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Restaurant Reviews for Moto Restaurant

Moto Restaurant

945 W Fulton
Chicago, IL 60607

Moto features two different degustation menus nightly (10 & 20 courses). There is also a small a la carte menu offered in the lounge/bar area.

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Price: $50 and over
Parking: Valet
Cross Street: Morgan Street

See more Moto Restaurant details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		4.5 out of 5 (66 Reviews)

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

fit for foodies (55)
special occasion (44)
notable wine list (27)
romantic (24)
hot spot (20)
neighborhood gem (8)
good for groups (6)
great for outdoor dining (1)
kid-friendly (1)
late-night find (1)

Moto Restaurant Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This is an event as well as a dining experience don't do to much before especially if you take on the 20 course menu. I did the 20 course best if he experience is shared with 4 or more people. If you are only 2 then do the 10 course menu. Either way exceptional experience and I would definitley do it again."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/13/2010

(review submitted 03/19/2010)

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Review 2 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Best dining experience of my life! x2

very unique. wonderful staff. Go NOW! You wont regret it!"

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/03/2010

(review submitted 03/05/2010)

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Review 3 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Dining at Moto is a one of kind experience. Food, presentation and service are very original and outstanding."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/02/2010

(review submitted 03/04/2010)

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Review 4 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Extremely creative, but the food was not palatable."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/27/2010

(review submitted 03/01/2010)

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Review 5 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Took my 13 year old son to Moto to celebrate his outstanding grades and his election to the Congressional Youth Leadership Conference in Oak Brook. His description: "best dinner ever" thanks to a wonderful waitstaff and Chef Cantu's molecular gastronomy creations. Root Beer Floats in beakers, edible menus, and deconstructed french fries are pretty heady stuff for a 13 year old and the good people at Moto went above and beyond to make it a memorable experience. Was it the best meal I've ever eaten? No. But it hit some outstanding notes at times at it was by far the most fun and entertaining meal I've experienced. Though expensive, the look on my son's face when they brought him a Cuban Cigar to eat on an Ash Tray was worth every penny"

Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/24/2010

(review submitted 02/26/2010)

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Review 6 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Moto is a must-stop for people interested in the cutting edge of food. You will be talking about it for years to come!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/12/2010

(review submitted 02/26/2010)

0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 7 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Amazing restaurant! The food was incredible, the presentation fantastic, and the servers exceptional and very personable! Will certainly be coming again."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/22/2010)

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Review 8 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"If you need an explanation of what Moto is, you probably shouldn't go. But if you appreciate food, art, talent and whimsy--and don't mind paying front-row prices--this gastronomic show is the best of its breed."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/18/2010

(review submitted 02/20/2010)

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Review 9 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The food was generally pretty amazing - creative, fun, tasty, well-conceived. We had the 20 course degustation menu. Diners should know going in that deconstruction and complete re-interpretation of every day dishes is the norm (in other words, don't expect traditional french onion soup when you see it on the menu). The ambiance was just ok. It was pretty relaxed, which I loved, but I'd prefer more privacy - especially given the cost. There are very few booths and all other tables are somewhat close to each other and lined up in three rows. Service was extremely friendly and accomodating but so slow. Our dinner took nearly five hours! They also forgot the promised birthday menu. It was a great experience, but considerably overpriced."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/15/2010)

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Review 10 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"It was a fun and brilliant 3-hour extravaganza!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/06/2010

(review submitted 02/09/2010)

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Review 11 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Good)

"food was creative, but way too rich"

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/05/2010

(review submitted 02/07/2010)

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Review 12 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"There was nothing about this experience that was less than perfect. The service was impeccable, the food was amazing, we even were able to take a tour of the kitchen. Everyone was extrememly friendly, accomodating and professional. To date it is the finest dining experience that I have ever had."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/19/2010

(review submitted 02/06/2010)

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Review 13 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We had an amazing night at Moto. The food was top notch, and the ambiance couldn't have been better. We were in one of the highbacked private booths, which added to the mystery of each course.

