Hai Hospitality will unveil Uchi Newport Beach in 2026 under the culinary direction of James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole.
Chef Tyson Cole; ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HAI HOSPITALITY
The Austin-based restaurant group Hai Hospitality—known for its beloved concepts Uchi, Uchiko, Uchibā and LORO Asian Smokehouse & Bar—has set its sights on the West Coast with the 2026 debut of Uchi Newport Beach.
Located at 2510 West Coast Highway, Uchi Newport Beach will introduce sushi master and James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine to locals. Expect curated hot and cold chef’s tastings, sushi, sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura and an ever-changing omakase inspired by the season. There will also be a selection of Newport-exclusive menu items.
Uchi's Hama chili includes yellowtail, ponzu, Thai chili and orange supreme
“We are excited to be expanding in Southern California, and I love the vibrant fine dining scene in Orange County,” shares chef Cole. “Securing a highly visible spot in the center of the county’s Gold Coast region is very difficult, and we are excited to be able to partner with a local developer who has spent several years entitling and permitting a unique spot for our new restaurant. Newport Beach is a dream destination for Uchi, and we’re incredibly honored to bring our unique culinary experience to this remarkable community.”
Nigiri
Uchi has already gained a cult following at its other seven locations across West Hollywood, Scottsdale, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston and Miami. A location in Charlotte, North Carolina will follow the opening of its Newport Beach outpost.
See you in 2026, Uchi!
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