Family-friendly Nomai restaurant opening expected by end of year at former Rustic Kitchen site

August 11, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer

Restaurateur Brian Moy got the green light from the Hingham Select Board Tuesday night to open Nomai at the Derby Street Shops -- offering a new culinary experience -- when they approved his application for common victualer, all-alcoholic beverages, and entertainment licenses.

Nomai -- Moy's seventh restaurant -- is expected to open by December of this year, or earlier, after moving into the space formerly occupied by Rustic Kitchen. His other eateries include China Pearl in Quincy and Shojo in Boston and others in Chinatown.

Nomai offerings will include New American cuisine with an Asian flair, a raw bar, appetizers for sharing,  and large-format dishes for group dining, among others.

Kristen Scanlon, representing Moy in requesting the licenses, said the restaurant will have something for all ages, including families and couples out on a "fun date night." Moy and Manager Baron Bui attended the remote meeting.

Moy is eager to open a restaurant in Hingham. Five years ago, he stumbled across the Rustic Kitchen space and thought it would be the perfect place for him to open a "great Asian restaurant," according to Scanlon. When he learned more recently that the Rustic Kitchen was closing, he jumped at the opportunity.

The 6,300-square-foot restaurant includes a seasonal patio that will be open from April through October. There will be 130 indoor seats and 45 outside.

Hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The entertainment license applies to background music and televisions only. The liquor license that was granted for Nomai is the one now available with the closing of Rustic Kitchen.

Moy plans to hire 50 to 60 employees for Nomai and aims to hire locally.

Select Board Chair Joseph Fisher finds it "impressive" that Moy is stepping up to begin "this new venture in Hingham" during COVID times. "I'm sure [the Hingham community] will be there to support your efforts. [During this meeting] you've succeeded in making us all hungrier than we were before!"