Uchi's izakaya bellies up to new River Oaks mixed-use development

Austin-based Hai Hospitality is bringing another concept to Houston. Uchibā, the bar-forward sibling of Uchi and Uchiko, will open in the RO mixed-use development in late 2027.

First opened in Dallas in 2019, Uchibā means “Uchi bar.” The concept is inspired by Japanese izakayas with a menu that includes yakitori grill items, baos and buns, dumplings, and sushi. Uchi classics like madai crudo, hama chili, and Brussels sprouts are also available. Those dishes are paired with cocktails, Japanese whisky, sake, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options.

The restaurant will occupy 4,400 square feet. It will offer 125 interior seats, 36 patio seats, 11 at the sushi bar and 17 at the beverage bar. Hai’s internal design team is working with architecture firm the Aria Group and interior designers Maybe Sometimes Studio on the restaurant’s design.

Hai has a significant presence in Houston, with high-end sushi restaurant Uchi, its live-fire sibling Uchiko, tasting counter Oheya, and two locations of Loro, its fast casual, Asian-influenced smokehouse.