Transforming what used to be a sports bar in Little Portugal into a restaurant wasn't easy but Shori Imanishi was determined to make it happen. Along with friends in construction, he gutted the old space, tore down the ceiling, went through two layers of wall and plaster and two more layers of tile. Then he started to build and rebuild. After several months, he not only put his own unique stamp on the ever-evolving Little Portugal community, but also fulfilled his decade-long dream of opening and becoming co-owner and chef of Imanishi Japanese Kitchen in November 2015.
All that hard work certainly paid off: the space leaves an immediate, positive and lasting first impression. An exposed brick wall graces the spacious 66-seat dining area, while clean and refurbished wood enhance the bar and ceiling. Along the walls, you'll notice coat hangers made from old, donated skateboard decks while on the shelves, comic books and vinyl records add to already warm atmosphere and Japanese-inspired decor.
