Kinjo at 155 Washington St. in Newark — Courtesy: Urby
By Joshua Burd
A Japanese-inspired restaurant has opened its doors in downtown Newark at the base of the newly delivered 250-unit Urby apartment building.
Known as Kinjo, the eatery at 155 Washington St. is the brainchild of owner Jamie Knott, a renowned chef who has collaborated with business partner Robert Palmer, according to a news release. Its menu, curated by Knott and Executive Chef William Sanders, has 120 seats and a full bar, offering a contemporary interpretation of Japanese cuisine with a diverse selection including dumplings, bao, sushi rolls and Ramen.
“We are thrilled to introduce Kinjo to Newark Urby, a thriving enclave that draws its vitality from Newark’s diverse and dynamic spirit,” said David Barry, founder and CEO of Urby. “Kinjo reflects our dedication to nurturing a lively atmosphere and extending a welcoming hand through an exceptional dining experience and public space.”
A joint venture between Barry’s firm and LMXD recently opened Urby Newark after restoring and modernizing a historic 18-story Art Deco tower adjacent to Rutgers University. It’s among the latest properties to open under the Urby banner, which places a strong focus on community events and resident experiences, a concept that includes a distinctive food and beverage experience next to the lobby to create an energetic community hub.
Knott is a restaurateur behind establishments in Jersey City, including Madame and Cellar 335, as well as the Saddle River Inn, the news release said. Kinjo marks his fifth venture in the culinary world, offering five separate but cohesive dining areas, with design touches such as coral pink alligator wallpaper and a wall-to-wall, hand-painted Japanese-inspired mural in the dining room.
“Newark is a city known for its cultural hub and diverse dining options,” Knott said. “We are thrilled to bring Kinjo to this dynamic community, adding another vibrant thread to Newark’s dining fabric. Kinjo aims to be more than a restaurant. It’s a neighborhood gathering place, inviting Urby residents and the surrounding community to enjoy modern Japanese-inspired cuisine and create memorable moments in a welcoming and approachable setting.”
It’s among the newest amenities for a building that also includes a rooftop terrace with grills, a large fitness area with a yoga studio, a fully serviced resident coworking area and a private dog park. The property also includes a 4,000-square-foot Rutgers-Newark Welcome Center.
