News Summary
Pearl Hospitality Group has revealed plans to launch Norikawa, a new Japanese restaurant, in Downtown Northbank Brooklyn, Jacksonville in 2026. Located within the One Riverside development, the restaurant will span 4,500 square feet indoors and 2,000 square feet of patio space along the Riverwalk. The project, with a construction budget of up to $1.75 million, aims to create 30 to 40 jobs. Norikawa will feature an omakase dining experience and a luxurious outdoor dining setup, enhancing Jacksonville’s culinary offerings.
Jacksonville – Pearl Hospitality Group has announced plans to open a new Japanese restaurant called Norikawa in the Downtown Northbank area of Brooklyn, Jacksonville, in 2026. The new establishment will be situated within the One Riverside mixed-use development.
Norikawa will span 4,500 square feet of interior space, complemented by an additional 2,000 square feet dedicated to patio dining along the scenic Riverwalk. The estimated construction budget for Norikawa ranges between $1.5 million and $1.75 million, aligning with the ambitious scope of the One Riverside project, which totals $250 million and is currently under construction at 1 Riverside Ave.
The first phase of the One Riverside initiative is expected to be completed by September and includes 225 residential apartments valued at $59.9 million. Norikawa aims to create approximately 30 to 40 jobs, with leadership roles potentially filled by employees from Pearl Hospitality Group’s existing Norikase Japanese restaurant.
Following the model established by Norikase, Norikawa will offer an omakase dining experience, featuring a chef-designed multi-course tasting menu. The a la carte pricing at Norikawa will range from $75 to $100, while the omakase experience will be priced between $175 and $250. This positioning aligns the restaurant with high-quality dining experiences reminiscent of the parent company’s other operations.
The Pearl Hospitality Group is part of the larger Bento Group, which manages nearly 50 restaurants throughout Florida, notably including Michelin-starred establishments. Noteworthy restaurants under this group comprise Camille and Kosen in Orlando, along with Sorekara, which boasts two Michelin stars. Despite this impressive pedigree, Jacksonville has not yet applied for Michelin ratings, as confirmed by Visit Jacksonville.
Financial backing for Norikawa comes from investors affiliated with other Michelin-rated restaurants operated by the Bento Group, reinforcing confidence in the project. Additionally, Pearl Hospitality Group plans to leverage its current seafood restaurants effectively to achieve cost efficiencies in purchasing ingredients, optimizing operational costs for the new venue.
Described as an upscale modern restaurant, Norikawa’s patio is expected to attract patrons during pleasant weather, encouraging guests to take advantage of the outdoor dining experience. A patio bar will also be available for visitors exploring the nearby Emerald Trail, enhancing the restaurant’s appeal to both locals and tourists.
Initially, Norikawa will operate exclusively during evening hours; however, there are plans to consider lunch service in the future based on the restaurant’s operational success.
The location for Norikawa holds historical significance, as it was previously the site of the Florida Times-Union campus, which functioned from 1967 until its demolition in 2019. The 18.8-acre site is undergoing enhancements to McCoys Creek, transforming it into a park that will link to the Emerald Trail, further revitalizing the Downtown area.
Moreover, Norikawa is not the only project on the horizon for Pearl Hospitality Group, as plans for the upcoming Koto restaurant signal a broader expansion in Jacksonville’s culinary landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Pearl Hospitality Group Plans Norikawa Japanese Restaurant
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Colliers: Clark Norikawa
- Google Search: Norikawa restaurant Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Beachside Seafood Restaurant New Owners
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville restaurants
- What Now: Pearl Hospitality Group Aiming for Michelin-Level Dining
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michelin star restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
