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Chef/owner Junya Watanabe, who launched the wildly popular Rakiraki Ramen and Pokirrito in Kearny Mesa and Little Italy, is bringing another trendy Japanese concept to San Diego. Watanabe was originally going to open a yakitori shop in the space next to RakiRaki on Convoy Street, but has since switched gears to focus on temaki, or sushi hand rolls that feature a cone-shaped piece of seaweed wrapped around rice and a variety of ingredients.
Scheduled to open this spring, j/wata Temaki Bar will specialize exclusively in these hand-held rolls that will be filled with locally-sourced fish, specially harvested seaweed, house crafted sauces, and the chef’s signature sushi rice. Premium menu items will range from flame-blistered Japanese eel and prime sirloin to grilled marinated black cod with miso and sea urchin.
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The 1,500-square-foot space is being designed by Design OPERA, Inc. and brought to life by One of a Kind Company, who recently worked on Pali Wine Co. in Little Italy and the Gaslamp’s new Monkey King. The eatery’s 22 seats will ring a central sushi bar, with a modern and minimalist palette of grey, black, natural woods and stainless steel and some playful elements inspired by Tokyo’s iconic fish markets.
