Matsu

The story

Matsu Oceanside: Modern Japanese Dining Rooted in Coastal Terroir

The chef and the kitchen

Matsu in Oceanside delivers a thoughtful interpretation of modern Japanese cooking through Chef William Eick’s fifteen-year culinary background. He approaches Japanese cuisine with a clear focus on local terroir rather than strict replication. Centuries-old techniques inform each plate while contemporary methods reshape familiar forms. His ambition extends beyond the daily service as he works steadily toward two Michelin stars alongside collaborators like Dominique Crenn and David Breeden.

Space and intentionality

The dining room takes its name from the pine tree, a botanical symbol that guides the restaurant’s minimalist architecture and restrained layout. Located along Tremont Street in a quiet coastal town, the interior favors natural materials and clean lines to let the food take center stage. Guests sit close enough to observe the open kitchen workflow during the Thursday through Monday evening service. This proximity creates a steady rhythm between staff and diners throughout the night.

Seasonal courses and pairings

The fixed menu shifts constantly with regional harvests and ocean availability, delivering ten distinct plates that move through seafood, vegetables, and occasional meat preparations. Vegetarian and pescatarian modifications are possible with advance notice, though trace ingredients like soy, garlic, and seaweed bases remain difficult to fully exclude. Diners can request an A5 Wagyu upgrade for $55 per person or choose dedicated sake selections and curated wine flights to complement each course. Monthly Tsuki pop-ups further explore the modern izakaya format when the main calendar opens.

Local acclaim and environmental focus

The kitchen’s dedication to responsible sourcing and waste reduction earned Matsu four radishes from the 2026 We’re Smart Green Guide. Those same practices support repeated honors from regional publications that have recognized the establishment as one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the country. The team maintains these standards by adjusting portions precisely and honoring every reservation without compromising ingredient quality. Guests leave with a clear sense that careful planning drives every element of the evening.