Dine in style at Isu, St. Petersburg's first Nikkei sushi lounge.
St. Petersburg is set to open its first Nikkei sushi lounge named Isu in July. Located beneath Fortu, the lounge will feature a unique fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines with a dynamic, seasonal menu. Guests can enjoy flavorful dishes like sushi rolls with tropical fruits and Peruvian-style gyoza, all while experiencing a lively atmosphere with live music. Chef Shan Bakrac aims to attract Michelin evaluators as Isu elevates the local dining scene.
St. Petersburg is set to welcome its first Nikkei sushi lounge called Isu, scheduled to open in July. Located beneath Fortu at 97 Central Ave, the new dining experience will accommodate 50 guests and offers a unique culinary fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines.
The driving force behind Isu is Shan Bakrac, who has recently garnered Michelin recognition for his work at Fortu. With Isu, Bakrac aims to showcase the distinctive flavors and techniques of Nikkei cuisine, which originates from Japanese immigrant communities in Peru. This style creatively merges traditional Japanese recipes with vibrant Peruvian ingredients, providing a fresh take on sushi and other dishes.
Guests can look forward to a diverse range of offerings that highlight the flavor combinations characteristic of Nikkei dining. Dishes may include sushi rolls augmented with tropical fruits and spicy aji peppers, alongside traditional Japanese items reimagined with unique Peruvian spices and herbs.
Isu intends to set itself apart from the competition by utilizing a dynamic menu that evolves with the seasons. Unlike other sushi establishments in the area known for their repetitive selections, Isu will feature eight seasonally rotating sushi rolls designed with bold flavors and an emphasis on Peruvian ingredients.
In addition to the sushi offerings, the menu will include a selection of small plates, such as Peruvian-style gyoza, dry-aged pork chop katsu, yakitori skewers, and ceviches that blend fresh fish with zesty citrus and fragrant herbs. This focus on diverse, exciting dishes aims to attract Michelin evaluators who visit Fortu annually, in hopes of potentially earning accolades for the new lounge.
Patrons can choose from an à la carte menu or embark on an eight-course tasting journey that showcases the highlights of the restaurant’s culinary innovation. For those looking for a lively atmosphere, Isu will also feature live music on weekends, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Isu represents not just the opening of a new restaurant, but an invitation to diners to embark on a culinary journey where tradition meets innovation. The establishment aims to elevate St. Petersburg’s local dining scene, attracting both sushi enthusiasts and adventurous foodies alike.
As the targeted opening date approaches, interested diners are encouraged to mark their calendars for mid-July. For ongoing updates about Isu, the restaurant can be followed on Instagram.
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