Toronto’s Financial District just got a fresh dose of Japanese flavour with the arrival of Hello Nori at 70 York Street. After making waves with its hugely popular King West location, which opened just seven months ago, the hand roll hotspot is expanding its Toronto presence with a second outpost. Featuring the same West Coast-inspired wood ceiling and minimalist aesthetic designed by Concrete Cashmere, the new location brings Hello Nori’s signature hand rolls and premium sake to Bay Street’s bustling dining scene. Whether you’re a hand roll aficionado or new to the concept, this is one sushi experience you won’t want to miss.
Hello Nori (FiDi)
Location: 70 York Street, Toronto, ON
Neighbourhood: Toronto Financial District
Open as of: March 13, 2025
Crowd: Mixed, Business, Tourists, Date-night
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The VIBE: Modern meets artisanal–here’s a look inside Hello Nori York St
The VIBE at Hello Nori Financial District is all about effortless sophistication. With its light and airy atmosphere, the space is designed around a super-long chef’s table, where diners sit shoulder to shoulder, watching skilled sushi chefs craft each hand roll to order. It’s the perfect spot for a quick yet elevated lunch, where the efficiency of the experience never compromises the quality. The minimalist aesthetic, paired with warm wood tones and sleek lighting, creates an inviting yet modern setting that echoes the brand’s West Coast roots.
Expect this spot to be packed with suits on a mission, whether they’re grabbing a bite before a meeting or taking a well-deserved sushi break. Service is fast, precise, and seamless, ensuring that even on a tight schedule, you can enjoy freshly made, crisp, and flavour-packed hand rolls. And if Executive Chef Jay Pugong is in town from Vancouver, you never know what kind of off-menu creations you might get to experience—it’s all about top-tier ingredients and the chef’s personal touch.
The menu at Hello Nori Financial District is all about freshness, precision, and simplicity, with a focus on made-to-order hand rolls that highlight the best ingredients from Canada and Japan. Diners can choose from six, nine, or twelve-piece sets, featuring classics like Bluefin Tuna, Ora King Salmon, and Hokkaido Scallop, or elevate their experience with premium selections like A5 Wagyu, Truffle Lobster, and Toro with Caviar. The hand rolls are served one at a time, ensuring that each bite is at peak freshness—crispy nori, warm rice, and impeccably fresh neta (fish). Pair your meal with a curated selection of Japanese sake, beer, or handcrafted cocktails, and you’ve got an unforgettable sushi experience, whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick bite on the go.
The eats
For lunch
Perfect for a quick yet elevated lunch break, Hello Nori offers a six-piece, nine-piece, or twelve-piece hand roll set, featuring the freshest ingredients sourced from Canada and Japan. Signature options include Bluefin Tuna, Hokkaido Scallop, and Ora King Salmon, all wrapped in crispy nori and served fresh from the counter.
For dinner
The evening menu takes the experience up a notch with premium hand rolls like A5 Wagyu, Truffle Lobster, and Toro with Caviar. Pair your rolls with a selection of Japanese sake, beer, or cocktails to round out the experience. The open-concept bar seating allows guests to enjoy the artistry behind each hand roll preparation in real time.
For happy hour
From 4 PM to 6 PM daily, guests can indulge in a selection of discounted hand rolls, sake flights, and signature cocktails. Whether you’re winding down after work or kicking off an evening in the Financial District, Hello Nori’shappy hour is set to become a go-to spot for sushi lovers.
The drinks: A sake lover’s dream
To accompany these fresh hand rolls, Hello Nori has a premium selection of sake, including well-curated imports for those wanting to explore traditional Japanese flavors. If sake isn’t your first choice, don’t worry – Hello Nori offers a selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails and non-alcoholic options to suit any preference. The drink menu complements the food experience, adding an extra layer of depth to the meal and inviting diners to linger over drinks after their sushi is gone.
When you drink sake from a wooden masu cup, you have to do a ritual pour that makes the sake overflow, which is a sign of plenty and kindness. Usually, a glass is put inside the masu, and sake is poured into it until it spills into the box. This shows how generous the host is, and the Hello Nori team are very liberal with their pours.
It was very refreshing to see how passionate the team is about both their alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. This lychee matcha cocktail was delicious. Not too sweet, and refreshing with a premium matcha flavour down to the last sip.
Highly recommend any of the cocktails, whether you’re enjoying alcohol or not.
The VIBE
With its moderately lit ambiance, sleek wooden finishes, and a bar-focused layout, Hello Nori at 70 York St. brings a touch of Vancouver’s modern sushi culture to Toronto’s fast-paced downtown core. The space is designed for quick yet immersive dining, where guests can enjoy fresh, hand-crafted rolls within minutes. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, the setting offers an intimate yet social experience.
The 411: Hello Nori Financial District (FiDi)
Where are they located in the Toronto area?
Their first Toronto debut location was on King West, and this one if nestled in the Financial District, but the word on the street is that there are several locations coming soon to the Toronto-area.
- Location: 70 York Street, Toronto, ON
- Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11 AM – 11 PM; Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12:00 AM
- Vibe: Modern, social, and upscale with a communal chefs’ table
- Crowd: A mix of sushi lovers, urban explorers, and those curious about Toronto’s latest dining trends
- Reservations: Not available
- Takeout & Delivery: Best experienced on-site, but there is take-out and delivery available (UberEats)
- Menu Highlights: Hand rolls, aburi oshi, premium sake, and Japanese-inspired cocktails
- Nearby Attractions: Nestled in the FiDi neighbourhood, right between King and Wellington on York Street.
With its seamless blend of quality, craftsmanship, and contemporary design, Hello Nori Financial District is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Toronto’s latest hand roll destination. Ready to dive into the freshest sushi scene on Bay Street?
