Exclusive Spy Photos: Uchi’s “more casual, less expensive” restaurant, opening this fall

The Austin-based team behind Uchi Dallas is readying a “more casual, less expensive” restaurant to complement the already popular Japanese-styled restaurant near downtown.

Insiders tell me the as-yet-unnamed restaurant will be styled like Uchiko, Uchi’s more casual, less expensive sibling in Austin.

Here’s a first look at the space, which sits directly above Uchi Dallas and just received its Certificate of Occupancy from the city. The space features an open floor plan with an open kitchen, globe light fixtures, herringbone wood floors, casual wood tables and chairs, a lipstick red tile wall in the rear, and a large balcony patio with ceiling fans. The dining room seats 140 people, while the patio is expected to seat an additional 45. Unlike Uchi, the new restaurant will offer full bar service with cocktails.

A September or October opening is planned.