Kata Robata, a Houston restaurant opened by Yun Cheng and Manabu Horiuchi, a Japanese-born chef. A press release said that 13 years later, the pair announced their partnership to open Katami, which will be a sushi-forward restaurant. It will showcase chef Hori’s vision of American Japanese cuisine.
Katami is set to open in spring at the former location of Houston’s iconic restaurant Vincent’s on West Dallas, between Montrose and Dunlavy. Abel Design Group designed the space, which will have 150 seats inside and 50 on the patio. There will also be a bar and lounge area.
Katami means “gift” or ‘keepsake in Japanese. Houston diners will certainly look at the restaurant in this way. Chef Hori says that Kata Robata was founded 13 years ago to be a Japanese restaurant offering something for everyone. Katami will offer the best sushi, as Kata Robata still serves ramen, robata and sushi. As a token of appreciation to Houston, where I have made my home and built my career, I will share my first love — sushi.
Chef Hori will rely on his relationships with Japanese fishmongers in order to source the best Japanese seafood for Katami. Kata Robata is proud to offer fish that has been caught from Japan within 20 hours. Katami will also follow this standard. Chef Hori will follow the same recipe he used for years but incorporate Japanese ingredients and local purveyors.
Katami’s menu will feature sashimi and nigiri as well as hand rolls. The Japanese hot pot-inspired dish wagyu sushiyaki will be served tableside. Toro tartare with Kimchi Sauce and Japanese milk bread are also highlights. Houstonians are advised to expect to spend a lot, since there is a strong emphasis on luxury accessories, such as foie gras and caviar service.
Katami will have a bar and lounge area with a focus, as well as a selection of premium fish cuts. A selection of wines, including a variety of reserve bottles and a large list of sakes, will be available at Katami along with cocktails. There will also be a selection Japanese whiskeys.
Yun says, “We are excited about a new project.” “Chef Hori and Kata Robata’s team have been performing at the highest level for over 13 years and we are ready for a new challenge. This location, at the intersection Montrose and River Oaks, will be a great addition to our space. We look forward to welcoming guests.
Although it took 13 years to create a worthy sequel to Houston’s most acclaimed restaurant, all indications point to it being worth the wait.
