FAQ

moto-i is typically open:

  • Sunday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Hours can vary slightly by holidays or special events, so we always recommend confirming on our website or reservation platform before your visit.

We're at 2940 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA.opens google maps in a new tab

You'll find us in the Lyn-Lake/Uptown area of Minneapolis just a short walk from Lake Street and near landmarks like Red Cow North Loop and Seward Co-op.

Parking:

  • Street parking
  • Public parking spots or pay lots

Transit:

  • Metro Transit bus routes like the Routes 2, 6, and 12 stop within a few minutes' walk of moto-i.
  • The Lake Street / Midtown Greenway area is easily accessible from across Minneapolis via bus or bike.
  • If you're using a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft), just enter 'moto-i Minneapolis' and it'll get you right to our front door.

Yes! You can place a moto-i food online, takeout/pick up and delivery are available in Minneapolis through https://motoi.toast.site/order

Walk-ins are welcome as space allows, but reservations are recommended — especially on weekends or for larger groups — to secure your table. moto-i can get busy during peak dining hours.

If you'd like to book ahead, here's the link: https://www.exploretock.com/motoi/

You can view our full menu here: https://moto-i.com/ Guest favorites include:

  • Classic Ramen - smoked pork shoulder, pork belly, scallion, chili oil, poached egg, shoyu broth
  • Japanese Fried Chicken (JFC) - spicy cabbage slaw, kecap manis
  • Another Dalliance sake - rice, yamadanishiki | abv: 16% | smv: +4 | seimaibua: 57% | our longest love affair, velvety smooth with a bright acidity, flavors of strawberry, macademia, and maitake

moto-i is generally considered casual dining with moderate prices — most meals run around $20–$30 per person before drinks, depending on what you order.

Most dishes fall between $15 - $25.

Yes. moto-i offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu items. There are dishes that are prepared vegan (like the lettuce wraps) and ramen that can be made vegan by substituting udon noodles and adjusting ingredients. Several salads and sides are also vegetarian or vegan, and the menu indicates which items can be modified.

Yes. moto-i can accommodate many dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan requests. Some dishes can be modified on request — for example veganizing certain ramen or rice bowls — and staff can help guide you to options that fit your needs. If you have specific allergies or dietary concerns, it's a good idea to mention them when ordering or when you arrive. You can also add these in your reservation notes.

Yes. We host private events and group dinners and have multiple event spaces that can accommodate parties, celebrations, corporate events, and special occasions.

Our private areas offer semi-customizable layouts and can be tailored to your event needs:

  • Ramen Alley (1st floor): Semi-private space for 15–40 guests. Great for seated dinners or mingling-style events, located next to our sake brewery and shuffleboard table.
  • Big Boy Lounge (2nd floor): Private lounge for up to 50 guests (25 seated), with a dedicated bar, customizable lighting/music, and the option to host DJs or live music, or other forms of presentation.
  • Stryker's Lookout (Rooftop): Open-air patio with skyline views. Perfect for 75 seated or up to 160 guests cocktail-style. DJ/live music permitted with a sound permit.

You can book event space here: https://www.toasttab.com/invoice/lead/?x=40ee27e2-6c08-4074-91c2-1bbffbb4ca5e&ot=8432a004-846e-46d3-aaf0-99591d728578

We also offer catering and large-order pick up here: https://www.ezcater.com/brand/motoi-1

  • Street parking is available around the restaurant (meters apply on main streets).
  • There are also nearby public parking spots or pay lots within a short walk.
  • On nights and weekends parking can fill up, so we recommend arriving a few minutes early if you're driving.

moto-i is a place where the ordinary stops at the door. It's a ramen bar, a sake brewery, a little bit of nightlife, and a lot of curiosity. We brew our own sake, make our noodles from scratch, and invite you to drink, eat, and disappear for a while.

DINING EXPERIENCE & ATMOSPHERE

Yes. Guests often choose moto-i for date nights or celebrations because of our lively atmosphere, interesting menu (like our house-brewed sake and ramen), and varied seating options.

The vibe at moto-i is casual but energetic with warm, low lighting, a bustling bar, and a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. Our restaurant combines modern izakaya and ramen house influences with a rooftop patio and lively crowd — making it feel friendly and social, not quiet or fine-dining formal.

To get the most out of your visit:

  • Make a reservation if you're coming during peak dinner hours.
  • Try a variety of dishes (ramen, small plates, buns) and sake flights or specialty cocktails.
  • Visit the rooftop seating on nice weather days.
  • Expect a social, lively setting — perfect for gatherings or a casual night out.

moto-i can be family-friendly during daytime or early evening hours, especially when the vibe is more relaxed and casual. However, later in the evening it's typically geared more toward the bar scene and energetic crowd, so families with young children might find the atmosphere better earlier in the day.

Yes. moto-i features multiple seating areas, including standard indoor dining, a lively bar space, and a rooftop patio that's open when weather permits. There are also options for groups and events in separate sections of the restaurant.

SAKE & BEVERAGE PROGRAM

Yes. We offer sake flights so you can sample a selection of our sake in smaller pours. This is a good way to explore different styles and find your favorites.

Yes. We have a full beverage program that includes specialty cocktails (many incorporating sake), a selection of beer, and other drinks. Our menu includes sake-based cocktails, classic cocktails, and beer alongside our sake offerings.

ABOUT MOTO-I

moto-i is all three: a full-service restaurant, a bar with a diverse beverage program, and a sake brewery. We describe ourselves as a sake brewpub — the first of its kind outside of Japan — where sake is brewed on-site and served alongside food and drinks.

We serve Japanese and Asian-inspired cuisine, including Tokyo-style straight-noodle ramen, house-made steamed buns, and a variety of small plates and snacks. Our menu blends traditional and modern influences with a focus on bold flavors and shareable dishes.

Yes. We brew our own sake on-site — a defining part of what makes moto-i unique. Our house-brewed sake is available by the glass, in flights, or by the bottle, and it's an integral part of our beverage program.

EVENTS, SERVICES & OFFERINGS

  • Full-service dining with Tokyo-style ramen, Asian-inspired small plates, steamed buns, and more.
  • House-brewed sake and beverage program with sake flights and cocktails.
  • Private event and party hosting in multiple distinct event spaces.
  • Catering services for a variety of events, including food and beverage offerings from our menu.
  • Online ordering, pickup, and delivery through third-party platforms.
  • Merchandise and bottled sake

Yes. We offer catering services through moto-i's catering program for a variety of events. Our catering can include food and beverage offerings from our menu.

Yes - from time to time we host special events, seasonal happenings, and featured nights. These can include sake tastings, seasonal menu launches, or themed evenings such as Tasting with the Brewer and HiFi Popup events. Subscribe to our newsletter and social channels for the most current event schedule and announcements.

You can stay updated by signing up for our newsletter and SMS/text program on our website, following our social media accounts, and checking our official website for announcements on new sake releases, events, and special offerings.