Temaki With a View: Pharrell‑Backed Nami Nori Debuts Beside Atlantic Park’s Surf Lagoon

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Surf meets sushi at the Oceanfront. On Oct. 11, 2025, New York–born hand‑roll bar Nami Nori opened at Atlantic Park, 1892 Pacific Ave., beside the city’s new surf lagoon. Co‑owned by local luminary Pharrell Williams, the temaki specialist arrives with national buzz and a beach‑house feel—raising the stakes for casual Japanese dining in Virginia Beach.

Founded by chefs Taka Sakaeda and Jihan Lee with partner Lisa Limb, Nami Nori champions crisp, open‑face temaki that emphasize texture, temperature, and creativity. The made‑to‑order format keeps things approachable while showcasing technique that’s earned the brand national attention.

Set on the surf‑view edge of Atlantic Park, the Virginia Beach outpost overlooks the Wavegarden‑powered lagoon—an only‑in‑VB “surf and sushi” pairing. The 84‑seat space includes a cocktail bar, flower‑trimmed patio, a 12‑seat private dining room, and the anchoring Temaki Counter for front‑row assembly. Vegan and gluten‑free options are noted on reservation platforms…

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