Back in 2018, I said that Houston’s first location of Kura Revolving Sushi Bar “provides novelty through quality.” Let’s put it this way: When I eat conveyor belt sushi, I don’t expect firm, well-cooked rice, fresh fish, and flavorful preparations. But that’s exactly what the more-than-480-location Japanese-originated brand provides.
According to Kura Sushi USA’s public relations and social media manager, Lauren Murakami, Virginia’s first link in the chain will open at 8461 Leesburg Pike in Tysons by the end of 2022, though she clarified that the timing is subject to change. Via email, Murakami explained that the brand chose Tysons because of its lively community. “The upcoming Tysons Corner location is in close proximity to residents, offices, and premier shopping centers, whereas our Washington D.C. restaurant is approximately 12 miles away in the heart of the Chinatown District and feel that there will be minimal market overlap,” she said.
At Kura, a conveyor belt encircles the booths and diners simply snatch their choices from pods that help to keep the fish fresh and germ-free. Slots in the tables count the signature green plates as diners dispatch of them. Above the conveyor belt, an express belt ferries dishes ordered on the tables’ touch-screens directly from the kitchen like an edible bullet train.
My personal favorite dishes at Kura include red snapper nigiri with tangy yuzu pepper, umami oil seared beef, and crispy, flaky yellowtail cheek. As the plate count grows, diners accrue prizes like stickers and toys, making overindulgence even more fun than it already is. Murakami also hinted in her email at a new addition to the high-tech party: robots. “Kurabots assist our servers by delivering drinks and condiments to your table,” Murakami said.
Will there be more Kuras sprouting up in NoVA? Though Murakami says there are no current plans to open another Virginia location, we can only hope that the fast-growing company may just expand even more in our region if this Kura is a success.
8461 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
Feature image by Jakob Layman for Kura Sushi
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