A new Asian fusion restaurant is planned for the former New Canaan Pizza space off of East Avenue.
Teriyaki East is about three weeks away from opening, according to owner Rafael Marin.
“It’s basically a hibachi to-go—we’re not cooking in front of the people, but it’s the same concept,” Marin told NewCanaanite.com. “
“It’s authentic Asian fusion cuisine, made from scratch,” said Marin, a Venezuela native and chef for 30 years. “Nothing frozen. We’re going to do our spring rolls, our dumplings, our vegetable stir fry. We’re going to do salmon, shrimp, chicken, steak. It will be a family-style hibachi takeout.”
Marin, who nine years ago opened the successful La Pescaderia restaurant next door, said the new restaurant at 53 East Ave. will have just four seats inside.
It’s expected to fill a niche in town, he said.
“There is nothing like this here,” Marin said. “There are a couple of Asian places like sushi and fancy Chinese, and I think this will fit with a young crowd.”
La Pescaderia has found a steady business in its “taco fiesta” parties for 200 people, including graduation parties for New Canaan High School families, and Teriyaki East will offer a similar hibachi-style package, he said.
Meanwhile, the change in ownership marks a formal end to New Canaan Pizza, which had served up Greek-style pies to locals for nearly 50 years. It was sold in 2017 by the Romas family, and reopened the following year as New Canaan Pizza & Taqueria, which closed last month.