The Omakase Restaurant Group, renowned for creating some of the Bay Area’s most celebrated dining destinations, has officially unveiled its newest and most ambitious hospitality venture: Omakase World Market. Opening its doors on June 16 at 800 Gateway Boulevard within the Gateway of Pacific campus, a premier BioMed Realty property in South San Francisco, the expansive destination introduces a new model that combines elevated dining, workplace hospitality, wellness, and entertainment in a single vibrant setting.
Best known for operating acclaimed restaurants ranging from the popular Dumpling Time to the Michelin-starred Niku Steakhouse, Omakase Restaurant Group has built a reputation for delivering exceptional culinary experiences across diverse cuisines. With Omakase World Market, the company is bringing together six distinct food and beverage concepts under one roof for the first time, creating a destination designed to serve both professionals working in the region’s thriving biotechnology hub and members of the broader community.
Spanning approximately 50,000 square feet, the new venue has been designed as an all-day gathering place where guests can enjoy chef-driven cuisine, socialize, relax, and participate in wellness and recreational activities. The concept reflects the growing demand for workplace environments that prioritize employee experience, community engagement, and lifestyle amenities alongside traditional office functions.
A Destination Designed Around Community and Connection
At the heart of Omakase World Market is the belief that food has the power to bring people together. The venue has been envisioned as more than a dining hall or food court; it serves as a community hub where individuals can gather throughout the day, whether for breakfast meetings, casual lunches, after-work drinks, or social events.
“Great food creates community,” said Kash Feng, Chief Executive Officer of Omakase Restaurant Group. He described the new market as a thoughtfully curated gathering place featuring some of the company’s most successful restaurant concepts alongside entirely new offerings developed specifically for the location.
According to Feng, the group’s mission remains focused on delivering high-quality food and beverages that are expertly prepared and represent a broad range of culinary traditions and flavors.
The project also aligns closely with BioMed Realty’s vision for the Gateway of Pacific campus. As life sciences and biotechnology companies increasingly compete for top talent, modern workplaces are evolving to offer more than office space alone. Amenities that support wellness, collaboration, and employee satisfaction are becoming essential components of workplace design.
Bob Nowak, Senior Vice President of Operations at BioMed Realty, emphasized that Omakase World Market enhances the campus by introducing a unique combination of hospitality-focused dining, wellness experiences, and community-oriented programming.
Redefining the Workplace Experience
The launch of Omakase World Market comes at a time when organizations are rethinking how physical workplaces contribute to employee engagement and productivity. Rather than treating dining and amenities as secondary considerations, many employers are investing in experiences that encourage collaboration, social interaction, and well-being.
Omakase World Market represents a fresh approach to workplace hospitality by blending elements of a neighborhood restaurant district, a curated food marketplace, and a lifestyle destination. The venue is designed to serve Gateway of Pacific tenants throughout the day while remaining open and welcoming to residents, visitors, and travelers passing through South San Francisco’s innovation corridor.
Employees at Gateway of Pacific also benefit from access to a state-of-the-art fitness center and wellness-focused spa. These facilities include modern health amenities such as red light therapy and sauna experiences, creating an environment that supports both professional performance and personal well-being.
The result is a destination that encourages people to stay, connect, and recharge throughout the day rather than simply stopping by for a quick meal.
Six Distinct Culinary Concepts
A defining feature of Omakase World Market is its collection of six unique culinary brands, each offering a distinct dining experience.
The Butcher Shop by Niku
One of the market’s flagship attractions is The Butcher Shop by Niku, marking the second location of the popular concept. Inspired by the expertise behind San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Niku Steakhouse, the venue specializes in premium meats, exceptional wagyu beef, and its highly regarded smash burgers. The concept has become a favorite among meat enthusiasts throughout Northern California and brings a premium steakhouse pedigree to a more casual setting.
Campo
Campo delivers the comforting flavors of a neighborhood Italian eatery. Guests can enjoy a menu featuring handcrafted pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, sandwiches, and salads. Designed to provide approachable yet elevated Italian cuisine, Campo offers options suitable for both quick lunches and leisurely meals.
Cuisinett
Drawing inspiration from classic French culinary traditions, Cuisinett offers a contemporary take on rotisserie dining. The concept emphasizes carefully prepared proteins, fresh ingredients, and flavorful salads, combining traditional French techniques with modern convenience.
Dumpling Time
One of Omakase Restaurant Group’s most recognizable brands, Dumpling Time brings its celebrated menu of handcrafted dumplings to the market. Known for blending authentic Asian culinary traditions with California-inspired freshness, the concept has developed a loyal following through multiple successful locations across Northern California.
Ichiba by Omakase
The roots of Omakase Restaurant Group lie in Japanese cuisine, and Ichiba by Omakase continues that legacy. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared sushi, sashimi, nigiri, specialty rolls, and other Japanese favorites crafted with premium ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.
Kyoto Senses
Completing the culinary lineup is Kyoto Senses, a café and bakery inspired by the serene tea culture of Kyoto. The concept focuses on creating a mindful and immersive experience through carefully crafted beverages, pastries, and baked goods that reflect Japanese traditions and aesthetics.
Elevated Beverage and Evening Experiences
As the day transitions into evening, Omakase World Market transforms into a social destination. Beverage Director Franco Bilbaeno has developed a curated drinks menu featuring signature cocktails, mocktails, wines, and craft beers.
Guests can pair their beverages with light bites and tasting selections drawn from the market’s six culinary concepts, creating opportunities to sample a wide range of flavors in a relaxed setting.
The evening atmosphere is further enhanced by the venue’s entertainment offerings, which are available to all visitors. These include a pool table, a TopGolf Swing Suite simulator, and classic arcade games, providing interactive experiences that encourage guests to linger and socialize.
Hospitality-Inspired Design
The design of Omakase World Market reflects a hospitality-first philosophy, drawing inspiration from luxury hotels and contemporary social spaces rather than traditional workplace cafeterias.
Warm wood finishes wrap the interior walls and ceilings, while layered ceramic tile surfaces and rich timber accents add texture and visual warmth. Large windows fill the space with natural light, creating an inviting environment that feels open and connected to the surrounding landscape.
One of the venue’s most distinctive architectural features is a massive 20-foot NanaWall system that seamlessly connects the indoor and outdoor environments. When opened, the wall extends the dining experience onto an expansive outdoor deck complete with a bar, fire pit, and trellised seating area.
The outdoor space takes full advantage of South San Francisco’s temperate climate, offering guests a comfortable setting for dining, meetings, social gatherings, or simply unwinding after a busy day.
A New Culinary Landmark for South San Francisco
With its combination of chef-driven dining, wellness amenities, entertainment experiences, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces, Omakase World Market represents a bold new chapter for both Omakase Restaurant Group and South San Francisco’s growing innovation district.
By bringing six celebrated culinary concepts together in one destination, the venue creates an experience that extends far beyond traditional workplace dining. Instead, it offers a dynamic environment where food, hospitality, wellness, and community converge—setting a new standard for how modern campuses and mixed-use destinations can serve the people who work, live, and visit there.
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