In late November, Liyan Jin, a U.S. Army veteran, opened Sushi Mori at 4980 Edison Ave., in a newly constructed building in the parking lot in front of Asian Pacific Market. Jin designed the modern, minimalist space herself, anchored by a long sushi bar along the back wall. Her sushi chef brings 30 years of experience to the restaurant, preparing fresh seafood that arrives plated with the care and precision of edible art. It’s a feast for the eyes before the first dip into soy sauce — and the sushi tastes as good as it looks.

Jin brings deep industry experience to her latest venture. Born to Korean parents in mainland China, she immigrated to the U.S. as a young adult and settled in Los Angeles. In 2000, she joined the U.S. Army, working as a health inspector. She was stationed at Fort Carson in 2010 and completed her military service in 2019.

Following her service, Jin opened China Café in Castle Rock, which she operated until selling the restaurant in December 2024.

For her new venture, “This building in Colorado Springs was just being built, so we were able to design the interior exactly how we wanted,” Jin said.

The extensive menu includes appetizers such as edamame, gyoza, takoyaki (fried rice balls filled with seafood), shrimp tempura, chicken karaage and seaweed salad. Sushi and sashimi offerings range from nigiri — including tuna, salmon and hamachi — to sushi moriawase platters (assorted sushi or sashimi), along with classic rolls such as California, spicy tuna and dragon rolls. Rice bowls and entrées include chirashi bowls, teriyaki dishes, udon and yakisoba. Bento boxes and tempura combinations are served with soup and salad.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Details: 719-559-0007, tinyurl.com/4jub4z7a.

REINVENTING THEMSELVES

As the new year begins, several eateries are changing hands or refreshing their identities with new concepts. Here’s a look at restaurants debuting — or reemerging — in early 2026.

— Ambli Kitchen + Bar, 5278 N. Nevada Ave., has charted a new course. As of Dec. 25, the restaurant closed its celebrated global cuisine concept and will reopen as an Italian grill concept. Co-owners Pariza Mehta, Ricardo Morffin and Kelly Morrison said the decision came after careful consideration of what would best suit the location.

“After much reflection, we’ve come to an important conclusion: the Ambli name doesn’t carry the clarity or strength we need to truly thrive in this space,” the trio shared in a statement. “And so, with humility, gratitude, and renewed excitement, we’re turning the page. We will be rebranding with an Italian concept, Ricky’s Italian Kitchen, which will be warm, cozy, and inviting.”
The refreshed concept is expected to debut in mid to late January. In the meantime, the owners want customers to know all gift cards to Ambli Kitchen + Bar will be redeemable at the new Italian concept once open. The gift cards are not redeemable at Latin Social, also owned by the trio, as it is a separate business.

— Jasmine Andrews, owner of NaRai Thai Restaurant, 805 Village Center Drive; NaRai Siam Cuisine, 120 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.; and White Lotus Café and Bakery, 13141 Bass Pro Drive, served her final pad thai at the Rockrimmon location on Village Center Drive on Dec. 28.

“I opened this restaurant in 2014 when my son was just 5 months old,” Andrews said, gesturing to her son, home from Marine duties and helping for one last shift. “Now that I’ve recently opened White Lotus in a building I was able to purchase, we decided to sell this restaurant and focus on White Lotus and the other NaRai on Cheyenne Boulevard.”

The Rockrimmon NaRai is under contract to be sold and will be another Thai eatery if the deal is finalized.

A SLICE ABOVE

Pizzeria Rustica has once again proven it’s at the top of its game. The neighborhood favorite at 2527 W. Colorado Ave. has been named Pizza Company of the Year–Mountain West by Pizza Today as part of its annual PIE Awards.

Jay Gust, president and chef of Ascent Restaurant Group, said the national recognition underscores the consistency and passion behind the brand. Just a few years after landing on Food Network’s list of the top 52 pizzerias in the country, Gust said the latest honor confirms that Rustica’s approach continues to resonate well beyond Colorado Springs.

Hours are 5-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Details: 719-632-8121, pizzeriarustica.com.