Kissaki opens on Wednesday here at 319 Bowery between First Street and Second Street. (We first reported on this arrival back on Sept. 3.)
Mark Garcia, a former chef and partner of sushi bar Gaijin in Astoria, is among those behind this venture that features a 16-seat Omakase bar and a small dining area. There's a cocktail lounge coming soon.
According to the Kissaki website, they'll offer lunch and dinner service. The omakase menu in the evening runs $160 for 12 pieces of seasonal nigiri, three kaiseki-style prepared plates and one dessert.
As previously reported, the restaurant is the first retail tenant for the former Amato Opera. In January 2009, Anthony Amato, the company's 88-year-old founder, announced that he had sold the building that was home to the opera since 1964. Amato Opera staged its last performance in May 2009. (Earlier history: The four-story brick building was a cigar factory from 1899 to 1926.)
Steve Croman bought No. 319 in December 2008 for $3.7 million. The retail space had been on and off the market since at least 2012.
The retail listing had originally asked $34,995. A post on @TradedNY noted the 1,800-square-foot space went for $200 per square foot.
No. 319 also features three luxury residences, with monthly rents between $8,995 and $10,995.
Previously on EV Grieve:
• Life after the Amato Opera
• Costume drama on the Bowery as the Amato Opera empties out
• Amato Opera looks to be getting an encore as city OKs residential use
• Work permits arrive at the former Amato Opera on the Bowery
• Residential rentals at the former Amato Opera on the Bowery start at $10,995
• 2nd acts: Sushi counter for the former Amato Opera on the Bowery
