#FOOD: HELLO NORI YORKVILLE OPENS NOVEMBER 6, 2026

Hello Nori is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its third Toronto location, set to open on November 6, 2026.

1250 Bay St. will mark Hello Nori’s eighth location in Canada, following the brand’s first Calgary opening earlier in 2026. The Yorkville restaurant will serve Hello Nori’s signature handroll menu, using neta sourced from Canada and Japan, along with the new five-course set menu now offered at other locations. A few Yorkville only surprises are also in store.

True to Hello Nori tradition, the Yorkville outpost will feature the brand’s iconic wood ceiling, a design element now synonymous with the Hello Nori experience. Paying homage to the flagship location on Robson Street in Vancouver, the space brings modern, warm, and welcoming West Coast vibes to Toronto.

Guests can look forward to the same exceptional hand roll experience, along with exciting new features under one roof.

To thank loyal hand roll fans and to welcome the newest Yorkville location, Hello Nori is giving away $10 through MOOLA Canada to enjoy at the new Yorkville location. Link here: https://hellonori.moola.com/claim/?code=pcQhp267&inf=pressrelease

“The entire team at Hello Nori is thrilled to see our brand being welcomed in Toronto. Expanding is no easy feat, but the local community has shown such amazing support which gives us confidence in opening our third Toronto location in Yorkville. We are very excited about this upcoming project and look forward to continuing to develop brand innovations.” said Isaac Oliver, Corporate Director of Restaurant Operations.

Hello Nori is dedicated to hand roll sushi, with each roll prepared to order so the nori stays crisp, the rice warm and the ingredients fresh. The menu combines carefully sourced ingredients with attentive service in a design-led setting. Hello Nori also works to support the communities it operates in and reduce its environmental impact through its day to day practices.

“Yorkville feels like the perfect home for our next chapter. Guests can expect the Hello Nori hand rolls they love, along with a few surprises designed exclusively for a more premium space,” said Jay Pugong, Corporate Head Chef.

ABOUT HELLO NORI
Hello Nori is a premier dining destination specializing in innovative Japanese hand roll sushi, aburi oshi, and premium sake experiences. With multiple locations in Vancouver and Toronto, we are pioneers of the hand roll experience in Canada. Our team is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan, all while delivering exceptional hospitality.

Our striking restaurant designs and attention to detail are central to our brand, creating a memorable atmosphere that captivates our guests’ imaginations. With a focus on sustainability, we proudly collaborate with local and Japanese import partners and have partnered with Ocean Wise to minimize our environmental impact.

In addition to our restaurants, we offer catering services for various events, bringing the essence of Hello Nori to you, wherever you are. Whether dining in or taking out, we strive to provide every guest with an unforgettable experience.

ABOUT JAY PUGONG (CORPORATE CHEF)

With a deep passion for the culinary arts, particularly Japanese cuisine, Jay oversees every aspect of the culinary program at Hello Nori. A dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience, Jay is constantly seeking to expand his knowledge while being an enthusiastic and supportive mentor to his team. He consistently challenges himself to learn new techniques, and Hello Nori inspires him to share his growth with guests and future leaders of the brand.

Since 2012, Jay has traveled to Japan annually, working as a guest in various prestigious restaurants to further develop his skills and gain fresh perspectives on Japanese culinary culture. Most recently, he served as the head chef at Vancouver’s Minami, where he became known for pushing boundaries and creating unique dishes, all while contributing to Vancouver’s highly competitive Japanese culinary scene.

ABOUT ISAAC OLIVIER (DIRECTOR OF GROWTH + HOSPITALITY)

Having had the privilege of working in some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants, both as a team member and a leader, Isaac Olivier is deeply honored to bring his experience and passion to the Hello Nori team.

Isaac began his hospitality career at Water St. Café in Gastown. After working his way up through various roles, including time spent on the kitchen line, he sought to advance his career by joining the renowned Cin Cin as a server. Within a year, Isaac developed a deep appreciation for fine dining and the craft behind it.

Eager to grow further, he secured a managerial position at the esteemed Hawksworth restaurant in 2015, where he honed his skills in hosting within a high-profile environment. This was followed by an opportunity to contribute to the growth of Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar, where he spent five rewarding years.

During this time, Isaac worked alongside national champions, witnessed the restaurant receive multiple accolades, including Restaurant of the Year, and was personally awarded the “Premier Crew” award by Vancouver Magazine in 2020.

Isaac now focuses on the growth and expansion of Hello Nori, eager to share his passion and enthusiasm with his team and future leaders of the brand.