STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Nan Lin, manager of Empire Outlets’ Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse and Nori Sushi, wants you to know one thing.
“We were worth the wait.”
The long-awaited Asian fusion spot — which opened its doors Friday, July 30 — has been three years in the making (including a hefty delay due to the coronavirus pandemic), but Lin promises the steakhouse’s meticulous attention to detail will impress and delight diners.
“We really put time and care into selecting the right contractors and designers. I think we put together a pretty amazing space.”
Wasabi opens at Empire Outlets on Friday, July 30, 2021. Courtesy, Empire Outlets
But it isn’t just the sprawling 7,500-square-foot joint Lin wants you to get excited about.
“We’re introducing a new type of Asian fusion restaurant [which is currently] missing in St. George. There’s just no type of restaurant that serves our type of food in that area. I think we’ll be filling a big niche that’s missing there.”
Taking a something-for-everyone approach, Wasabi Steakhouse offers diners two different experiences; on one end, there is a hibachi concept that boasts table-side cooking with veteran chefs. On the other, a fast-casual sushi bar where diners can pick their own sushi roll.
The steakhouse, which allows for in-person and to-go dining, also features kung fu and bubble tea selections.
Wasabi opens at Empire Outlets on Friday, July 30, 2021. Courtesy, Empire Outlets
WHY STATEN ISLAND?
Lin, a 12-year veteran whose family has been part of the restaurant business for decades, originally hails from Manhattan and has spent the past few years managing his four other Wasabi Steakhouse locations. But, he said, he and his partner “always wanted to find a way to come back to this city.”
Cue Empire Outlets.
“It’s an amazing outlet. It’s a really modern space and [when] we saw the advertising [and] the rendering it looked amazing, and we knew we had to be there.
“Staten Island offers what Manhattan doesn’t.”
Added Joseph Ferrara, principal at BFC Partners: “We have been actively building up our dining options at Empire Outlets to meet the demand of our patrons and are thrilled to welcome Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse and Nori Sushi to our food and beverage deck.”
Wasabi opens at Empire Outlets on Friday, July 30, 2021. Courtesy, Empire Outlets
Wasabi Steakhouse is open weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Currently, it is only accepting walk-ins, but will begin accepting reservations starting Aug. 15.
For more information on Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse and Nori Sushi — and the other eating opportunities at Empire Outlets — visit the Empire Outlets website.
The steakhouse is located on the outer edge of the fourth floor of Empire Outlets.
Empire Outlets is located at 55 Richmond Terrace, just a short walk from the St. George Ferry Terminal.