High-End Japanese Restaurant Coming Soon to King Street?

Old Town Alexandria may soon be getting a high-end Japanese restaurant. Chef Yuh Shimomura has plans to open Nasime, a small 20-seat restaurant at 1211 King St., according to planning documents filed with the City.

Shimomura’s chef credentials include manning the kitchens at Azuma Izakaya in Rockville, Sei in Penn Quarter, Kaz Sushi Bistro and Pembroke Springs Retreat, a Japanese-style lodge near Winchester. (See lots of photos of his prepared dishes from Pembroke Springs here.) Shimomura trained in Ginza, Japan and has 15 years experience preparing high-end Japanese cuisine.

Roger Vasilas, an owner of The Lamplighter, a family-owned business that has been at its current location since the ‘60s, said his family plans to lease out their building at 1211 King St. for the restaurant, while keeping the family business at 1205 and 1207 King Street.

Vasilas estimated that the restaurant would be up and running by early next year, depending on how quickly the City OKs the plans and how quickly renovation of the space is completed.

Preliminary plans for the 1,000-square foot restaurant show that it will offer seating for eight diners at a bar and also offer three tables and a private dining room, offering space for up to 22-24 people. There are plans to also apply for a permit to sell alcohol.

Here’s more about the new restaurant, from planning documents filed with the City:

• All foods will be prepared from scratch by Shimomura.
• The restaurant will offer a five-course price-fixed meal for $45 or a seven-course meal for $65. A la carte items will sell for between $5 to $35.
• The menu will include foods that are raw, grilled, fried or casserole style.
• The menu will change monthly.

Proposed hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

PHOTO of building on King Street from Google maps

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