New York’s sushi boom is showing no signs of slowing down. The owner of one of Manhattan’s favorite omakase restaurants is currently gearing up to launch a brand new concept on Houston Street.
Linda Wang first founded Ume back in 2018 when she partnered with her friend, renowned sushi chef Danny Zhang to open an innovative new Japanese restaurant in Williamsburg. With a background grounded in graphic design, Linda had never intended to be a restaurateur growing up but quickly discovered that she was well-suited for the job and turned Ume into a smash hit. Leaving the food to Zhang’s discretion, Linda took over the design and transformed the space into something that “looks like a little cottage house you may find somewhere in an old, beaten, off the path street.”
Now only a few years after the successful launch of Ume, it appears that Linda will be opening a brand new sushi restaurant at 96 West Houston Street, between La Guardia Place and Thompson Street. Shikan Sushi is described by Linda as a small prix-fixe sushi restaurant with reservations only. Currently in the process of applying for the license, Shikan is also expected to serve an exclusive selection of beer and wine.
Moving into a former laundromat that previously occupied the location, Linda will transform the 800 square feet of space into a fabulous new sushi restaurant with her own signature sense of design. Featuring a single sushi bar in the center with 14 seats, Shikan is expected to be an exclusive and intimate experience – perfect for special occasions.
What Now New York previously covered another one of Linda’s projects a few months ago – Shinn East 2. At the moment, it is unclear whether or not Linda will partnering up with Chefs Zhang and Lian for Shikan. Regardless, no matter who she partners with, Linda’s aesthetic vision is guaranteed to shine through.
