How a Trip to Japan Helped Inspire ICHI Sushi + Ni Bar

A personal disclosure first: I am friends with Tim and Erin Archuleta, owners of ICHI Sushi and the new ICHI Sushi + Ni Bar, which opens Tuesday night.  So if this sounds like I’m kissing their butt, maybe so.  But I truly respect both of them, as they constantly prove to me to be two of the nicest people in the business.

The new ICHI Sushi + Ni Bar, located a block or so away from the original ICHI on Mission Street, is almost four times the size, and will have plenty of new features.  In the front will be the sushi bar, with table seating.  The sushi menu as always will be seasonal, with a collection of specials, along with an assortment of nigiri and rolls.  As usual, the omakase will also be an option, for those looking to get the best of what the restaurant has to offer.  Archuleta has long held to the belief of serving sushi in a traditional manner, and that will remain the case at the new ICHI.  And for sushi newbies, there is also a very informative and cool mural on the front wall, explaining the proper way to enjoy your dinner.  There is room for about 30, with separate omakase-only seating available by reservation overlooking the kitchen.

Heading deeper into the space is the Ni Bar, a welcome addition for fans of the old ICHI space.  As many guests grew accustomed to, there was little room for those waiting for a table or to sit at the sushi bar in the old space.  Now, it’s all inclusive, with the back portion of the restaurant featuring a small menu of izakaya-type dishes and a bar, featuring sake, shochu, beer and wine.  Guests can stop in for a quick bite, grab a drink, or wait for a spot in the sushi portion of ICHI.  The additional space also means Archuleta has a full kitchen at his disposal, something that was not the case at the old space.  The Ni Bar menu features a few cold items (oysters, sashimi, sunomono), and some cooked dishes as well.  In talking with Chef Archuleta over the last few months, much of the inspiration for the Ni Bar menu came to him back in late September, on a two-week trip to Japan, his first visit to the country.  The Beef Tripe Stew was something served at almost every izakaya spot in Japan, the Yakitori brings him back to one of his favorite experiences in Japan’s famed “Piss Alley,” with cramped spaces filled with businessmen, drinking “beeru”(the Japanese word for beer), a cauldron of boiling broth, with each skewer dipped in before heading to the grill.  “Who knows how long that broth has been simmering, there could be little remnants from ten years or more, that have been sitting in the bottom of that huge pot,” Archuleta said.  This was one of many stories and pictures (if you see Tim, ask him about the taxi ride with his yakitori grill, his obsession with Hoppy and frozen beer, among other things) from his incredible trip that served as part of the inspiration behind the new ICHI, without losing the fun, vibrant and casual nature of the old space.

For longtime fans of ICHI, this is not a makeover – it is just an expansion of all the things the restaurant is known for.  The restaurant and space epitomize what Tim and Erin are all about, from customer service, to food and drinks, to a warm and welcoming environment.  Yes, you’ll still hear an awesome playlist (probably hip hop) on the sound system, you’ll be greeted by friendly sushi chefs and staff, you’ll have an terrific sushi experience, and the best part - you’ll likely have a lot of fun.  ICHI Sushi + Ni Bar is located at 3282 Mission Street (at 29th) in San Francisco.  Hours are Monday-Thursday from 5:30-10:00 pm, and Friday-Saturday from 5:30-11:00 pm.