James Beard Award winning chef Paul Qui is opening a new sushi concept on South Lamar that trades loud openings for quiet confidence. Kitsu Nori opens Saturday, December 13 at 2310 South Lamar Boulevard Suite 102, right next door to Qui’s forthcoming pizzeria Roselle, set to debut in 2026.
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of ikebana, the art of floral arrangement, Kitsu Nori treats each handroll like edible design. Every piece is built with balance, restraint, and intention, making the food feel thoughtful without ever becoming stiff. This idea has lived in Qui’s head since his early Uchi days in 2003, when he first began exploring sushi as both craft and visual experience.
The interior is intimate with just 30 seats, including 14 at the counter and 16 in the dining room. Qui designed the space himself using natural wood, dark tones, and deep indigo blues. The design draws from kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Each natural edged wood table is sealed with gold epoxy, and the team is exploring ways to upcycle broken plates from other restaurants using the same golden repair process.
Two shared patios with Roselle extend the experience outdoors with roughly 145 total seats. Guests order by QR code and food is delivered directly to the table. With a bar, TVs, string lighting, and plenty of shade, the patios are built for relaxed nights and easy game day energy.
The menu is built around crispy nori, warm rice, and precisely handled fish. Expect lobster butter miso soup, chip and dip snacks that range from blue crab to caviar, and a bright sunomono. Cold tastings feature toro with cashew and shiro dashi, salmon with blueberry and kale, hamachi with orange confit and serrano, and tuna sashimi with aged tamari and smoked oil. Handrolls lead the way with dry aged tuna, salmon, yellowtail, premium shellfish, a wagyu aburi handroll, and a full lineup of plant based options.
The sushi rice is naturally pink from fresh beet juice blended into the vinegar. Sauces are served tableside to preserve crisp nori. A sushi robot ensures perfect texture and temperature with every roll.
Three omakase inspired tiers are offered at 38, 48, and 58, available for dine in or refined bento style takeout. The beverage program is led by Austin cocktail legend Bill Norris with sake, Japanese whisky highballs on draft, and precise craft cocktails.
Kitsu Nori opens with dinner service only, Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m., with lunch launching in January. Reservations are available now through OpenTable.