Hello Nori celebrates the art and time-honoured tradition of hand roll sushi.

Renowned for its use of top-quality ingredients, exceptionally fresh seafood, and striking interior design, the Vancouver-born temaki bar has quickly become a sensation in Toronto.

The King West spot opened in late October 2024. As with Hello Nori's other locations, the interiors seamlessly blend Japanese aesthetics with natural elements like wood and stone. 

The space is warm and welcoming, with an expansive wrap-around bar fostering a communal yet intimate dining atmosphere. Every seat offers a perfect view of the chefs at work.

But the showstopper is undoubtedly the ceiling.

"The ceiling always tells a story about the neighborhood," shared Operating Partner and Director of Restaurant Operations, Isaac Olivier. "So for King Street, the ceiling represents the garment or textile industry that King Street used to be. The folds of fabric and silk are represented in the wood running across the ceiling."

The design also lends itself to a unique style of dining. With options ranging from a set menu to à la carte offerings, the experience is tailored to your preferences. Looking for a quick 30-minute bite? They've got you covered. Want to savour a leisurely, course-by-course meal? That's an option too.

Each menu item is made to order, presented individually and in a sequence chosen by the chef. This approach ensures that guests enjoy the texture and taste of the hand rolls precisely as intended.

The Truffle Lobster ($9.50) is the most popular hand roll. Featuring pieces of buttery sweet lobster and a hint of truffle, it's delicate yet decadent. Combined with the warm, well-seasoned rice and crisp nori, it's a winning combination so good that one roll won't be enough. 

The Bluefin Tuna ($8) is a more traditional roll. This premium cut of fish is one of my favourites. The tuna is rich and fatty, with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. 

The King Salmon ($7.50) is equally as delicious, the freshness of the fish shining through with every bite. 

One of Olivier's top hand roll selections is the Unagi ($7). Unagi is a Japanese freshwater eel. For those who have not tried it before, it's deeply savoury, with a meatier texture, and is often prepared on the grill. 

While the components of a hand roll may seem simple, it's the meticulous selection and preparation of ingredients that elevate Hello Nori to best-in-class status.

"Even though it's simple," Olivier explained, "there's been a lot of intent behind everything we do."

Corporate Chef Jay Pugong hand-selected the nori from hundreds of options, ultimately choosing one with the perfect crispness and snap. The rice is a secret special blend. 

Beyond hand rolls, there's the market-price Sashimi platter, ideal for sharing. The handpicked platter features a variety of fresh fish. With delicate scallops, luxurious bluefin tuna, salmon roe, king salmon, yellowfin, bonito fish, and more, it's a true treasure chest of options. 

Although I'm sometimes hesitant about raw squid due to its easily chewy tendency, the Hello Nori squid was tender and buttery, thanks to its freshness and expert preparation. 

Another must-try is Aburi Oshi Sushi. The Ebi Oshi ($8) is bright with a pop of yuzu zest on top of the creamy shrimp. The Salmon Oshi ($8) is finished with a slice of hot green pepper. 

Torched with Japanese oak charcoal, the slightly seared fish have a deeply smoky flavour. 

To drink, Hello Nori boasts an impressive selection of creative cocktails. 

The Lychee Berry ($14) is sweet, fruity, and punchy, blending notes of lychee and raspberry into a fizzy and fun beverage. 

The Toki Old Fashioned ($18) is smooth and boozy, made with Suntory Toki Whisky, shiso bitter syrup, and yuzu. 

The Sakura Blossom ($14) is a delicate and floral drink combining white peach and Hello Nori sake. It pays tribute to the springtime Japanese cherry blossom trees and their beautiful pink, rosy hue. 

For something non-alcoholic, the house-brewed Nitro Matcha Tea ($5) is delicious. This full-bodied matcha is rich and velvety and topped with nitrogen-charged bubbles. 

There's also a selection of premium sakes, including Hello Nori's locally produced blend. Don’t be surprised if your glass is overflowing. This form of service is a cherished tradition of Japanese hospitality.

An ideal spot for lunch or dinner, warm rice, crispy nori, and fresh fish have never tasted better. 

Hello Nori is located at 648 King St West.