Popular Norwalk Restaurant Announces Closure Of Current Location, Says It Is 'Not The End'

NORWALK, CT — Bar Bushido, a popular traditional Japanese izakaya from acclaimed chef Jeff Taibe, announced on social media over the weekend the restaurant will close at its current address in Norwalk later this month.

According to a message posted to their Instagram page Saturday, the restaurant's final day of operation at 51 Wall Street will be Nov. 28, however the post also noted the closure is not planned to be the end of Bar Bushido.

The restaurant officially opened for business in January 2025 with an aim to offer a space for customers to enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks in a comfortable atmosphere, according to Taibe.

In their Instagram post, owners Taibe and Steph Sweeney and their Bar Bushido team thanked customers for helping to grow the restaurant into something bigger than they originally imagined for nearly two years.

"We're incredibly proud of what we built together and grateful for the people, friendships, memories, and experiences that made Bar Bushido what it is today," the post reads.

The owners also thanked their team for all their hard work and encouraged customers to come by for another meal or drink before they close this month.

"We'd love to cook for you one more time," the post reads.

In addition to announcing the closure, the post also teased the future of the restaurant.

"This is the end of our time at 51 Wall Street, but we know it's not the end of Bar Bushido. It's simply the end of this address," the post reads. "Thank you for being part of our story."

A request for comment from Bar Bushido was not immediately returned.

One unique aspect of the Bar Bushido experience is the difference between its front and back areas.

Taibe told Patch last year the front of the restaurant primarily functions as a bar, offering food and drinks in a loud, casual and fun atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the back of the restaurant serves as a quieter handroll bar.

Orders in front are also placed directly by customers through QR code machines throughout the bar, for which guest wifi is provided.

Guests seeking a more traditional table service experience can dine in the back area, according to Taibe.

The menu at Bar Bushido offers a variety of items for customers to enjoy over drinks, including crab rangoon croquettes, pork katsu pockets, ramen and a wide selection of yakitori.

The restaurant also features an inventive rotating cocktail menu and a wide selection of other drinks.

Plans for Bar Bushido were first announced in November 2024 ahead of its opening in early 2025.