Nakazawa Expands Sushi Reach to New York with DoorDash-Exclusive Hi Dozo
New York City diners will soon have access to a more accessible taste of acclaimed chef Daisuke Nakazawa’s sushi, as Hi Dozo, his delivery-only concept, prepares to launch its first brick-and-mortar location in Midtown Manhattan. The expansion, announced on March 10, 2026, marks a significant step for the brand, which initially gained traction through ghost kitchens in Los Angeles in May 2024 and operates exclusively through the DoorDash platform. This move signals a broader strategy by both Nakazawa and DoorDash to reshape the landscape of sushi dining, blending convenience with high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship.
Hi Dozo, which translates roughly to “Hi. Here you go,” represents a departure from the formal omakase experience offered at Nakazawa’s flagship West Village restaurant, Sushi Nakazawa. Whereas the original restaurant is known for its meticulously crafted twenty-course meals and carries a price tag exceeding $190, Hi Dozo aims to provide a more casual and affordable option, with sets ranging from $29 to $54. These sets include nigiri, sashimi, and rolls, packaged in color-coded, modular to-go boxes, alongside accompaniments like edamame, futomaki, wasabi, ginger, and Nakazawa’s signature soy sauce blend. A DIY hand roll kit is also available for $29.
The forthcoming restaurant near Rockefeller Center will offer both takeout and dine-in options, a key element of the expansion according to Alessandro Borgognone, founder of Nakazawa and Hi Dozo. “We wanted to get a showcase location with a sophisticated feel where you can sit down for lunch or dinner as well as takeout,” Borgognone stated. The company is also planning a brick-and-mortar location in West Hollywood, marking its first expansion beyond ghost kitchens in Los Angeles, and has future plans to extend Hi Dozo to Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Houston.
A Homecoming for Nakazawa and a Shift in DoorDash’s Strategy
The New York expansion holds particular significance as a return to the city where Chef Nakazawa first gained prominence. Sushi Nakazawa, which opened in the West Village in 2013, quickly became a highly sought-after dining destination, earning a four-star review from The New York Times critic Pete Wells in 2013 and securing a Michelin star. The Michelin Guide continues to recognize the restaurant’s culinary excellence. A second Sushi Nakazawa location opened in Washington, D.C. In 2018, initially within the Trump International Hotel (now the Waldorf Astoria), as reported by DC Eater.
However, Hi Dozo’s approach differs significantly from its acclaimed counterpart. Rather than a destination for a traditional omakase experience, the new location is intended to function as a production hub for widespread delivery, leveraging DoorDash’s extensive network. This aligns with DoorDash’s broader ambition to evolve beyond a simple delivery service and establish itself as a comprehensive dining ecosystem. The company has been aggressively repositioning itself in this direction, according to reporting by Eater New York.
DoorDash’s Expanding Role in the Dining Landscape
In September 2025, DoorDash launched “Going Out,” a reservations feature allowing users to book tables and earn dining-related credits through the app. This feature is powered by the company’s $1.2 billion acquisition of SevenRooms in 2023, a restaurant management platform specializing in table management, VIP tracking, and guest data. As Eater New York detailed in January 2026, this acquisition allows DoorDash to consolidate delivery orders, in-person reservations, and rewards programs into a single customer profile, providing both restaurants and the platform with unprecedented insights into dining habits.
This strategy is already being tested in New York City, with a select number of restaurants, including Thai Diner and Sushi Noz, now offering reservations exclusively through DoorDash. DashPass subscribers, who pay approximately $10 per month for free delivery and other perks, gain access to exclusive reservation slots. DoorDash is also hosting reservation-only dining events in the city, further solidifying its position as a key player in the dining experience.
The Legacy of Jiro Ono and Nakazawa’s Culinary Journey
Daisuke Nakazawa’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in his training under Jiro Ono, the legendary sushi master featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi (IMDb). Nakazawa honed his skills at Ono’s Sukiyabashi Jiro restaurant in Tokyo for over a decade before bringing his expertise to New York City. His dedication to sourcing the highest quality ingredients and mastering traditional techniques is evident in both Sushi Nakazawa and Hi Dozo, despite the latter’s more accessible format.
The creation of Hi Dozo was driven by a desire to extend Nakazawa’s reach beyond the exclusive omakase experience. The concept allows a wider audience to enjoy his signature sushi, albeit in a more streamlined and convenient manner. By partnering with DoorDash, Nakazawa is able to leverage the platform’s logistical capabilities to deliver his creations to customers throughout New York City and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation
The opening of the Hi Dozo brick-and-mortar location in New York City is expected within approximately eight months. The company has not yet announced the exact location, but it will be situated near Rockefeller Center. This expansion, coupled with the planned openings in West Hollywood, Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Houston, demonstrates Nakazawa’s ambition to establish Hi Dozo as a national brand.
The success of Hi Dozo will likely depend on its ability to maintain the quality and consistency that have become synonymous with the Nakazawa name. The partnership with DoorDash is crucial as the platform’s delivery infrastructure and customer base will play a key role in reaching a wider audience. The evolving relationship between DoorDash and the restaurant industry, particularly its increasing involvement in reservations and exclusive dining experiences, will also be a significant factor in shaping the future of Hi Dozo and the broader culinary landscape.
The next step for Hi Dozo will be finalizing the location and build-out of the New York City restaurant, with an anticipated opening in the fall of 2026. Consumers can expect further updates on the official Hi Dozo website and through DoorDash’s platform.
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