Uchi and Uchibā will open soon in Plaza Midwood
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Uchi in Charlotte. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Uchi and Uchibā will open later this month in Plaza Midwood.
Why it matters: Charlotte is getting two nationally recognized Japanese brands at once. The dual debut marks the Austin-based group's first Carolina outpost and one of Commonwealth's highest-profile restaurant openings.
Driving the news: Uchi, an award-winning restaurant specializing in Japanese fare with a twist, opens Tuesday, March 31.
- Uchibā, its sister bar upstairs, follows Friday, April 3.
The vibe: Uchibā's rooftop is positioned for after-work drinks, while Uchi offers a more immersive sushi bar experience.
Both restaurants will feature Uchi staples, including Hama Chili — raw baby yellowtail with Thai chili, orange and ponzu.
- Chef de cuisine Shaun King will lead both kitchens, incorporating seasonal North Carolina produce and locally sourced ingredients into each menu.
Context: Founded in 2003 by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, Uchi is known for non-traditional Japanese cuisine and its omakase experience.
- Menu highlights include tuna nigiri and salmon sashimi; ham and egg makimono with pork belly katsu and beer mustard; hirame usuzukuri (thinly sliced flounder with candied quinoa and olive oil); and Walu Walu, oak-grilled escolar with ponzu and candied citrus.
Zoom in: Translated as "Uchi Bar," Uchibā is an izakaya-inspired concept that debuted in Dallas in 2018 and Austin in 2023.
- The focus is craft cocktails, Japanese whisky and shareable plates. Its menu will feature a curated sushi selection, bao, buns and yakitori skewers.
What they're saying: "It's no secret that the city's culinary scene continues to reach new heights, and I'm energized to continue building relationships with other iconic establishments and chefs on that same mission and welcome dining experiences that can't be found anywhere else in the Queen City," King said in a statement.
If you go: Find the two new businesses at 1720 Commonwealth Ave. in the Commonwealth development in Plaza Midwood.
- Uchi: Sunday–Thursday 4–10pm; Friday–Saturday 4–11pm.
- Uchibā: Monday–Thursday 4–10pm; Friday–Saturday 11:30am–11pm; Sunday 11:30am–10pm.
