Recently opened sushi restaurant, Omakase, is already receiving a sibling in the form of fast-casual Origami Market. Located right next door to the $150 tasting menu sushi spot, the new 62-seat project from the Omakase team is still focused on using the best products, but at a lower cost and faster pace.
And interestingly enough, the fast-casual side was the main focus of the two restaurants— Omakase's space just flew through construction and permits much faster than the significantly larger Origami Market. Owner Kash Feng (Omakase, Live Sushi) says that the project has been in the works for five years, as hunting for right location was a challenge. And now that he's secured the right culinary team and space, Feng says "Our plan is to perfect the menu and operations, and bring really good, healthy Asian food to the rest of the city and beyond," indicating the possibility of expansion across the Bay Area.
The menu, which is designed with speed in mind, focuses on healthy options. Feng says the team worked with two nutritionists to choose each product, honing in on organic, gluten-free and vegan options that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. Dishes fall into three categories: greens, rolls and bowls, plus a Wafu chicken noodle soup made with dashi, soba noodles, organic chicken, basil and scallions. Rolls will be fresh, with choice of smoked tofu, salmon, poached shrimp or vegetarian, while bowls will be noodle- or rice-based with choice of chicken kuwayaki, beef teriyaki or salmon ocha mushi. Salads will change seasonally, with options like a shiso tomato salad with heirloom tomatoes, onion, watercress and micro shiso. Fresh juices, kombuchas and organic wine and sake will also be offered, as well as gluten-free beer.
Eventually, diners can streamline even further by choosing "grab and go" options from a cooler. Either way, the restaurant is set up for speed, offering online ordering or self-service stations that allow guests to order through an app and eliminating the need for dirty, old-fashioned currency.
The opening date is set for Wednesday, August 19 when Origami Market will open for lunch and early dinner, Monday- Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
