This September, NIPO arrives.

A new Japanese-Brazilian dining concept, NIPO will bring together an infusion of Japanese precision, and the unmistakable energy of Brazilian hospitality to create a dining experience unlike anything experienced in the city.

The first of its kind in Newcastle, NIPO will bring its Japanese-Brazilian identity to life through exceptional ingredients, meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, Brazilian fire, live sushi, a considered wine selection and cocktails inspired by the flavours and techniques of both cultures.

From the creative minds behind the popular Rio Brazilian Steakhouse brand, NIPO is more than a new restaurant, it is the first chapter of a concept created to travel with national and international expansion already in its sights.

NIPO takes its name and inspiration from Nipo-Brasileiro, meaning Japanese-Brazilian, reflecting the deep cultural connection between Japan and Brazil. São Paulo is home to one of the world’s largest Japanese communities outside of Japan, creating a unique meeting point between Japanese craftsmanship and Brazilian warmth, flavour and hospitality – the cultural connection at the heart of NIPO.

The team are bringing the fusion to life through a menu that moves effortlessly between delicate Japanese technique and the unmistakable energy of Brazilian fire. Expect fresh, premium ingredients throughout, from seasonal tasting menus to à la carte dining, with a live sushi station bringing an element of theatre to the experience. Precision-cut sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes will sit alongside robata-style cooking and Brazilian fire, including flame-cooked picanha and generous dishes designed to be shared.

The result is not simply Japanese food with Brazilian ingredients, or Brazilian food with a Japanese twist. NIPO is a new dining language inspired by the places, people and flavours where these two cultures meet.

Rodrigo Grassi Duarte, Co-Founder, NIPO said: “We’ve been developing NIPO for the last two years, looking at how we could create something genuinely different, not just another restaurant, but a concept with its own identity, energy and sense of discovery.

São Paulo is such an important part of the story, it has this incredible Japanese-Brazilian community, where Japanese precision and respect for ingredients have become part of Brazilian culture. That connection gave us the inspiration for NIPO and the idea of creating our own interpretation of that meeting point.”

The drinks offering extends the NIPO experience, with cocktails and wines shaped by its Japanese-Brazilian identity. Familiar serves take on a NIPO twist through Japanese techniques, distinctive ingredients and Brazilian infusions, alongside a carefully curated wine list selected to complement the menu.

Howard Eggleston, Co-Founder, NIPO said: “NIPO has been two years in the making, and that time has been about building a concept with a clear identity and genuine long-term ambition. Every detail has been considered, from the food and drinks to the design, service and atmosphere, because we’re not simply opening a new restaurant in Newcastle. We’re establishing a brand that we believe has the potential to grow nationally and internationally.”

NIPO naturally builds on the story of the existing RIO Brazilian Steakhouse brand. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are two of Brazil’s most iconic cities, and that connection provides the starting point for NIPO, bringing the energy and hospitality of Brazil together with Japanese craft, precision and technique.

Rodrigo added: “RIO has always been about energy, theatre, generosity and creating experiences people remember. NIPO takes that DNA and reimagines it through a completely different lens. It’s more refined, more unexpected and more considered, but the same belief runs through both: exceptional food, genuine hospitality and an experience that stays with you.

What makes NIPO particularly exciting is the strength of the connection between Japan and Brazil. Both cultures have a deep respect for quality, craftsmanship, hospitality and bringing people together, but they express those values in very different ways. NIPO brings those worlds together in a way that feels distinctive, contemporary and relevant, creating something that is not just a fusion of two cuisines, but a completely new experience.”

NIPO is coming.

Join the waitlist and be first to discover Newcastle’s newest dining destination – https://nipobraza.co.uk/#vip