I would highly recommend Moto for a special night out."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/23/2010

(review submitted 01/26/2010)

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Review 14 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I liked Moto the best of the avant garde Prix Fixe dining establishments. I have been to L2O, Alinea, Trio (closed) Tru, etc. and I liked the combinations of flavors best at Moto. Moto is less understated and pretentious than the others as well - probably why we saw kids in the dining room with their parents. My daughter, who is a Cordon Bleu trained Chef was equally as ecstatic about the meal we experienced. We had the 10 course in stead of the 20 course due to a time constraint (does it really take 4.5 hours?). We were replete at the end of the 10 courses. One of the Last courses had a substance of which I am not fond and the chef swapped out my course for another, which I thought was nice."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/08/2010

(review submitted 01/20/2010)

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Review 15 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Excellent....our third time....still showing the intense painstaking preparation and absolute genious innovation...World-class work, but world-class price too. No place for, "Lets do lunch"...but one where you'll never forget a single dish...for months/years."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/15/2010

(review submitted 01/19/2010)

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Review 16 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This was our 3rd time at Moto and the food was interesting as always, but the focus seems to be more on presentation and wowing than amazing and unforgettable flavors combinations. Was surprised by how lean the wine list was, but I guess that's just not their area of focus. All around a good experience (but an expensive one for sure! Bill for 4 was over $1000 with tip)"

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/13/2010

(review submitted 01/16/2010)

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Review 17 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Wow! We were there on a snowy night...one of three tables so it felt like we had the place to ourselves. Service was incredible. Place is simply but warmly decorated. Food was amazing. You are asked what your preferences are and every effort is made to please. We were there for a birthday celebration and had an evening to remember. Foodies will adore this place. We will definitely be back."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/07/2010

(review submitted 01/13/2010)

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Review 18 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Found a recommendation for Moto from the Globe and Mail on-line and made a reservation for dinner for two over the holidays. What unfolded during our evening spent at Moto's was extraordinary dining experience. The food was pure sensory entertainment - many of the dishes are not what they seem - but delicious nonetheless. The staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They took their time going over the details of each dish with us, and didn't rush us through dinner (the way we were at another "renowned" Chicago-area restaurant a few days later). No doubt the meal was really expensive, but definitely worth every penny."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/29/2009

(review submitted 01/05/2010)

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Review 19 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This restaurant really sets new boundaries for food - a very different dining experience for foodies - we had the 20 courses and it takes 4.5 hours, recommend adding the wine pairings in as well. Overall fantastic."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/30/2009

(review submitted 01/03/2010)

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Review 20 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This is one if the world's great dining experiences. I think Moto has evolved wildly beyond the molecular gimmickry it's known for into a restaurant that simply serves some of the best food in existence. Service is surprisingly unpretentious yet professional. I proposed to my fiancée here and they agreed to incorporate the ring into one of the courses. The 12 course wine pairing was savvy. They don't need it but happen to have one of the best wine programs in the country. Completely perfect. New York should be jealous."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/03/2010)

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Review 21 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The service was great, and I really liked the intimate atmosphere. We had the 10 course menu with the wine pairings. The food was inventive, playful and overall excellent. I especially liked the Cuban Cigar and the Mexican Cannoli which were visually fun and a wonderful combination of flavors. The wine pairings were interesting and thoughtfully chosen to complement, but not overwhelm the food, I would highly recommend ordering the wine parings with the food. Restaurant is pretty conversation friendly. Overall a wonderful experience."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/29/2009

(review submitted 01/01/2010)

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Review 22 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Overall, our dining experience was outstanding. However, the first course started with a "scrambled eggs concoction" which was excellent accompanied by a shrimp "tater tot" which quite frankly was inedible. The shrimp was so extremely overcooked that it was hard and rubbery and was really really disappointing. It sadly did affect the rest of our meal as we were concerned that perhaps the staff wasn't being as top notch as they should be. All three of us had the same experience with this plate. It is the reason for the other than perfect score above."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/26/2009

(review submitted 12/30/2009)

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Review 23 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Cool neighborhood. Subdued but cool space. Very attentive and knowledgeable service. The food was very creative and playful. Some of the dishes worked beautifully. Others seemed a bit contrived and silly. If the meal cost 15-20% less, it would have been a super great experience. Given the astronomical price of the meal, I think it fell a bit short of the best restaurants I've been too. Ate the night before at Alinea and was truly blown away. Same price."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/01/2009

(review submitted 12/28/2009)

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Review 24 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Go and spend the money that Moto is more than worth."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/22/2009

(review submitted 12/24/2009)

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Review 25 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"If you give a chef all the time and resources he or she needs... tell them to make is delicious... then tell them to make it fun... This is what you get!"

