Katsuya, the internationally-acclaimed culinary concept from sbe’s Disruptive Restaurant Group (DRG) and renowned Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi, opens its doors in New York City, marking its highly-anticipated expansion into the Northeast.
In 2006, sbe founder, Sam Nazarian, opened the first Katsuya in the heart of Brentwood alongside Chef Uechi, known for his innovative style and expert execution of traditional Japanese sushi.
Nazarian’s commitment to high-end design and intricate hospitality, combined with Master Chef Uechi’s unique cuisine, took the LA scene by storm.
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Katsuya quickly gained a cult following amongst Angelenos, celebrities, and industry elite alike, with frequent visitors including Jim Carey, Tyler the Creator, Tom Hanks, Kate Hudson, and more. The opening was dubbed, “the most-watched restaurant in the country” by Angeleno Magazine, the release discloses.
“With Disruptive Restaurant Group, we set out to partner with some of the world’s top culinary talent and have continued to bring these collaborations to fruition. I am thrilled to continue to expand our working partnership with Chef Katsuya, who so skillfully translates Japanese flavors and techniques to the American palate, and is steadfastly aligned with our vision to make Citizens at Manhattan west a culinary epicenter in New York,” Sam Nazarian.
The release states, “Katsuya’s New York location features Chef Uechi’s signature dishes including Crispy Rice, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Seared Tuna with Japanese Salsa, Albacore Sashimi with Crispy Onion, Salmon Caviar, as well as a selection of dishes specific to New York like Spiced Beef Toban, A5 Wagyu Sukiyaki, Manhattan Maki and Hiramasa Wara Yaki.”
“We have been overwhelmed by the response to Katsuya across the US and are so grateful that our menu and design are resonating so strongly with diners. New York City is one of the top culinary destinations in the world and we are excited to make our mark on the city,” Chef Katsuya.
“Boasting nearly 7,000 square feet of space,305 seats, and designed by renowned architect and designer David Rockwell and his award-winning firm Rockwell Group, Katsuya at Citizens features a robata and sushi bar within a large dining room, an adjoining 100-seat rooftop terrace, and two private dining spaces that fit up to 10 and 44 guests.
The design is inspired by the rich traditions of Japanese craftsmanship and artistry, such as kabuki theater, the deep red color of the urushi lacquer throughout the restaurant, and in the laser-cut logo, nodding to a fundamental Japanese art and interior design concept called ma, or negative space.
Adjoining Katsuya within Citizens New York is an innovative cocktail lounge, S Bar, featuring a fresh cocktail menu designed by award-winning mixologist, Yael Vengroff.
Named Best American Bartender by the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail, Vengroff’s menu is built around crafting visually stunning cocktails that combine simple spirits with unexpected ingredients like aloe vera, yuzu tonic, and umami bitters.
Complementing the inventive cocktails is a Katsuya-inspired menu which includes dishes like yellowtail jalapeno, Albacore Sashimi, and Pop Rock Shrimp with a spicy ponzu mayo. Rockwell Group’s design for S Bar explores the materiality of mother of pearl and oyster shells and features a mirrored bar, textured ceiling, rippling fabric chandeliers, and surrounding velvet drapery to create a sultry, intimate guest gathering.
Katsuya and S Bar’s opening in New York signifies the brand’s continued expansion into the biggest culinary hotspots in the world, as well as the enthusiastic reception from a diverse range of audiences,” the release explains.
Who is ready for some Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice?!
Photography by: Courtesy Katsuya
