NORWALK, CT — Oishi Sushi & Izakaya, a Japanese restaurant offering a wide variety of signature sushi art and more in the heart of South Norwalk, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this fall with new owners at the helm.
Located at 124 Washington Street, original owner Chris Chen first opened the upscale sushi bar and Japanese pub in 2014, offering SoNo customers a modern Japanese dining style that includes creative cocktails, local craft beer, Asian-inspired entrées and house-made desserts.
As the Oishi gets ready to celebrate its 10th anniversary in October, the restaurant has announced a new ownership team consisting of seasoned restaurateurs Vicky Gao, Peter Lu and Hui Lin.
Find out what's happening in Norwalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Gao also owns Osaka Restaurant in Queens, N.Y., while Lu and Lin own Chochosan Sushi and Hibachi and Chochosan Noodle House in Nanuet, N.Y., according to additional press materials provided by Oishi.
According to Lu, Oishi stands out among other restaurants in South Norwalk for several reasons, chiefly its emphasis on freshness and quality of ingredients.
Find out what's happening in Norwalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Most items on the menu feature seasonal, fresh ingredients to ensure the best taste and nutrition in every dish,” Lu said to Patch. “Additionally, Oishi offers a diverse menu that blends traditional Japanese cuisine with innovative elements, allowing customers to enjoy classic sushi and sashimi along with unique modern Japanese flavors.”
The atmosphere of the restaurant is also very important, which Lu noted creates a comfortable dining space with friendly and attentive service.
Oishi also actively participates in community events, which helps establish a positive local brand image that endears it to residents, according to Lu.
“The positive response from customers over the past decade can can largely be attributed to Oishi’s unwavering high standards of service and customer-centric philosophy,” Lu said. “Customers experience professional service at Oishi, where staff are rigorously trained to provide informed dining suggestions and ensure a smooth dining experience. Additionally, there is a strong sense of interaction between the restaurant and its patrons.”
Lu said Oishi will regularly collect feedback from the public and make adjustments to continue meeting customer needs.
“The restaurant also hosts promotional events and special themed nights, making dining not just about the food, but also about enjoying a unique social experience,” Lu said. “This atmosphere fosters customer loyalty, encouraging patrons to return time and again.”
Greater Norwalk Chamber President Shannon O’Toole Giandurco said Tuesday the chamber was happy to hear of Oishi’s milestone 10-year anniversary.
“It’s certainly a tribute to Oishi providing a superior food product and dining experience,” O’Toole Giandurco said in a statement sent to Patch. “Norwalk is known for its variety of diverse restaurants and cuisines that attract customers from the region.”
Menu highlights at Oishi included the restaurant’s signature sushi art and specialty rolls that begin with sushi grade market fresh fish.
Customer favorites include yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and yuzu ponzu, the “Incredible Roll” of tuna and avocado, topped with tuna, salmon, eel, tempura crunch, tobiko and eel sauce, and the “Oishi Roll” made with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, avocado and asparagus, topped with seared tuna, salmon, scallion, tobiko, spicy mayo and eel sauce.
Appetizers include crispy duck spring rolls, pan-seared pork or vegetable dumplings and Angus beef stuffed wontons with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Customers can also enjoy favorite entrées such as pan-seared sesame-crusted tuna steak and the Oishi Surf and Turf, featuring a grilled NY strip steak and jumbo shrimp laced with a garlic shallot teriyaki.
The shrimp and chicken pad Thai noodles and Oishi’s Big Bowl Ramen with baby bok choy, seaweed, scallions, enoki mushrooms and soft-boiled egg in a miso broth are also among the restaurant’s signature items, in addition to tempura fried ice cream for dessert.
Oishi also offers a large selection of Japanese whiskey, sake and craft cocktails, along with Asian beer and global wine selections.
As the new owners celebrate 10 years of Oishi, Lu noted they have great hopes for the future of the restaurant.
Click Here: brisbane broncos jersey
In addition to introducing more seasonal and regional specialties, the owners are considering opening new locations in other communities with areas similar to SoNo, such as Stamford or Greenwich.
“This strategy aims to attract our existing customer base while also reaching new patrons,” Lu said. “We believe that Oishi’s success is not only about geographical expansion but also about maintaining our consistent quality and service standards, ensuring that each new venue embodies the core values of Oishi.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.