Hai Hospitality will open its Japanese restaurant Uchi in Washington, D.C., this year, the company announced this week.
The eighth Uchi, created by chef Tyson Cole, is scheduled to debut late this year at 17th and M Streets in the U.S. capital’s central business district, the company said.
A Hai spokesperson said the D.C. location will draw design inspiration from the nearby National Geographic Museum of Exploration and from the Hong Kong film, “In the Mood for Love.”
In addition to Uchi, Hai Hospitality operates the Uchiko and Uchibā restaurant concepts.
“Expanding to D.C. is an incredible opportunity for us to continue evolving while staying rooted in what makes Uchi special,” Cole said in a statement. “Each Uchi location is shaped by the energy and character of its city, and we’re excited to immerse ourselves in D.C.’s dynamic culture.”
Hai Hospitality’s architect of record is Zebra and the interior design firm is Brooklyn-based Islyn Studio with design partner KPF. The concept will rely on “new modernism” style, a spokesperson said.
It will have 185 seats, including 18 at the bar, 14 at the sushi counter, and two private dining rooms that can be separated or combined.
The original Uchi, named after the Japanese word for “house” or “home,” has served Cole’s signature nontraditional Japanese cuisine in a refurbished South Austin bungalow since 2003.
The menu features hot and cold tastings, sushi, sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura and a seasonal omakase experience.
Uchi has locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Miami, Scottsdale, and West Hollywood.
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