Toronto’s food scene is buzzing with anticipation for the grand opening of Hello Nori, Canada’s pioneering “Hand Roll Bar,” arriving at 648 King St. W. in Toronto. This hotspot, which originated in Vancouver, has redefined sushi dining with its fresh, fast, and immersive hand roll experience. With its sleek, modern interior and meticulously crafted menu, Hello Nori promises to bring something unique to the city’s already dynamic culinary landscape. Operating daily with hours that make it a perfect stop for lunch or a late-night bite, Hello Nori’s Toronto location is expected to become an instant favourite. With both Canadian and Japanese ingredients in every bite, each hand roll is created to be devoured right when it hits your plate – a moment of warmth, crispness, and flavor that’s meant to be enjoyed without delay.
Hello Nori (King West)
Location: 648 King Street West, Toronto, ON
Neighbourhood: Toronto Downtown West BIA (King West area)
Open as of: October 19, 2024
Crowd: Mixed, Business, Tourists, Date-night
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The VIBE: Modern meets artisanal–here’s a look inside Hello Nori King West
Hello Nori’s King Street location brings a modern edge to the city, combining natural materials like wood, stone, and water in a stylish, Japanese-inspired aesthetic. With oversized communal tables, the seating arrangement encourages a social dining atmosphere while maintaining an intimate, luxurious feel. The chefs’ table is the highlight, where diners can watch the chefs work their magic – each roll carefully crafted in view, creating a feeling of authenticity and connection to the preparation process.
The design is minimalist yet inviting, with touches that evoke both Vancouver’s coastal charm and Toronto’s urban skyline. The lighting, furnishings, and decor all work together to create a vibe that feels upscale but welcoming, a blend that Toronto diners are sure to embrace.
Hello Nori’s menu is rooted in simplicity and freshness. From hand rolls to aburi oshi (torched sushi), each item is crafted using top-quality Neta (ingredients) sourced from Canada and Japan. Partnering with Ocean Wise, Hello Nori offers premium choices like Ora King Salmon, Toro, Scallops, and Shrimp. The carefully curated menu emphasizes sustainability and quality, with a range of items that highlight the best of Japanese cuisine, adapted to suit the hand roll format.
Each roll is served warm with a crispy nori exterior, designed to be eaten immediately, capturing the essence of Japanese street-style sushi in a refined setting. Expect a fast, satisfying experience with your taste buds fully engaged as the delicate flavours of fresh seafood, warm rice, and crisp seaweed come together.
Whether you’re looking to go fully custom and order whatever hand rolls you want, or go the pre-set combo options, they will no disappoint–and very well priced.
Why take matters into your own hands, when you can let the chefs pick the freshest options for you. We definitely went for the daily chef’s selection of sashimi.
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.
Meet the team: Passion meets precision
At Hello Nori, the culinary expertise is led by Executive Chef Risa Kawai and esteemed Head Chef Sho Sakuma, both hailing from Vancouver. Chef Risa brings years of experience in fine Japanese dining, while Chef Sho’s precision and creativity add an innovative edge to the traditional flavors. Together with Corporate Chef Jay Pugong, who has over 15 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, and Isaac Olivier, Director of Operations, this team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience to every guest–and you feel it from the minute you walk in the door.
Chef Jay, known for his passion for Japanese cuisine, has spent years honing his craft through annual trips to Japan. “Japanese cuisine is not just about food—it’s about culture, connection, and craft,” he says. The team’s commitment to quality, consistency, and innovation has brought Hello Nori success in Vancouver, and they’re ready to bring that same energy to Toronto.
Why it’s set to be Toronto’s next hotspot?
Toronto doesn’t have anything quite like Hello Nori, making this hand roll bar a likely go-to for both locals and visitors. With its prime location on King Street West, top-notch service, and reasonably priced yet high-quality menu, Hello Nori has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser. The experience is fast-paced and satisfying, with rolls designed to be eaten quickly, keeping the nori crispy and the rice warm. The whole setup, from the chefs’ table to the rapid-fire service, invites diners to fully immerse themselves in the flavors and textures, and it’s an experience best enjoyed without delay – a unique offering in Toronto’s dining scene.
The 411: Hello Nori on King West
Where are they located in the Toronto area?
Their first debut location is this one on King West, but the word on the street is that there are several locations coming soon to the Toronto-area.
- Location: 648 King Street W, Toronto, ON
- Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12 PM – 12 AM; Fri: 12 PM – 1:45 AM; Sat: 11 AM – 1:45 AM; Sun: 11 AM – 12 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 King West neighbourhood, right across from Lavelle.
Toronto foodies, get ready – with Hello Nori on the scene, there’s a new reason to head to King Street for an unforgettable meal that celebrates the art of hand roll sushi. Don’t miss the chance to try it out while the nori is crispy and the vibe is fresh!
