Twenty years after opening Uchi in South Austin, James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole brings his beloved Japanese restaurant concept to Scottsdale.
Uchi’s omakase menu will change with the seasons.
What started as a non-traditional Japanese restaurant in a refurbished old home in South Austin is now a phenomenon. Chef Tyson Cole is bringing Uchi—the Japanese word for “home” or “house”—westward, with outposts opening soon in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, adding to the current roster of restaurants in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Denver and Miami.
Consisting of a range of small plates, from seasonal omakase to a brown butter crab handroll to wagyu with garlic chive and miso, Uchi’s high-end dishes balance beautifully with the welcoming service, all offered in an equally warm environment.
Chef Tyler Cole
This all stems from the man behind it all. Cole, a James Beard Award-winning chef, trained in Japan, New York and Austin under two sushi masters. When asked what diners can expect vibe-wise from the forthcoming restaurants, he offers an enthusiastic answer: “[They will be] extremely fun and guest-focused—the food is always the star.”
Tucson-based hazelbaker rush and AV3 Design Studio converted the former Bandera restaurant into a high-end Japanese-style haven, with additional kitchen space and a brand-new outdoor patio.
Inside, the teams have created two large sculptural wood ceiling features on either side of the restaurant to create a cozy, intimate dining experience.
Foodwise, expect creative and delicious dishes enhanced with the freshest ingredients around. Cole, who names José Andrés, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa as chefs he looks up to, created a Scottsdale menu filled with Uchi hits including the famous Hama Chili (yellowtail, ponzu, Thai chili and orange supreme) and location-specific dishes like grilled lamb sirloin with kabocha puree, pickled kabocha and a cranberry ginger relish. Also on offer are daily specials, omakase and so much more. Opening January 2024, 3821 N. Scottsdale Road, uchirestaurants.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF HAI HOSPITALITY; RENDERING BY ORA
