Charlotte will soon welcome two new Japanese restaurant concepts. The restaurants will open a few days apart, offering Charlotte diners new Japanese dining options.
Uchi and Uchibā to Open Soon in Charlotte’s Commonwealth Avenue
Uchi and Uchibā are two new restaurants preparing to open in Charlotte. Uchi, founded by the James Beard Foundation award-winner Chef Tyson Cole, is set to open March 31, 2026, followed by Uchibā on April 3. Both will be located at 1720 Commonwealth Ave. in Plaza Midwood.
According to CEO Tony Montero, this marks the first time Hai Hospitality has opened two concepts at the same time. While Uchi offers a modern Japanese dining experience, Uchibā takes a more casual approach. The menus reflect the different styles of the two concepts while sharing Japanese culinary influences.
About the New Restaurants
Uchi is a modern Japanese restaurant founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. It seats 172 guests and offers several dining experiences. It includes an omakase, the main dining room, and a bar area.
Uchibā offers a more casual vibe and is located upstairs from Uchi. It brings an izakaya-inspired atmosphere and a menu that is influenced by Japanese street food. The rooftop space will offer cocktails and small plates, making it ideal for drinks or dinner with friends.
Uchi will open Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Uchibā will open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Sundays, Uchibā will open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Menu Highlights
Both will feature popular dishes such as Hama Chili, made with yellowtail, Thai chili, orange, and ponzu. The menu also includes sushi, sashimi, makimono rolls, cold plates, and hot dishes. It will offer refined classics to diners, while Uchibā brings a more balanced selection of traditional offerings.
The menu at Uchibā will focus on sushi along with items like bao, buns, and skewers. Chef de Cuisine Shaun King will also add dishes featuring seasonal North Carolina ingredients to the menu at both restaurants.
Together, the two concepts will offer both refined and casual Japanese dining options in Charlotte.
