Japanese restaurant to open in Fells Point

Baltimore is getting a new Japanese restaurant this spring — Kannon, which will specialize in familiar finger foods such as sushi and sashimi.

Set to be located in Fells Point, Kannon was described in a news release as an “izakaya” or casual Japanese tavern that serves drinks and appetizers.

“The goal is to bring a moderately priced, neighborhood-driven, izakaya experience to Baltimore that celebrates the art of Japanese cuisine in a casual and lively atmosphere,” Alex Smith, founder and president of the Atlas Restaurant Group, wrote in the news release.

He added that Kannon was inspired “by my travels to Japan, Los Angeles and New York.” Alex Smith is the nephew of Baltimore Sun owner David D. Smith, who is a partner in some Atlas restaurants.

Kannon’s menu will include handrolls (larger than-bite-sized pieces of sushi), sashimi (raw fish), nigiri (vinegared rice topped by raw fish or meat) and crudo (raw fish marinated in a citrus sauce). The restaurant also will serve drinks intended to enhance the flavors of the fish: handcrafted cocktails, sake and beer.

Atlas’ newest restaurant will be located in the historic E.J. Codd building, 1429 Aliceanna St. It will reflect a Tokyo-underground aesthetic with a modern vibe, according to the news release, and will include exposed wooden beams, brick walls and stone design elements. No specific launch date was included in the release.

“I am excited to add Kannon to our city’s growing culinary landscape,” Alex Smith said.

Have a news tip? Contact Mary Carole McCauley at [e-mail] and 410-332-6704.