Crafting Quiet Sophistication with Natural Stone

In the heart of Manhattan, MORI offers an elevated omakase experience where every detail, from the 16-course tasting menu to the intimate 11-seat setting, is curated with precision and artistry. To match the culinary excellence on display, XZ Architecture sought a material backdrop that could hold its own—with poise, depth, and character—without overshadowing the chef’s craftsmanship.

The answer was Lundhs Emerald®, the darkest stone from Lundhs Real Stone®, with a silk surface.

Carefully selected during the ICFF exhibition, the natural stone was chosen by Simon Zhang, founder of XZ Architecture, for its exceptional durability, non-porous surface, and quiet visual strength. Installed in multiple large-format slabs with a matte surface behind the sushi counter, the stone anchors the interior design with natural gravitas—elegant but not overpowering, striking but serene.

“We were in search of a proper background for the highly skilled chefs of MORI. It must be of high quality, non-porous, and have strong character itself. It must be quiet, but not silent. Lundhs Emerald® was perfect for this occasion.”

Quarried in Norway, Lundhs Emerald®, a larvikite with a unique blend of a base of dark green—close to black—adorned with scattered crystals, imbues the restaurant with a sense of nature, craftsmanship, and timeless luxury. Free from harmful quartz minerals and safe to work with, this natural stone not only provides visual allure but also contributes to a hygienic and low-maintenance environment, critical in the preparation of high-grade raw cuisine.

In the collaboration between culinary performance and architectural finesse, Lundhs Emerald® plays a starring yet understated role—mirroring MORI's ethos: refined, thoughtful, and unforgettable.