Wabi Izakaya and Sushi Bar to take over former Manzo space on Capstan Way in Richmond
A Zen garden-inspired izakaya and sushi bar will seat 98 at 9020 Capstan Way, with a central sushi bar and three private rooms.
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Wabi Izakaya and Sushi Bar is taking over the former Manzo Itamae Japanese Restaurant at 9020 Capstan Way, just off Garden City Road. The 3,000-square-foot space seats up to 98 people and includes three private rooms.
For Richmond diners, the room is the new part. Its design is inspired by a Zen garden, with a sushi bar in the middle of the floor. The menu runs from traditional sushi and sashimi to A5 Miyazaki wagyu, hamachi jalapeno crudo, uni seafood toast and kushiyaki grilled skewers. The drinks list offers premium sake, whisky and Japanese-inspired cocktails, and dessert includes house-made matcha tiramisu and hojicha panna cotta.
The restaurant comes from Richmond-based GoodChaos Hospitality, owned by Kingsley Ho, who also runs The Story Cafe Eatery and Bar in Richmond and The Sequel Kitchen and Bar in Vancouver's Coal Harbour. Ho said in a press release the team wants to carry on the Manzo name, which the former owners founded more than 18 years ago. "We want Wabi to be an every-day place for guests to enjoy good izakaya dishes, sushi, home-style Japanese comfort food, house-made desserts, and drinks with great people," he said.
Ho said Richmond "stuck by us" when The Story Cafe opened seven years ago. "I knew my next project was going to be in Richmond again," he said. "With Wabi, I also want it to be a place our neighbours can make their own for any occasion."
Wabi is expected to soft open in late November, with an official opening date to be announced in the coming weeks. One listing gives an end-of-October opening, which conflicts with that timing.
