Zumi Modern Sushi has officially made its soft-launch in Southlake at 2211 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 500, in the former CoolGreens space. Though still flying under the radar, the restaurant is already impressing locals.
Zumi is the latest project from local restaurateur Jackie Kaewlamduan, owner of Ka Thai and former partner at Yutaka Sushi Bistro, named one of "Travel + Leisure's Best Sushi Restaurants in America," and chef Pae Suphakit, a former sushi chef with Nobu. Though both founders are Thai, their passion for Japanese cuisine runs deep, blending traditional techniques with modern creativity.
The restaurant’s philosophy is a blend of balance, creativity and uncompromising ingredients and technique. That philosophy extends to the decor, where dining room is dark and sleek, featuring black marble tables, softly backlit U-shaped wall modules and a 10-seat L-shaped sushi bar at the center.
The opening menu features nigiri, sashimi and maki alongside a small selection of Japanese-inspired hot and cold plates. Guests will find classics like edamame, mixed tempura and crispy rice spicy tuna, as well as cold dishes such as hamachi serrano and salmon tataki. Sushi offerings are divided between familiar maki, think spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, salmon-avocado and California, with more elevated “modern” rolls, including the Sake Flame, Toro Special, Seared Tuna with Crispy Onion and Tuna Wasabi.
A cocktail-forward bar program anchors the experience, along with decadent desserts like chocolate mousse cake served with ice cream.
While the full grand opening is planned for the spring, Zumi Modern Sushi is already positioning itself as a reservation-worthy addition to Southlake’s dining scene.