More Details On Nomica, Sushi Ran's Modern Japanese Spinoff On Market

More Details On Nomica, Sushi Ran's Modern Japanese Spinoff On MarketPhoto: Brian Ray/Hoodline
Shane Downing
Published on April 08, 2016

Last fall, we brought word that the former Pesce, which vacated 2223 Market St. in September, would be replaced by an offshoot of Sausalito’s popular Sushi Ran called Nomica. But there's been little movement at the space since then. So, we checked in for the latest. 

Nomica is a project from Sushi Ran owner Yoshimori Tome, aka Yoshi TomeSushi Ran, which Tome has owned since 1986, is one of the Bay Area's top Japanese restaurants. The restaurant held a Michelin star from 2006-2008 and has won numerous industry accolades. 

Tome's new spot on Market Street could open as soon as late June. But don't expect sushi at Nomica. According to Paul Quinn, the restaurant’s operating director, the menu will focus on modern Japanese cuisine, and will be open for dinner seven nights a week. 

“Once we’re comfortable, we’ll likely open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday,” Quinn added.

Upper Market’s newest restaurant will also offer a full bar and will focus on Awamori, an alcohol from Tome’s home island of Okinawa.

According to Quinn, the Sushi Ran team spent the better part of two years looking for the ideal location in San Francisco to open up the new restaurant.

“We found lots of great locations, but what we were really looking for was a location that was part of a neighborhood,” said Quinn. “We turned down a lot of locations.”

Quinn noted that they were looking for a neighborhood vibe similar to what they have in Sausalito. “In Sausalito, we get to know everybody that lives nearby and people feel comfortable dropping in at any time—we just really become part of the community.”

Heather Zheng has been brought on as Nomica’s head chef. Zheng was most recently the executive chef at the MGM’s Shibuya, in Las Vegas; prior to that, she ran Nobu, in Melbourne, Australia.

Stay tuned for opening dates and menu details once Nomica gets close to opening its doors. (In the meantime, they're hiring.)

“We’re really looking forward to getting to knowing everybody,” said Quinn. “I love this neighborhood, so I think it’s gonna be great.”