Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, Oro Nami, the new sushi and cocktail restaurant, is open for business. After opening on June 25, co-owner Harrison Furman explained that “in just a few short weeks, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive.”
Furman, a full-time Florida resident, has roots in New Jersey and began his career in Washington, D.C. Furman’s years of living and working in D.C. helped shape his understanding of what makes a restaurant special.
“I grew up with a deep appreciation for food, people and delivering exceptional experiences. That influence has stayed with me, fueling my professional path and personal passions,” Furman said.
It was this lifelong passion, combined with a desire to bring something fresh to the D.C. kosher scene, that ultimately inspired him to launch Oro Nami.
“Oro Nami was born from that vision: a modern, elevated kosher sushi concept designed to be a welcoming, stylish destination for all — Jewish and non-Jewish alike,” Furman said.
Of course, opening a restaurant isn’t so simple. Furman noted that the biggest challenge he faced with the launch was “breaking into a new market and introducing something as niche as kosher sushi.”
When he first walked into the building, David Zakar, a full-time program manager and kosher food blogger, described it as having a “speakeasy kind of feel.”
“I think [it’s] terrific,” Zakar said. “A date-night restaurant hasn’t really existed in the kosher community here, and this seems to be the first one I’ve seen.”
After returning for the second time within a week, Zakar continued to explain what drew him to Oro Nami.
“The atmosphere is just absolutely excellent if I’m looking for a romantic date night place for my wife,” he said. “The food was really good, which certainly doesn’t hurt. But having the aesthetic as much as having the food is important.”
Zakar, who has been blogging about kosher dining for over a year at kosherfoodanddrink.com, also said Oro Nami stood out for its service.
“The waiter came by quite a bit to check on us and ask us how things were going. I felt that it was very friendly. The service looked very happy to me. I have no complaints,” he said.
Zakar believes Oro Nami is on track to stand out from other kosher dining options in the area.
“They have sashimi options I have not seen at any of the sushi offerings in the local stores, and I think that as they enhance their menu with more appetizers and differentiate from store offerings more, they will really find their niche as a restaurant.”
With three owners, Oro Nami is spearheaded by Dino Lonzano, the experienced visionary; Harold Willner, the “undisputed king of sushi,” as Furman likes to call him; and Harrison Furman, the passionate businessman.
“I’m a proud foodie, especially when it comes to sushi. While I didn’t grow up keeping kosher, I’ve become more observant since college, and along the way, I kept asking myself: ‘Why can’t kosher food be delicious?’” Furman said. “With the support and shared vision of my incredible partners, that idea became a reality.”
The co-owners at Oro Nami all play important roles, according to Furman.
“Dino Lonzano is a master of customer experience, branding and design, known for his impeccable attention to detail. He’s [also] the visionary behind Market Street Diamonds in D.C.,” Furman said.
Willner is the master of the food.
“From Baltimore to Rockville, if you’ve enjoyed kosher sushi in the DMV, there’s a good chance Harold had a hand in it,” Furman said.
When asked about Oro Nami’s typical customer, Furman explained, “Someone who loves high-quality sushi, appreciates great food, craves a cool, welcoming vibe and enjoys a well-crafted drink.”
Oro Nami doesn’t only serve Jews.
“Since day one, we’ve welcomed a diverse crowd, including many non-Jewish guests,” Furman said. “The beauty of Oro Nami is that our sushi is so exceptional, most people don’t even realize it’s kosher, and when they do, they’re blown away.”
Zakar thinks the restaurant has lasting potential.
“A lot of what causes a kosher restaurant to succeed or fail doesn’t really have anything to do with the restaurant concept or even the location. It’s also a lot about how they’re managed. Based on what I know of them, I think [Oro Nami] has a fair shot at it,” Zakar said.
Furman has already heard nearby city goers ask when and where Oro Nami is opening next.
“Whether it’s the hottest spot for date night, the top choice for young professionals or the best kosher lunch escape, Oro Nami is poised to redefine what people expect from kosher dining,” Furman said.
Amy Hollander is a Washington Jewish Week intern.
