Now, the Grammy-winning musician and Louis Vuitton creative director is back, this time collaborating with the team behind Nami Nori, the New York-based restaurant known for its open-style temaki (hand rolls), to launch Nami Nori Design District and Matsuyoi, two Japanese dining experiences housed in one stunning bi-level space.
Nami Nori is opening the week of December 16, while Matusyoi, located upstairs, will debut the week of December 30.
Pharrell's creative touch can be felt in both concepts. His involvement with Swan and his roots in the Design District lend a natural synergy to this partnership with Nami Nori. Plus, the collaboration marks the next chapter for Nami Nori, whose meteoric rise began in New York's West Village in 2019. Its unique approach to sushi, bolstered by an ethos of "omotenashi" (the Japanese art of gracious hospitality), earned it critical acclaim, including a two-star rating from New York Times, and a loyal following.
Nami Nori has a bright and airy dining room and patio with neutral shades of sandy brown, cream and dusty rose found throughout.
Photo by Sebastian Lucrecio
Nami Nori Brings Beautiful Open-Style Temaki to Miami
On the ground floor, Nami Nori showcases the group's signature open-style temaki — modern, photogenic hand rolls that took New York by storm in 2019 — in Miami. In the airy, beach-inspired space, diners can dig into fan favorites like the "Spicy Crab Dynamite" roll or the "X.O. Scallop" roll with tobiko and lemon.The menu goes beyond sushi, with snacks like "Furikaké Fries" and "Wasabi Cucumber Tataki," and ends on a high note with the beloved "Mochurros," which are Nami Nori's mochi churros served with lemon curd for dipping.
The drink program, designed by cocktail consultant Molly McClintock, highlights Japanese flavors in cocktails like the "Matcharita," made with Mijenta tequila, matcha, and green apple, as well as the "Mother of Pearl," garnished with Okinawan sea grapes.
Bright tones of sandy brown and dusty rose fill the space, while oversized dried floral arrangements add a playful, natural touch.
While Nami Nori is playful and airy, Matsuyoi is designed to be seductive and intimate.
Photo by Sebastian Lucrecio
An Edgy Shift at Matsuyoi's Ten-Seat Counter
But upstairs, the vibe shifts.Ascend the staircase, pass through sliding doors in the cocktail lounge, and you'll find Matsuyoi, an intimate ten-seat temaki counter helmed by chef Sakaeda. Here, guests will find a rotating multi-course menu centered on seasonal ingredients, plus cocktails like the "Indigo Blue," made with toasted rice syrup and forbidden black rice-infused rum.
Both restaurants are expected to open this December.
Nami Nori and Matsuyoi. 156 NE 41st St., Miami; 786-598-8848; naminori.us.
