Pharrell Williams Partners With Launchpad Hospitality on Two New Japanese Restaurants in Miami
Debuting Nami Nori and Matsuyoi in Miami before bringing them to his hometown of Virginia Beach.
The multi-faceted Pharrell Williams has partnered with the Launchpad Hospitality group for two new Japanese restaurant locations in Miami. Alongside the team, Skateboard P is bringing one of his favorite restaurants to the Design District of the vibrant Floridian city. Debuting Nami Nori and Matsuyoi, the projects combine one of New York’s best hand-roll restaurants with the creativity of a global visionary.
The new partnership marks the first time Nami Nori and Pharrell have worked together. The Nami Nori Miami outpost had opened in mid-December, but the second Japanese spot, Matsuyoi, aims to open this month. The is their first project since Pharrell joined Launchpad Hospitality group as a partner and advisor. Pharrell, who resides in Miami, wanted to bring these restaurants here first, before bringing them to his hometown of Virginia Beach.
Both Nami Nori and Matsuyoi are in the same building in the Design District. Matsuyoi takes over the upstairs area and offers a more upscale, intimate and moody spot. Chef Taka Sakeda crafted a multi-course menu that centers around open-style hand rolls, aka temaki. It is a 10-seat chef’s counter that is set around a cocktail bar and lounge vibe. There is an additional private dining room and terrace that can seat 14 people. Offering wine and sake pairing, Matsuyoi offers a more refined experience. The design is inspired by wood-block artist Kawase Hasui and sees the restaurant use shou sugi ban woods and black terra-cotta tiles in the bar area to complement the chef’s counter in dark stone featuring moss-green stools. Co-chef partners Sakaeda and Jihan Lee design signature hand-rolls featuring X.O. sauce scallop, tuna poke and spicy crab dynamite for Nami Nori, which is downstairs of Matsuyoi. Specializing in temaki, the space is a nod to Miami’s beaches, offering neutral tones, bright airiness and space.
Nami Nori is now open for reservations in Miami.
