BENTO Group, the restaurant group behind BENTO Asian Kitchen + Sushi, plans to debut its newest sister concept here in Jacksonville.
The Orlando-based group, founded by Jimmy and Johnny Tung, will launch Norikase, a new restaurant concept centered around a hand roll sushi bar and a 10-seat omakase – a multi-course meal of offerings selected by Chef Adi. Other offerings will include mini dons and premium nigiri.
The menu will be complemented by cocktails crafted by local mixologist Justin Raulerson as well as sake and a selection of Asian beer options.
Jacksonville has become a focal point for BENTO, which has over a dozen locations throughout the state of Florida, following co-founder Jimmy Tung’s relocation to the city in 2009. Along with two existing BENTO Asian Kitchen + Sushi locations and two more on the way by the end of the year, the group is also affiliated with DOMU Ramen at the Town Center and Soupa Noodle Bar near Tinseltown – but Tung sensed there was still something missing in the local market.
“Living here for the last 11 years, I’ve felt like Jacksonville was missing a good omakase and hand roll spot. We wanted to bring something really unique to the area with Norikase, which will feature a hand-roll bar, Omakase, and craft cocktails. Not many places offer all three,” Tung said via press release.
According to Tung, Norikase will utilize fresh fish flown in from Japan as well as locally-sourced options like Mayport shrimp.
An exact location for Norikase has yet to be revealed, but its space is described as relaxed, intimate, and accent with lush greenery.
The concept is expected to debut this fall. For updates on a location, menu items, and an opening date, follow the restaurant’s Instagram page.
