A contemporary Japanese restaurant known for its “elevated non-traditional Japanese cuisine” is making its Boston debut.
Austin, Texas-based Uchi plans to open a new location at 374 Congress Street in the city’s Fort Point neighborhood, according to Nation’s Restaurant News (via Boston Restaurant Talk). The 7,100-square-foot space is expected to accommodate 210 guests, with 11 seats at the sushi counter, 17 at the bar, and a 26-seat private dining room that can be divided into two smaller rooms.
Uchi’s parent company, Hai Hospitality, has selected Islyn Studio to design the interior. The firm previously designed Uchi’s Washington, D.C., location and the Miami location of its sister concept, Uchiko. The Fort Point restaurant’s design will take inspiration from a seaside antique shop, blending Colonial architecture with “vintage Japanese-inspired craftsmanship” to reflect both New England’s history and Uchi’s Japanese heritage.
“We chose Fort Point because we wanted a neighborhood that reflects Boston’s rich history: its nautical roots as one of early America’s most important ports, and its role as the gateway to New England,” Hai Hospitality Chief Development Officer Todd Reppert said in a statement.
Founded in 2003 by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, Uchi is known for its contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine, pairing traditional techniques with unexpected flavors. The menu features inventive small plates, premium fish sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, and signature multi-course chef’s tastings.
Uchi is one of several concepts in Hai Hospitality’s portfolio. The company is also behind Uchiko, a smoke- and char-focused Japanese restaurant; Uchiba, a cocktail-forward concept; Oheya, an omakase tasting room in Houston; and Loro, an Asian smokehouse. Uchi currently operates ten locations across major U.S. markets—including Austin, Dallas, Denver, Miami, and Philadelphia—with four more on the way to Boston, Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Newport Beach.
“We’ve been looking to grow our presence in the Northeast, and Boston’s culture, community, and appreciation for diverse culinary perspectives drew our attention,” Hai Hospitality CEO Tony Montero said in a statement. “Boston’s strong fundamentals make it a natural next step for Uchi.”
Uchi is expected to open in Fort Point sometime in late 2027, though an official date has not yet been announced. For the latest updates, follow @uchirestaurants on Instagram.
AloJapan.com