There’s something magical about sitting down at a sushi bar, hearing the gentle rustle of seaweed, and watching a chef expertly craft a hand roll before your eyes. It’s personal, precise—and at Hello Nori’s newest expansion into Toronto, it’s elevated to an art form. One all your senses will enjoy.
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Sushi in the heart of finance
Toronto’s Financial District just got a serious upgrade with the arrival of Hello Nori’s second city location. Fresh off the success of their King West debut, this hand roll haven brings the West Coast charm of their Vancouver roots straight into the heart of Bay Street. Open late—until 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends—Hello Nori offers a refined yet relaxed escape from the downtown bustle.
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Stepping inside, you immediately notice the mood. It’s vibrant, patrons are seated side by side, communal, but in a good way. The space is set with warm wood tones and the soft glow of Hello Nori’s now-iconic curved ceiling—a design choice that feels both contemporary and calming. Created by Concrete Cashmere, the space is more than a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary of sushi. The room is shaped for intimacy, drawing your attention to what matters most: the chef, the roll, and the moment.
The experience
I took a seat at the counter and was greeted by a hand roll placed delicately before me. The nori? Perfectly crisp. The rice? Just warm enough to complement the melt-in-your-mouth freshness of the fish. Every bite tasted like it had been timed to the second. And that’s because it was—each roll is made to order, ensuring peak texture and temperature. It’s sushi, but slowed down and savored.
The menu is both simple and sophisticated, showcasing premium neta (ingredients) sourced from Canada and Japan. With selections ranging from spicy salmon to creamy scallop, the hand roll experience here is both a culinary treat and a journey. Pair it with their premium sake offerings or explore the aburi oshi menu for a slightly smoky, satisfying contrast.
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Behind the scenes, Corporate Head Chef Jay Pugong brings years of Japanese culinary experience—much of it honed on annual training trips to Japan. His dedication to the craft is obvious with every dish. And with Isaac Olivier, a hospitality veteran known for excellence in fine dining, leading operations, it’s clear this isn’t just about expanding locations—it’s about growing a movement.
This isn’t your average sushi stop. Hello Nori 70 York is where tradition meets innovation, and where lunch breaks and date nights alike are transformed into memorable moments. It’s more than a meal—it’s a welcome. And it says, quite fittingly: Hello, Toronto.
