Nikkei Cuisine Heads to Houston In a Major Way

In the coming months, Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, will make a push into Houston in a big way.

This summer, Andes Cafe chef David Guerrero will open Nuna Nikkei Bar at the forthcoming Bravery Chef Hall. According to the Guerrero, the restaurant will blend Japanese techniques with the flavors and ingredients of South American cuisine. “I love Peruvian food. I love ceviche, and that is the inspiration,” Guerrero tells Eater. “As an Ecuadorian, we have a lot of Japanese and Asian influence on our culture, and Peru and Ecuador are pretty much the same.”

Guererro isn’t ready to spill details on the menu just yet, but he’ll likely be following in the footsteps of Nikkei pioneer Nobu Matsuhisa, founder of iconic restaurant Nobu. Nobu is, of course, also heading to Houston in the coming months, though no official opening date has been set for the restaurant’s Galleria outpost. When it was announced, Nobu was expected to open by the end of 2017.

Like Matsuhisa, who moved to Peru in 1972, Guerrero is headed to Lima next week to stage at what he describes as the world’s best Nikkei restaurant. Nuna will join an exciting line-up of new restaurants, including spots from chefs Ben McPherson and Felix Florez, at Bravery Chef Hall, which is set to open on the ground floor of Aris Market Square this summer.

Nuna Nikkei Bar is expected to make its debut at Bravery Chef Hall in July. Stay tuned for an official opening date.

• Conservatory Owners Plot New Food Hall for Upscale Downtown High Rise [EHOU]
• It’s Official: Nobu Is On Its Way To Houston [EHOU]