The Chef Behind ARA NORI
An award-winning sushi chef, now cooking in Glastonbury.
Chef Chris
Chef Chris came to the United States with a passion for food and a determination to build something from nothing. After years in sushi preparation, he earned a sub-lease partnership at Nordic Fish & Sushi in Fairfield County, where he spent 7 years building a loyal following.
His career includes recognition in Moffly Media's Best of the Gold Coast Connecticut Sushi category (2021-2024), CommunityVotes Bridgeport's Sushi category as a Platinum winner (2024-2026), and first place at the 2025 Route 66 Sushi Chef Competition in New Jersey. These honors predate ARA NORI's Glastonbury opening.
"I wanted to create a place where anyone, young or old, sushi expert or first-timer, could walk in, order with confidence, and eat something extraordinary. No confusion. No intimidation. Just great food, fast."
That vision became ARA NORI. A café-style space in Glastonbury, Connecticut that combines premium sushi, fresh poke bowls, and Korean-style K-Cupbop under one roof. The fish is sashimi-grade and the sauces are made in-house.
How We Got Here
Awards
Best of the Gold Coast Connecticut
Moffly Media · Sushi Winner
CommunityVotes Bridgeport
Sushi · Platinum Winner
Route 66 Sushi Chef Competition
New Jersey · First Place
What ARA NORI Stands For
Premium, Not Pretentious
We use sashimi-grade fish and fine-dining technique, but the shop is a casual café. No reservations, no dress code.
Easy to Order
Plenty of people love sushi but find ordering it confusing. Our menu lists what's in every dish, so regulars and first-timers can both order with confidence. Same goes for the Korean bowls.
Gluten-Free Options
Many rolls and bowls are made without gluten ingredients. Look for the GF tag on the menu and tell us about any allergy when you order.
Three Cultures, One Kitchen
Japanese sushi, Hawaiian-style poke and Korean cupbop, made in one kitchen.