A new restaurant taking shape in McLean hopes to shake up the local dining scene by fusing traditional Japanese cuisine with western techniques and flavors.
Taking the place of another Japanese eatery, Tami Sushi, Sho Sushi & Izakaya anticipates opening at 6828D Old Dominion Drive sometime in February, according to co-owner Pattie K, who asked to be identified by her first name.
The restaurant promises to deliver “premium casual Japanese cuisine with a Western twist,” per its Instagram bio. Pattie says the concept was inspired by the 10-plus years that she and the other founders have spent working in the Japanese restaurant industry.
“The vision for Sho Sushi & Izakaya took shape from our deep-rooted passion and love for delivering exceptional Japanese dining experiences,” she told FFXnow by email. “We wanted to take this passion a step further by curating a dining experience that honors the essence of Japanese flavors while introducing a modern touch.”
As suggested by its name, Sho will serve sushi and izakaya-style small plates, which can include grilled meat skewers, fried chicken (karaage), gyoza and other Japanese bar food. The menu will also feature fusion dishes, such as a pan-roasted halibut with miso dashi risotto, shiitake mushrooms and a yuzu sauce.
Western staples like ravioli will be infused with “subtle touches of Japanese ingredients and techniques that enhance and balance the flavors,” Pattie says.
“At Sho, we aim to create a dining experience that is not only visually stunning but also a celebration of the seamless harmony between two rich culinary traditions,” Pattie said. “This unique approach ensures that each guest discovers something unexpected and memorable, setting us apart from other Japanese restaurants in the area.”
Sho will join a growing scene for Japanese dining in McLean, opening on the same block as the recently launched Otosan Ramen and near mainstays like Miyagi Restaurant and Tachibana.
Still, the team is confident that their unique spins on Japanese and western cuisine will distinguish them from the competition.
“The area is not only vibrant and growing, but it also has a community that appreciates quality dining experiences,” Pattie said. “McLean’s accessibility and its reputation as a hub for discerning diners made it an ideal choice when we sought a space for our new concept.”
Signs have been installed on the storefront, and an ABC license to allow alcohol service is still pending. The roughly 1,800-square-foot restaurant will be able to seat about 40 to 45 guests at a time, according to Pattie.
“We’re proud to bring this vision to McLean and are excited to build lasting connections with the community and share our passion,” she said.
