After months of construction and anticipation–not to mention plenty of pandemic-related stops and starts–Banff Hospitality Collective's new Japanese restaurant will officially open tonight. Hello Sunshine is not just the most buzzworthy eatery to open up in the mountain town this year, but rather, in all of Alberta.

One part sushi bar, one part sit-down restaurant, one bar Japanese whisky bar (Tiny Bar), and one part karaoke bar, there is much to be intrigued about when it comes to this multifaceted concept.

Hello Sunshine's funky design comes courtesy of a collaboration between celebrated architect/interior design firms Frank and Little Giant and features a charming abundance of wood paneling from floor to ceiling on nearly every wall. The open concept kitchen and bar are tucked in the back with two focal point indoor fire pits (of sorts) and fabric panels hanging from the ceiling grabbing your attention. On the back of the bar, you'll notice a psychedelic art installation that reveals the face of a woman depending on where your viewpoint is. On another wall, look for the striking projection artwork that offers some subtle animations every so often.

Stroll past the bar and down the hall to find two private karaoke rooms peppered with vintage radios and sports equipment...and past those you'll find Tiny Bar. The six-seat bar–dimly lit by vintage chandeliers–offers an array of Japanese whisky and cocktails along with small bites from the kitchen. In the coming weeks, a special tasting menu will also be offered in the cozy room by the restaurant's chef Kaede Hirooka.

When it comes to the food, there's a lot of playful Japanese-inspired dishes conjured up by Hirooka. After garnering a healthy following in Calgary with his fusion popup Respect The Technique, Hirooka has brought his imaginative culinary mind to Banff where he serves up bites like Hickory Stick-crusted karaage chicken, a fun beef tartare play on pressed sushi garnished with slivers of cooked egg, chilled eggplant in an umami-ridden mushroom broth (a must order) and the "chicken-fried" nori crisps (also a must order).

One of Hirooka's right-hand men is sushi chef Yuki Koyama (formerly of Calgary's Sukiyaki House) who prepares a range of nigiri, sashimi and hand rolls. For something a little unorthodox, try the Dynamite Lobster hand roll with tempura lobster, pistachio, tarragon, kewpie mayo and crispy nori (pictured above along with the karaage and chicken-fried nori).

When it comes to drinks, there is plenty on offer here with many drinks naturally embracing Park Distillery's spirits–produced just down the road. The Yuzu Negroni is already being positioned as a signature drink. It's much brighter than the Italian classic it is inspired by, and makes for an easy summer sip.

Hello Sunshine is located at 208 Wolf Street in Banff and opens at 5 p.m. nightly, seven days a week.