Chotto Matte Soho closes for dramatic restyle

Nikkei restaurant chain Chotto Matte will be temporarily closed as the venue undergoes a dramatic restyle. 

After almost a decade of service, the flagship site will close its doors this month, with the transformation set to be completed by September. 

Founder Kurt Zdesar brought the brand – which offers a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culture and cuisine – to Soho in 2013. Now, the reimagined restaurant will debut a stylish lounge bar, new menu additions and reworked cocktails. The redesign will see floors, ceilings, walls and furniture engulfed in hues of green, purple and orange. 

As a nod to the Peruvian landscape, tropical foliage will be present throughout the restaurant. The brand's most iconic features will be carried over, including Japanese lava stone, shou sugi ban wood and wall art inspired by Tokyo's urban culture. The venue has been designed by award-winning architect and long-standing brand partner Andy Martin Architecture.

Guests will still enjoy the theatrics of the sushi counter and upstairs open kitchen, complete with a new robata grill. 

Star dishes of the Soho branch include the likes of yellowtail 'Nikkei sashimi' with jalapeño, coriander and yuzu truffle soy; wagyu sirloin with truffle teriyaki sauce; and black cod aji miso with chilli miso marinade, yuzu and chives.

Executive chef Jordan Sclare is currently working on adding new surprise items to the menu to complement the classics, including the introduction of a new bottomless Nikkei Brunch for Saturday goers.

The Chotto Matte concept is preparing for global expansion, bringing its signature Nikkei experience to cities across the UK and beyond. Confirmed upcoming sites include San Francisco, Los Angeles, Nashville and Philadelphia, in addition to Manchester in the UK, and Doha and Riyadh in the Middle East. These will join current sites in Marylebone, Miami, Toronto and the flagship Soho restaurant. 

Of the Soho renovation, Zdesar comments: "From ceiling structure to the furniture color palette and shapes, the Soho flagship will be a sneak peek into our future restaurants. We can't wait for our guests to re-discover Chotto Matte Soho and experience the new features!"

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