A new sushi restaurant is opening its doors downtown Friday.
Baru will open in the former Midici space in the 84.51° building at 595 Race St. This elevated sushi and cocktail concept will have a large focus on its atmosphere and unique menu, all centered around its bar, which has been strategically placed to be the focal point of the restaurant.
The idea behind Baru is stay-and-drink sushi, inspired by izakaya, which are beloved Japanese establishments where guests can stay, drink and unwind long into the night. Its menu aims to be sophisticated but approachable with fresh fish flown in daily, American and Japanese wagyu and shareable items. It will also offer omakase meals, where guests leave dining decisions up to the chef.
Baru chef Robert Grace utilized his excitement for Japanese cuisine to craft the menu. Grace grew up in Tennessee and Georgia and his training is steeped in Southern-style cooking. But his skills evolved and were sharpened through his work in the Providence, Rhode Island, and Nashville food scenes and he’s earned several awards.
“I’m a food nerd, and I get excited about teaching people about food, where it comes from, and how and why it’s made,” Grace said in a press release. “I love amazing ingredients that stand out. Getting people to try items they might never have had and seeing their eyes light up. That’s why I do this. That’s what Baru will do.”
On the menu, you can expect to find offerings like Fried Chicken and Caviar, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna and Champagne and Scallops. Grace says Baru’s menu will also change seasonally, so there will always be something new to experience.
Owner Tyler Wogenstahl says he wants Baru to be a place where people go for a date, a celebration or just because.
“We really wanted to make this spot our own – not just occupy the former operator’s space,” Wogenstahl said. “We’ve worked with some amazing partners to reinvent the space and we can’t wait to welcome customers looking for a curated dining experience in the heart of downtown Cincinnati."
As for the cocktail menu, Baru is keeping things classic, with a spirit-forward approach that’s both welcoming and refined and that showcases the good things that come from a bottle: sake, wine and champagne.
Baru’s grand opening celebration will be Friday, April 14. They’ll be open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. You can make reservations on their website starting Wednesday, March 29.
Baru, 595 Race St., Downtown. More information and reservations: barusushi.com.
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