News Summary
Uchiko, a new Japanese restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, is set to debut in Miami’s Sunset Harbor. The stylish venue, designed by Islyn Studio, showcases a mix of tropical influences and Japanese aesthetics. With unique interior features and a focus on innovative cuisine, Uchiko aims to enhance Miami’s culinary scene and provide a memorable dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
Florida – A new Japanese restaurant named Uchiko is set to open in Miami’s Sunset Harbor, offering an innovative menu crafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. This highly anticipated establishment is a sister location to Uchi, a popular restaurant in nearby Wynwood, known for its creative Japanese cuisine.
The restaurant is designed by Islyn Studio, a New York-based design firm that has embraced a unique aesthetic combining elements of “tropical brutalism” and “Japanese deco.” Situated conveniently across the street from a marina and yacht club, Uchiko’s design captures the vibrant spirit of Miami Beach, intertwining local maritime influences with traditional Japanese motifs.
Inside Uchiko, diners will find an array of striking features that provide an immersive experience. A black host stand is adorned with woven fringe that echoes the design of Japanese thatched roofs. A concrete wall within the restaurant showcases pressed tropical foliage leaves, framed by large pebbles, mirroring the natural environment surrounding the venue. The bar area is particularly eye-catching, constructed from glass blocks in a deep blue-green hue that reflects light onto the venue’s soaring ceiling.
Interior Features and Atmosphere
The flooring of Uchiko is fashioned from mosaic marble tiles in shades of sea green, while larger ceramic tiles are incorporated into select tables and kitchen counters for added texture. The intimate teak wood booths are positioned within niches accompanied by louvred shutters, drawing inspiration from the area’s tropical architecture. In addition, the private dining room impressively features a fireplace built from monolithic carved stone slabs, accompanied by a long wooden table, creating a cozy atmosphere ideal for gatherings.
The moodiness of the private dining area is enhanced by rich textures and thoughtfully placed lighting designed by AE Design, contributing to the restaurant’s inviting ambiance. Unexpectedly, the bathrooms of Uchiko are lined with aubergine tiles, offering a surprising and vibrant shift in the overall color palette.
Design and Collaboration
Islyn Studio, founded by designer Ashley Wilkins, is renowned for their diverse range of projects, which include a Brooklyn veterinary clinic and a food hall in Albuquerque. Their work on a restaurant in Kingston, New York, was notably longlisted for the 2023 Dezeen Awards in the Restaurant and Bar category. The collaboration on the Uchiko project involved several contributors, including Form Group for architecture, Pineapple Procurement for procurement services, City Construction acting as general contractors, and AE Design, which provided the lighting design expertise. The photography capturing the intricacies of Uchiko’s design was completed by William Jess Laird.
Anticipation for Opening
As Uchiko prepares to open its doors, anticipation is building among food enthusiasts eager to explore the culinary offerings of Tyson Cole, which promise to merge traditional Japanese techniques with local Florida ingredients. The restaurant aims to provide not only a dining experience but also a visual and emotional journey through its unique design and atmosphere.
Uchiko is poised to become a notable addition to Miami’s vibrant culinary landscape, offering residents and visitors alike an innovative dining option that celebrates both Japanese culture and the local environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Dezeen: Uchiko Japanese Restaurant in Miami Beach
- Miami Herald: Uchiko Opening in Miami Beach
- The Infatuation: Best Miami Spice Restaurants
- Wikipedia: Japanese Cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Japanese Cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
