Richmond is getting a new Japanese izakaya spot.
And it is taking over the previous room Manzo Itamae, which recently shut down after 18 years.
Wabi Izakaya & Sushi Bar is, surprisingly, by GoodChaos Hospitality, the Richmond group behind The Story Café and The Sequel in Coal Harbour.
It will mark the group’s first Asian concept, which has largely been operating brunch-focused restaurants and Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Wabi is set to open this November, with the official opening date to be announced soon.
“We can’t wait to open later this month,” says owner Kingsley Ho.
Manzo Itamae closed at the end of September, six months after its sister, Manzo Izakaya on Alexandra Road, shut after 26 years.
Ho brings up the Manzo name himself.
“We feel honoured to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of the Manzo brand that the former owners founded more than 18 years ago, while starting a new one under GoodChaos Hospitality with Wabi,” he says.
That means not just taking over the space but also the menu, which is izakaya forward.
So you’ll find a full Kushiyaki skewers menu, A5 Miyazaki wagyu, and newer plates like a hamachi jalapeño crudo and an uni seafood toast.
The sushi bar takes the centre of the room and makes sashimi, sushi and nigiri to order.
Desserts are all made in-house, from matcha tiramisu to hojicha panna cotta.
It isn’t an izakaya without a strong drink menu.
Drinks will lean Japanese here, with Japanese beer, premium sake, hard-to-find Japanese whisky and cocktails.
The almost 3,000 sq.ft space takes its cue from a zen garden.
Its 98 seats include three private rooms.
Group dinners are what the old Manzo space was known for, so the private rooms fit the address.
Wabi will be the group’s second Richmond restaurant, and Ho says that was the plan all along.
“I knew my next project was going to be in Richmond again,” he says.
“With Wabi, I also want it to be a place our neighbours can make their own for any occasion.”
If you’re already thinking about a December group dinner, the restaurant’s website takes enquiries for private dining and group bookings now.
Wabi joins other upcoming Richmond food spots like Taste of Guangzhou, Crystal Jade Palace, and MACU Tea Union Square.
Address
120-9020 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC
