Ichiban Fusion has opened in Norwich selling sushi

Many will recognise Francisco Papica IV from his time as head chef at Ciscoe's in Ber Street.

He revealed that he left the restaurant at the end of September to start afresh at Ichiban Fusion.

The restaurant opened on October 30 in the former home of The Tamarind Tree.

Franciso Papica IV is the head chef at Ichiban Fusion (Image: Denise Bradley) He said: "This is an exciting and new experience.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to create fresh tastes and ideas.

"I've always had a passion for being a chef and I want to pass my skills and experience on to a new younger generation. 

"While I am doing that it will keep me young."

Ichiban Fusion has opened in the former Tamarind Tree (Image: Denise Bradley) Francisco has teamed up with his wife, Julia, and their friend, Peerada Johnson, who runs the Thai Herbal Spa which moved into the site in 2022. 

Ms Johnson explained: "I was actually thinking about closing the spa.

"This is a beautiful building but it is just too big for us.

Peerada Johnson runs the Thai Herbal Spa which is also on the site (Image: Denise Bradley) "Julia said that she wanted to open a restaurant and brought in her chef husband, Francisco.

"We managed to turn the whole place around in a month. 

"We are getting there and Francisco has lots of experience so that has been great!"

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The restaurant specialises in sushi but has a range of dishes on the menu (Image: Denise Bradley) Ichiban Fusion serves a range of sushi including Omakase platters where Francisco freestyles - no platter is the same.

It is also offering curries, bento boxes, ramen, pad Thai and a range of cocktails.

• The restaurant is open on Wednesday evenings, for lunch and dinner service from Thursday to Saturday, and between 12pm and 5pm on Sundays.