Morimoto Napa
$$$ • Japanese Restaurant
Most Recent Reviews
They happily gave me the gf menu and I saw that it listed fried rice and sushi on there, things I wouldn’t expect because of the soy sauce and malt vinegar used for them. So I ask the server, who said that they do indeed have soy sauce and malt vinegar in the gluten free options, and he asked me if I have celiacs. I told him no, I don’t have celiacs, but I will get sick if I eat gluten. He said “some people don’t react to the gluten in the malt vinegar and soy sauce if they don’t have celiacs,” I expressed confusion and said that with a gluten intolerance of any kind, you can’t have gluten…his explanation didn’t make sense to me but he seemed to think that if you don’t have celiac disease, then you can have their food, but if you do have celiac disease, then you can’t. I was frustrated so I just order the salad and their cooked mushrooms.
When they brought out the mushrooms, I said they were mine. They came out again a few minutes later with “gluten free mushrooms.” Maybe it was my mistake but I assumed the mushrooms were gluten free already, but it turns out the mushrooms I had already started to eat were not gluten free and were for a different person on my table.
The salad I got was very delicious, though, and the servers were very nice in general.
Don't go here. They think the rice has gluten if you don't have celiacs but it does have gluten if you do. Not sure I understand. Best not to come.
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More Reviews
My rating is for the quality of the food but it is necessary to be vocal about your need for strictly gluten free, if celiac.
I had asked about the maki rolls before seeing the GF menu and was told that they use malt vinegar in the rice for their rolls, so I was quite surprised to see it listed on the GF menu. When I questioned it, I was told that some people aren’t sensitive to malt. Just a heads up. Ended up going for the duck fried rice and it was delicious!
Amazing experience! Most of the menu was gluten free and waiters both time we ate here were knowledgeable of celiac and the precautions needed. Will be back again!!
No issues. Brought gluten free soy sauce. Had the duck fried rice, sashito peppers, and multiple rolls from the gluten free menu.
Waiter was very knowledgeable. Duck fries are a must! Gluten free soy sauce available. Felt very safe eating there.
Everything was excellent! They printed up a gluten free menu we all chose from so we could share. We had edamame, the fried rice, safe French fries and a variety of rolls.
Our bartender Joshua was so knowledgeable and anything he was unsure of he checked on. The manager, Anthony, came by to make sure they had all my allergies down and our order right. I’m deeply impressed with their level of awareness. Everything was fresh and delicious. Will definitely be back.
Ordered a beautiful sashimi platter and split it with my mom. The chef chose the fish and I liked almost all of them. The menu is not labeled gluten free but the server was very knowledgeable. Thanks to another review I knew the sushi rice was not gluten free so I couldn’t have any rolls which was a bummer. The atmosphere was very nice but the menu is very pricey.
My waiter was hurried and not helpful, felt like I was bothering him. He did bring me gluten free soy sauce. We had reservations later in the evening but the restaurant was very busy. Ate very little because I wasn’t comfortable. Didn’t get sick and I think they do understand celiac, just maybe this waiter didn’t t want to be bothered.
Great sushi and drinks. I like this place for special occasions and have dined here about 20+ times since moving to Napa. I know the staff well, the kitchen takes precautions for CC and they are well trained on allergies. The only thing you need to watch out for is the food runners...double check what they bring is GF. I have caught two mistakes over the years where they didn’t grab the GF version. Also, the sushi rice is not GF so order sashimi!
Most of the menu is naturally gluten free (lots of fish, meats, veggies). Other dishes can be altered to be gluten free. Gluten free soy sauce available.
