RIVER NORTH — Japonais by Morimoto, a riverfront restaurant serving Japanese fare since 2003, will close next month.
The restaurant, 600 W. Chicago Ave., which rebranded with help from Iron Chef Morimoto two years ago, announced this week that its last day of service will be Oct. 10.
"The Japonais team is humbled and thankful to have contributed to a thriving restaurant community in Chicago and has enjoyed the past 12 incredible years of serving local Chicagoans and world-class travelers," the restaurant said in the statement. "Chef Morimoto and the culinary team would like to thank their loyal guests for the shared memories and look forward to continuing to serve diners in the near future."
The restaurant was once one of Chicago's trendiest, attracting celebrities including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as diners.
A spokeswoman for Equity Commonwealth, which owns the restaurant's building leased to Groupon's corporate headquarters and other tenants, did not return messages seeking comment. The restaurant's closing date was first reported by the Tribune.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: