Hello Nori - Richmond

We were here on Sunday, 12/28 around 1pm. The team doing service at that time was fantastic. I work in a service industry and just wanted to applaud the dynamic I saw with the crew here. Shout out to Shogo and Christian as well, making our first dining experience here a positive one. Food, dessert and drinks were great. We ordered the holiday set, 6 hand roll set, sashimi, and various other hand rolls. The lychee drink wasn’t as sweet as I assumed and more matcha forward - just a heads up for those looking for a sweeter drink. Would come back again!

We came here twice during their late night happy hour, once on a regular weekday, and then once on a Friday night. It was a lot more busy on Friday, but still no line/wait when we arrived. Plenty of free mall parking at night time too. I liked the parallel wood panels on the ceiling, but the clear view of the gated/closed, but super brightly lit Uniqlo out the window was a bit of an eyesore. Servers were all friendly and helpful. We got the virgin lychee berry drink, aburi oshi sushi (both salmon and ebi), as well several hand rolls (pickled vegetables, truffle lobster, scallop, ora king salmon). The virgin lychee berry was really tasty, but most of the drink was composed of ice, so you get through it way faster than anticipated. Aburi oshi sushi were BOGO during happy hour, and they were delicious! I personally preferred the salmon over shrimp. As for the hand rolls...the first time we went, we felt that the rice was a bit cold, so it was pretty jarring to bite into compared to other hand rolls we've had at other places prior. This second time we were here though, they were made a lot better. My favourite was the scallop, followed next by the truffle lobster (truffle flavour could be reduced a bit for a better balanced taste though).

First time dining at a Hello Nori (using a $15 anniversary gift card they gave away as part of a promo earlier this year). Unique experience, and it's nice that the chef prepares the hand rolls based on each diner's own eating pace. I ordered the 6-Hand Roll set menu ($36), and my friend had their 4-Hand Roll set menu ($25). We were disappointed with the Negitoro, which lacked filling, and felt a little flat, even with the green onion garnish. The Spicy Shrimp was marinated well, but there was a small shell that they had to spit out after eating. Our overall favourites were the Snow Crab, King Salmon, Truffle Lobster, and Yellowtail. Better filling to rice ratio. We're not used to hand rolls, so the warmed rice was not what we're used to, but it ate well with the fish. We went at opening (11 am) on a Tuesday and were the only diners until around noon. Counter seating only. Service was friendly. The price point is rather high for the quantity of food, but the atmosphere is modern (beautiful wood design that adorns the wall and ceiling) and you're paying for the quality and experience. They also have sashimi, aburi oshi, drinks, and you can get the hand rolls à la carte. I think the set menu is a good place to start, however. Wouldn't be an everyday spend, but perhaps for a special occasion. They also have a happy hour special and are likely more popular in the evenings.