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 28 seats, including 14 at the counter and 14 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.
Join us in Austin
Visit us at 2310 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 102, Austin, TX 78704.
