Casual Japanese cocktail bar and restaurant Uchibā is joining its sister restaurant Uchi in Plaza Midwood’s Commonwealth development this coming year, according to the release. Uchibā will be located above Uchi in the development and will have its own menu and entrance. Both are expected to open in early 2026.
Uchibā will offer a 2,200-square-foot interior featuring a 24-seat bar and a 38-seat dining room. There will also be a 1,500-square-foot rooftop that will seat 60.
Uchibā is designed to offer a more bar-focused, intimate atmosphere that complements Uchi. It is inspired by Japanese izakayas and will focus on providing a space to socialize and gather. The design will feature plush lounge seating around the central bar. The Hai Design Studio, Hai Hospitality’s in-house design team, is working with local interior designer Mother Studio on the spot.
James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole is behind both Uchibā and Uchi. In Charlotte, both restaurants will share chef Shaun King as chef de cuisine. King formerly led the kitchen at Japanese restaurant Uchiko Houston. The menu at Uchibā will feature small plates such as baos, buns and shareable bites.
“It has been a monumental year for Charlotte’s food scene, from Top Chef to becoming a Michelin star city,” King said in the release. “I am so energized by the talent and community here, and I can’t wait to become a part of Charlotte’s culinary identity.”
This location will be the third for Uchibā, joining the spot that opened in Dallas in 2018 and one that opened in Austin in 2023. In addition to Uchi, Hai Hospitality also operates Uchiko, Oheya in Houston, and LORO Asian Smokehouse and Bar.
“With two Uchibā’s already thriving in Dallas and Austin, cities whose social scenes and growth mirror Charlotte’s, I am eager to watch this concept become a staple for guests in the Queen City who are looking to enjoy the same stellar expertise and service found at any of our restaurants, but in a more approachable environment like our stunning, spacious rooftop or right in front of the action at the bar,” Tony Montero, CEO of Hai Hospitality, said in the release.
