Chef Nakago Matsumoto

New Yorkers are used to tough reservations. But snagging a table at Kyoto’s acclaimed Restaurant Nakago requires patience measured in seasons.

The famous dining spot carries a one-year waitlist in Japan. Now, local foodies have a rare chance to skip the line.

Chef Nakago Matsumoto is making his very first culinary appearance in New York City.

He is taking over THE GALLERY by Odo for a highly anticipated, two-month residency.

A new chapter of Japanese food

Source / THE GALLERY by Odo

If you are expecting traditional sushi or kaiseki, think again. This pop-up focuses entirely on yoshoku.

Yoshoku is a unique Japanese-Western fusion cuisine. It is a culinary craft deeply rooted in Kyoto’s traditions but freely draws from European techniques.

It represents a side of Japanese food culture that most Americans—and even some locals in Japan—are still discovering.

The menu is perfectly tailored for autumn in the city. The star of the show is the Hamburger Steak (Hanbagu).

This classic yoshoku dish is currently captivating Kyoto’s dining scene, and Chef Matsumoto is elevating it to its highest expression for his Manhattan debut.

Diners can also expect a full embrace of rich fall ingredients. The seasonal menu features a forest mushroom soup and a delicate apple sauce dessert.

Food as an exhibition

Source / THE GALLERY by Odo

This is not your average one-night guest chef event. The residency is the second installment of The Culinary Exhibition Series.

Led by two-Michelin-starred Chef Hiroki Odo, the platform treats culinary residencies like curated art shows. Each visiting chef leaves a lasting imprint on the restaurant.

True to the program’s core promise, select dishes from Chef Matsumoto will permanently remain on THE GALLERY by Odo’s menu even after he heads back to Japan.

The pop-up officially runs from September 26 through November 22, 2026.

You can find THE GALLERY by Odo at 17 West 20th Street in the Flatiron District.

Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and now on WhatsApp, too!