Brace yourself, Yaletown!
We discovered that a new Japanese sushi hand roll spot is quietly opening up in the neighbourhood.
Who is Oshi Nori?
Brazilian entrepreneur Paulo Lyra, the mastermind behind several food businesses in Vancouver and North Vancouver such as Craffles, Sharkys Chophouse & Eatery, Braz Foods, and the vegan snack brand Omg It’s Vegan, is venturing into Japanese cuisine with a new concept: Oshi Nori.
Set to open this September, Oshi Nori is already attracting attention as a strong contender in the city’s burgeoning hand roll scene, currently dominated by Hello Nori.
Oshi Nori would be his first take on Japanese cuisine and on Japanese hand rolls – which have been locally dominated by Hello Nori.
Oshi Nori, in Japanese, translates to pressed seaweed. It’s a popular sushi style of Osaka that compresses rice and toppings together, resulting in a compact, rectangular shape, wrapped in a sheet of nori.
Lyra’s passion for unique and innovative food concepts inspired the creation of Oshi Nori. Drawing from his successful experience with various food businesses and inspired by hand-roll restaurants in Brazil and the US, Lyra identified a gap in the market for delivering exceptional quality and taste in a fast-casual dining experience.
A significant part of Oshi Nori’s appeal is the sourcing of its key ingredient: nori. The seaweed is sourced from Japan’s Ariake Sea, known for its unique lush characteristics and mountain-fed waters, which lend the nori its unique essence, minerality, and smoky flavour.
Moreover, Lyra’s commitment to the highest quality ingredients extends to the seafood used in the hand rolls. Responsible and sustainable sourcing practices are prioritized, and Oshi Nori strives to work with suppliers who adhere to ethical fishing standards.
Collaborations with trusted seafood distributors and local suppliers ensure that their hand rolls are made with fresh and premium ingredients.
On the menu will be a variety of six fish, lobster, crab, and scallop for your hand roll options. Their side offerings include sashimi, edamame, and a refreshingly light cucumber salad drizzled with ponzu round things off.
When asked by open in the Yaletown Neighbourhood, Lyra stated that the it was handpicked for its diverse culinary offerings, bustling atmosphere, and close proximity to various businesses and entertainment venues. This would present an opportunity for Oshi Nori to cater to a wide range of customers.
The interior design of Oshi Nori is set to provide a unique dining experience, with a minimalistic, refined style echoing the global hand roll bar concept. The restaurant features a large square sit-down bar, allowing up to 40 – 50 diners to watch as skilled chefs prepare hand rolls with precision and expertise.
Additionally, an outdoor patio will be available for guests who prefer to dine al fresco.
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Address: 1055 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P9