Hai Hospitality unveils Uchi LA in the heart of West Hollywood. Uchi, translated from the Japanese word meaning “house,” is scheduled to open on Thursday, Dec. 7.
Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchi LA promises a distinctive and non-traditional interpretation of Japanese cuisine. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, the restaurant will introduce an exquisite fusion of elevated culinary delights and unrivaled hospitality that has become synonymous with the brand.
Chef Cole’s journey began in 2003 when he transformed a South Austin bungalow into the first Uchi location, aiming to bring intimacy and collaboration to the sushi bar experience. Since then, his innovative approach to sushi has captivated guests worldwide. Uchi LA will continue this tradition, offering a menu featuring hot and cold dishes, including sushi, sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura and a changing omakase based on seasonal ingredients.
Visitors to Uchi LA can anticipate familiar favorites alongside LA-exclusive menu items. Highlights include seasonal tempura showcasing rotating vegetables from Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, pan-seared Hotate scallops with vermouth foam, strawberry-black garlic xo sauce, citrus and Thai basil buds, as well as a curated Toyosu fish list at the sushi bar, featuring special pieces like Kaluga caviar topped with creme fraiche, chives and crispy shallots.
“It has long been a dream of mine to bring Uchi to the West Coast, so I couldn’t be more thrilled about the upcoming opening of Uchi LA,” says Executive Chef Cole, in a recent press release. “Los Angeles is one of the most vibrant and exciting culinary cities in the country, with some of the best sushi in the world, and we’re so excited to be a part of that, not to mention, the support we’ve already received from the community has been incredible.”
The interior of Uchi LA, masterfully designed by LA-based ORA, blends Los Angeles and Japanese design to create a multi-sensory dining experience. The space, located on the ground level of the Nine Thousand One residential development, spans just over 6,000 square feet.
“The goal from the very start was to choreograph an experience. As soon as you arrive, you are introduced to the primary design element – a screen of large vertical wood slabs harvested from LA street trees – pulling you into the space,” says James Guillou, associate principal of ORA, in a press release. “These slabs are tightly spaced at first but open to reveal dynamic views as you turn the corner, creating a sense of transformation that continues as you move through the space. All your senses are engaged, and you feel connected to the street outside, the city beyond, and all the small details combine to create an experience to match Uchi’s beautiful cuisine and exceptional service.”
Uchi LA will mark Hai Hospitality’s sixth Uchi location, joining the ranks of Uchi Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston and Miami. Uchi LA will be open Sunday through Thursday from 5:50 to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.uchirestaurants.com.
9001 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 101
West Hollywood, CA 90069