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 Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, 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.
Howard Eggleston, Co-Founder of 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 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 of 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 idenDty, 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.”
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.”
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.
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 cites, and that connection provides the
starting point for NIPO, bringing the energy and hospitality of Brazil together with Japanese
craft, precision and technique.
