Hai Hospitality, known for its acclaimed restaurants Uchi, Uchibā, Oheya and Loro, announced the opening of Uchiko at Legacy West in Plano, set for June 18, 2024. Reservations are now available for the new location at 7801 Windrose Avenue, Suite H150.
"When we first opened Uchiko in 2010 in Austin, it was an extension of what we were doing at Uchi," said Founding Chef and owner Tyson Cole. "It has evolved organically, spurred on by the creativity of our staff and their desire to experiment with new techniques and flavors. I love what we are doing with fire and smoke at Uchiko and I am really looking forward to what chef Steffen and the team will do in Plano."
Uchiko, meaning "child of uchi" in Japanese, was developed by Cole, the James Beard Award-winning chef, renowned for his non-traditional interpretation of Japanese cuisine at Uchi. This new location will emphasize smoke and char, setting it apart from its predecessor, but will also include Uchi's fresh and clean flavors.
The menu will feature beef from Japan, Australia and the U.S., alongside fresh fish flown in daily. Signature dishes include hama chili and yokai berry from the cool tastings, and karaage and A5 hot rock from the hot tastings. Unique to Uchiko is the "from the hearth" section, offering items like Japanese A5 New York strip, grilled scallops and hearth-roasted lobster, utilizing smoking and curing techniques.
The beverage selection includes Japanese whiskies, sake, spirits, beer, wine and crafted seasonal cocktails. Executive Pastry Chef Ariana Quant will offer exclusive desserts such as the lychee coconut sundae and apple tatin.
Chef de Cuisine Steffen Perico, a Dallas native, will lead the culinary team. "At Uchi, our dishes are clean and delicate, with a particular focus on acidity. At Uchiko, we view our technique through a more rustic lens, applying smoke and char to ingredients for a more robust flavor profile," said Perico.
The design, a collaboration between Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and Hai Design Studio, draws inspiration from the Texas Prairie with materials like heavy timber and textured cedar planks. The interior features custom light fixtures by Warbach Lighting, a fiber art wall by Ellen Bruxvoort and a walnut community table by SouthLoft Crafted Concepts.
Uchiko will be open from 4-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. daily.
To learn more about Uchiko Plano, click here.
Hungry for more? Check out our dining guide.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
