NIPO brings ‘new dining language’ to Newcastle

A new restaurant is bringing Japanese precision and Brazilian fire to Newcastle as its creators set their sights on national and international expansion.

NIPO will open on Newcastle Quayside this September, introducing a Japanese-Brazilian dining concept from the team behind Rio Brazilian Steakhouse.

Taking inspiration from Nipo-Brasileiro, meaning Japanese-Brazilian, the concept celebrates the cultural links between the two countries, particularly São Paulo’s significant Japanese community.

Its menu will combine Japanese techniques with Brazilian cooking, featuring seasonal tasting menus and à la carte dishes alongside a live sushi station.

Precision-cut sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes will be complemented by robata-style cooking and Brazilian fire, including flame-cooked picanha and sharing plates.

A drinks menu will continue the theme through cocktails incorporating Japanese techniques and Brazilian infusions, alongside a curated wine selection.

Bosses say NIPO aims to create a distinct “new dining language” rather than simply combining dishes and ingredients from the two cuisines.

Rodrigo Grassi Duarte, co-founder of NIPO, said: “We’ve been developing NIPO for the last two years, looking at how we could create something genuinely different, not just another restaurant, but a concept with its own identity, energy and sense of discovery.

“São Paulo is such an important part of the story. 

“It has this incredible Japanese-Brazilian community, where Japanese precision and respect for ingredients have become part of Brazilian culture. 

“That connection gave us the inspiration for NIPO and the idea of creating our own interpretation of that meeting point.”

Rodrigo added: “RIO has always been about energy, theatre, generosity and creating experiences people remember. 

“NIPO takes that DNA and reimagines it through a completely different lens.

“It’s more refined, more unexpected and more considered, but the same belief runs through both: exceptional food, genuine hospitality and an experience that stays with you.

“What makes NIPO particularly exciting is the strength of the connection between Japan and Brazil. 

“Both cultures have a deep respect for quality, craftsmanship, hospitality and bringing people together, but they express those values in very different ways.

“NIPO brings those worlds together in a way that feels distinctive, contemporary and relevant, creating something that is not just a fusion of two cuisines, but a completely new experience.”

Howard Eggleston, co-founder of NIPO, added: “NIPO has been two years in the making, and that time has been about building a concept with a clear identity and genuine long-term ambition. 

“Every detail has been considered, from the food and drinks to the design, service and atmosphere, because we’re not simply opening a new restaurant in Newcastle. 

“We’re establishing a brand that we believe has the potential to grow nationally and internationally.”

The Newcastle opening will be the first location for the concept, which has been developed with further growth already in mind.

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