Harney Sushi Owner Rolling Modern Izakaya Concept Into The Keating

Harney Sushi, which opened in Old Town in 2001 and Oceanside in 2008, is bringing their brand of sushi and more to a new concept in development for The Keating Hotel in the Gaslamp.

In partnership with building owners James Kaen and Chad Harris, Harney Sushi co-owner Kirk Harrison and Vincent Di Nino (AD Nightclub) are planning on remodeling the 3,800-square-foot subterranean space below the hotel into a new restaurant and lounge dubbed Karakuza. Loosely translated to winding vine, Karakuza will focus on the sustainable sushi that's become Harney's hallmark and a modern izakaya menu of Japanese drink-friendly small plates, with a bar centered around Japanese whiskey and craft beer.

Aiming to open in early Spring 2016, the restaurant plans to offer an alternative to the nightclub and sports bar-dominated Gaslamp scene, featuring several rentable karaoke rooms that can double as private dining rooms. Michael Soriano (Queenstown) and James Denton (The Bellows) are collaborating on the design, which will reportedly blend elements of a traditional Japanese village with vintage Japanese pop culture and aspects of modern, urban Japan.