Japanese Restaurant, Sushi Roku Continues West Coast Expansion With First Location in Northern California

On Tuesday, April 30, Sushi Roku, a reimagined, contemporary sushi experience created by hospitality group, Innovative Dining Group will open its doors to a new audience within the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto. Nestled in the “birthplace of Silicon Valley” Sushi Roku Palo Alto marks the concept’s first location in Northern California, and fifth in California, continuing the brand’s mission to craft and serve elevated dining experiences anchored in innovative cuisine to locals and visitors across the West Coast.

Innovative Dining Group co-founders, Lee Maen and Philip Cummins are passionate about expanding Sushi Roku amongst Palo Alto’s burgeoning tech scene and the local community. “We’re thrilled to bring Sushi Roku’s innovative spirit to Palo Alto, a hub for technology and creativity that is on par with Silicon Beach in Southern California. Our focus on exceptional food and energetic atmosphere aligns perfectly with our future guests that live and work on the Peninsula, and we’re excited to become a part of it.”- said Lee Maen, Partner & Founder in a statement.

Like the concept’s existing locations, the new Sushi Roku Palo Alto will serve the same signature sushi, sashimi, and izakaya-style bar fare prepared with a California twist. Head Sushi Chef, Jason Shimizu brings decades of experience to the Palo Alto location, previously leading the kitchens of The Shota, Ozumo, and Sasa. Rooted in Japanese tradition that melds Western influences with internationally inspired accents, guests can expect elegant seafood plates on the menu such as Toro Carpaccio with oscietra caviar, Octopus Crudo and Baked Cod with Sweet Miso. Complimenting Sushi Roku’s premium nigiri and sashimi offerings, the sushi menu features Japanese Scallop (Hotate) with shiso paste, sea salt, lemon, Amberjack (Kanpachi), and signature style sushi rolls like White Lotus with popcorn shrimp tempura, avocado, asparagus, topped with albacore, crispy onions, wasabi truffle soy; and Tokubetsu with crab, cucumber topped with toro, sea bream, white truffle pesto, yuzu vinaigrette.

Showcasing an array of land and sea dishes made from top-quality ingredients, Sushi Roku’s menu also has a variety of shareable plates catered for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike such as Mixed Vegetable Tempura, Savory Cauliflower with red date and pine nuts, American Wagyu Potsticker “Gyoza” and Bacon Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp with chili garlic sauce. Large format options include a Chilean Seabass with truffle miso, “Ji-Dori” Free Range Chicken with teriyaki glaze and more.

Behind the bar, Sushi Roku’s team of expert mixologists will handcraft both new and longtime favorite cocktails made with fresh garnishes, florals, housemade mixers, and high-quality spirits. Cocktail highlights include Ueshima Old Fashioned with espresso-washed Whistle Pig rye whiskey, orange demerara syrup, and chocolate bitters; and Sundown on Sunset using Monkey 47 gin, ozeki nigori, blood orange, apricot brandy, and grapefruit bitters. The beverage menu will also showcase a variety of refreshing Zero Proof cocktails that incorporate California’s seasonal flavors and ingredients such as Zen Garden with muddled cucumber, mint, pineapple, lemon, and lime juice; and Yuzu Margarita with lyre’s Zero Proof agave blanco, yuzu and grapefruit. Curated to complement Sushi Roku’s cuisine while satisfying a range of palates and appetites, a dynamic selection of domestic and imported beer, Japanese whiskey, and sake along with wines by the glass and bottle will also be available.

Carefully curated interior design has long been a leading focus of IDG restaurants and the Palo Alto location is no different. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant space was designed by TAG Front Architects. With its textured Japanese brick tile exterior walls, glowing accoya wood screen, and lush landscaping, the restaurant creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that connects guests to nature. Inside, the restaurant’s interiors are simple yet dramatic, with live edge walnut bar tops and rich textured glass panels that create an alluring dining room space.

Sushi Roku is located at 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 94304. Opening hours are Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00PM, Friday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00PM. Lunch and Happy Hour Coming Soon!

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