New upscale restaurant, a one-of-a-kind destination, opens in downtown O’Fallon

Hawaii’s aloha spirit will greet you upon arriving at Le Ono, a new upscale restaurant in downtown O’Fallon.

Hoping diners are hungry for something different, the four co-owners - chef Talani Moe and his wife Lisa Udasco-Moe, and O’Fallon business owners Jon and Emily Greenstreet - have opened what they think is a one-of-a-kind destination experience.

“Ono” means delicious in Hawaiian, and when partnered with “Ohana,” meaning family, it goes beyond blood relations to express love and commitment within communities, Lisa Moe said.

That “coming together” vibe is what they are going for, said Jon Greenstreet. “We all agreed that it was fitting, with a Polynesian chef who loves the food from the islands and has a passion for great French cuisine as well, to name our new establishment Lé Ono, a loose translation of ‘The Delicious’ in French and Hawaiian,” he said.

They have transformed a 3,200-square foot former labor hall and warehouse at 101 S. Cherry St. into a relaxed atmosphere for providing food and drink. There are 45 seats in the dining room, 35 in the lounge, and an anticipated 25 outdoors. They will add a patio and a produce garden.

Talani said spotlighting his native aloha spirit (love, warmth, energy) was important for patrons to feel comfortable with fine dining, and appeal to both adventurous eaters and those who like more traditional fare.

He said his creative menu pulls from many Pacific island techniques and flavors, along with his love of French food.

From Yakitori Grilled Chicken, a honey-soy marinated chicken thigh, to Tiger Striped Prawns with a spicy Filipino banana catsup, the focus is on flavors. The menu includes steaks, a pork chop, duck breast, and pan-seared halibut, all embellished with flair.

American Wagyu sirloin is served with a green peppercorn sauce and demi-glace, and pairs perfectly with a Kobe Tallow Fried Potato Terrine, also available as a small plate, served with horseradish cream, chives, and pea tendrils.

Small plates include a Jambon Beurre sandwich – translation is a shaved ham and gruyere cheese on sourdough served with Thai green curry mustard and cornichons, and Talani insists on a certain French butter as an ingredient.

That is accompanied by tempura carrots, which were a major hit at the chef tastings. The presentation includes a ponzu fluid gel, carrot reduction, togarishi – a Japanese 7-spice blend, and chili oil.

Small plates vary from fried pork rinds dusted with the Japanese condiment furikake to grilled octopus with fresh herbs and citrus vinaigrette.

“We love to put smiles on faces with delicious cocktails and food,” he said.

Hospitality driven, Talani and Lisa have worked in restaurants in Los Angeles and other places. Lisa also operates Absolute Flow Pilates Studio in O’Fallon. In 2019, they opened Grit and Tonic, 120 W. St. Louis St. in Lebanon, which is known for its classic crafted cocktails and seasonal bites served in a 1920s speakeasy atmosphere.

“Food and drink is where Talani and Lisa make magic happen,” Jon Greenstreet said. “Our hope is that you will find this to be one of your chosen places to spend time and make it a home away from home.”

Since announcing their partnership in January 2022, the two entrepreneurial couples have been asked daily about when it will open, and have appreciated the enthusiasm, Jon said. Undaunted by challenges during a pandemic, many parts had to come together, including Jon and his son, Sid, 19, crafting tables for the lounge, and Lisa’s interior designs, using soft fabrics for a breezy island vibe.

Talani pointed to the playful octopus art on the wall.

“Growing up in Hawaii, I didn’t surf, I spearfished. I wanted to honor my heritage,” he said.

The owners describe their joint venture as thus: “the craftsmanship and talents of Jon and Lisa and back-breaking labor of Talani in a location only Emily could find.”

They hosted a soft opening for the public through the month of June, and currently offer a seasonal menu Thursdays through Saturdays. A full dinner menu is available in the main dining room from 5 to 9 p.m. and small plates are available in the lounge from 5 to 10 p.m. (and you can order dinner, too). Wednesdays will be added starting the second week in July, and the bar will be open until midnight.

Reservations are necessary: https://le-ono.resos.com/booking.

Feedback has been positive from earlier chef tastings. Comments on their Facebook page included: “Amazing food and atmosphere,” “Blown away,” “Sweet vibes,” and “Talani has a connection with food that is unmistakably spiritual. The ingredients in each dish have a unique and complex relationship … that can only be described as perfection.”

The public’s first experience was at the downtown’s “District Nights” on June 1, where they served street food and drinks from their patio. Korean tacos and Huli Huli chicken, served with either bacon pineapple fried rice or Hawaiian macaroni salad, were offered. They will participate in the second District Nights on Thursday, July 6.

“Food brings people together. We’re working to create a place where if you live here, you don’t have to go to St. Louis for an amazing dining experience,” Emily Greenstreet said.

For more information, email: info@leonorestaurant.com or visit their Facebook page and Instagram.