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/12/2009

(review submitted 12/15/2009)

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Review 26 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Forget the edible menu... there aren't words enough to describe how innovative, fun and delicious the food at Moto is!!! Our candle was the sauce for one of our dishes! Artwork of a buffalo with wings was seasoning for another... everything has a twist and nothing is what you expect or what it seems. The staff are appropriately and altnernately stuffy and reserved while all the while attending to your every need. We particularly loved Nate! He was the opposite of stuffy and more informative than we expected. Great food, great service, great find!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/12/2009

(review submitted 12/14/2009)

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Review 27 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"It was a great experience! I set as one of my life goals to eat at 10 world-class restaurants in world capitals and Moto absolutely fits the category. Sure, it was pricey, but worth it! In fact, by the end of the meal, it seemed like money very well spent!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/09/2009

(review submitted 12/11/2009)

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Review 28 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Moto is a wonderful restaurant that encompasses the dining experience. It delivers 10 to 15 course meals of incredibly unique and fun food. The point is to sit back, enjoy the drink and interact with your company and your food! My only word of caution is to be prepared to sit for a few hours. This is not a place to go if you're in a hurry."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/24/2009

(review submitted 12/06/2009)

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Review 29 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Don't be put off by the stark decor. It's all part of the production you are about to experience. The food and its presentation are what is on display at Moto. We have visited Alinea on our last two visits to Chicago and found those meals to be our most memorable to date. However, having read about Moto, we thought we should branch out and try it instead.
The atmosphere is more laid back, but just slightly. The staff is as professional as they come, but they clearly enjoy their work, grinning while describing each course, presented in an often whimsical way.
The food is unique in its presentation, its content and its taste. Every course left us wanting another serving of the same thing. Delicious! Back to Moto next time!"

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/02/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

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Review 30 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Gourmet food to many can be described as art. Just like a painting that means nothing to one person can mean everything to another. This is how I would describe our experience at Moto restaurant. I say experience since this is not just your average gourmet restaurant. This was extraordinary service with food designed by chefs that have an incredible imagination, ingenuity, and innovation. Upon entering the restaurant my guest and I were surprised by the decor and the size of the restaurant. All the walls were painted in grey, no pictures, and very little furniture. It was very contemporary but plain. The size of the dining area was surprisingly very small with 4 booths and 12 tables in back. On this night we were asked if we wouldn't mi"

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/21/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

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Review 31 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Good)

"This was my introduction to molecular gastronomy. The food was good and it was fun, sort of like the Coney Island of dining. Usually at a restaurant you talk briefly of the food, then move on to other topics. It was the reverse at Moto. However, we arrived before 7:30, were seated immediately, and left at 10:00. I am not quite sure we had the last course. My dining partner had exhausted all conversation, even on the food and we asked for the bill before the courses stopped coming. If you have an interest in this cuisine, I enthusiastically suggest a one-time visit, but take a foodie!"

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/28/2009

(review submitted 12/02/2009)

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Review 32 for Moto Restaurant

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Moto is a great experience. Everything is unexpected--very tasty food and amazing service. Attentive but unobtrusive. The remodeled space is awesome--I liked it a lot better than the prior space (which was also nice). Just go you will love it!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/20/2009

(review submitted 11/22/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Moto Restaurant

Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Restaurant Reviews for Moto Restaurant

Moto Restaurant Reviews List

Review 1 for Moto Restaurant

Review 2 for Moto Restaurant

Review 3 for Moto Restaurant

Review 4 for Moto Restaurant

Review 5 for Moto Restaurant

Review 6 for Moto Restaurant

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Review 28 for Moto Restaurant

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Review 30 for Moto Restaurant

Review 31 for Moto Restaurant

Review 32 for Moto Restaurant