Hot New Uptown Restaurant
Uptown Dallas rooftop scene flowers via exotic new Asian restaurant
Uptown Dallas, stand by for an exotic new Asian-fusion restaurant called Nikkei, from Imran and Asim Sheikh, owners of the hot Uptown bar Citizen. They describe this new concept as vibrant, experiential, and the first of its kind in Texas. It will open in fall 2016 at 2404 Cedar Springs Rd., in the former Medici space.
The word "Nikkei" is said to have multiple and diverse meanings, but in the cuisine world it represents a combination of Japanese and Peruvian influences. The cuisine has been popularized by Nobu Matsuhisa, founder of the Nobu chain, which has a branch at the Crescent in Dallas.
Sample dishes at Nikkei will include Lima Lomo, featuring a beef filet with picante teriyaki and cranberry salsa, and Nikkei sushi, with yellowtail, tomato, jalapeño, coriander, and yuzu soy.
"Nikkei is one of my favorite cuisines," says Imran Sheikh. "The restaurants in Lima that serve it are so, so good."
There'll be a heavy emphasis on "relatable" cocktails, such as Mitsuharu's Old Fashioned, featuring Japanese whiskey and hand-cut ice cubes. More inventive offerings include a drink called Hachi's Buzz, with chamomile tea-infused pisco, Junmai sake, and honey liqueur, garnished with dried chamomile buds.
Nikkei will stay open late on the weekends, with entertainment unfolding as the night goes on, for guests who wish to continue their evening beyond dinner. As befits Uptown, there will be weekend brunch.
The space will also feature an expansive, energetic rooftop bar called Mizu. That's a scenario reminiscent of Asian restaurant Uchi Dallas with its second-story bar-restaurant, Top Knot. The gauntlet has been thrown.
Nikkei joins Stirr, a new restaurant that the partners are opening in Deep Ellum. Serving as Nikkei's main financier and an investor in Stirr, as well, is Anthony Kim, the former PGA golfer who lives in Dallas.
"We are confident Nikkei and Stirr will be well-received additions to Dallas' thriving culinary scene," Imran says.
In addition to Citizen, Imran and Asim — who despite having the same last name are not related — have owned, invested in, or been involved with local bars including Purgatory, Zouk, and So&So's.