Plaza Midwood, Charlotte, North Carolina, December 9, 2025
Uchibā, a new Japanese rooftop bar and restaurant, is set to open in early 2026 in Plaza Midwood, Charlotte. Designed to evoke traditional izakaya bars, it will offer a menu of shareable small plates under the guidance of Chef de cuisine Shaun King. Located above the Uchi restaurant, Uchibā aims to provide an inviting dining experience with indoor and rooftop seating. This new addition is expected to enhance the culinary landscape of the area, further establishing Plaza Midwood as a vibrant dining destination.
Charlotte, North Carolina – In an exciting development for the culinary scene in Plaza Midwood, the Commonwealth development has revealed plans to launch a new Japanese rooftop bar and restaurant named Uchibā, set to open its doors in early 2026. This new venue will be situated above the highly anticipated Uchi restaurant, both of which are part of the broader Commonwealth development project.
Uchibā will serve as the sister restaurant to Uchi, which has garnered acclaim in Dallas and Austin, and is inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya bars, known for their laid-back social dining atmosphere combined with an emphasis on shared dishes. The leadership of Chef de cuisine Shaun King will guide both Uchibā and Uchi, ensuring a cohesive culinary experience that prioritizes quality and creativity. The restaurant’s menu will boast an array of shareable small plates, including baos, dumplings, nigiri, sashimi, and yakitori skewers. The establishment will feature a 2,200-square-foot dining room that accommodates 38 guests, a bar area for 24, and a rooftop patio extending over 1,500 square feet with space for 60 diners. This inviting atmosphere is poised to elevate dining in Charlotte’s thriving food scene, particularly in the vibrant Plaza Midwood neighborhood.
Commonwealth Development and Location
The Commonwealth development represents a larger multi-acre mixed-use initiative located at the intersection of Central Avenue and Pecan Avenue in Plaza Midwood. This neighborhood has become a focal point for innovative culinary concepts, and Uchibā is poised to amplify its reputation. The development already includes Uchi, known for its sushi and modern Japanese cuisine, which is set to open in late 2025, following the vision of James Beard award-winning chef Tyson Cole.
Uchibā’s location at 1720 Commonwealth Avenue, within a carefully restored 100-year-old building, combines historical charm with contemporary dining experiences, contributing to the unique character of Plaza Midwood. Such developments not only preserve local heritage but also inject vitality into the area, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike.
Culinary Trends in Charlotte
Uchibā’s arrival taps into a growing trend in Charlotte towards izakaya-style dining, characterized by casual environments and shareable dishes. With establishments like DŌZO capturing the interest of the community, Uchibā is set to join a distinguished roster of restaurants pioneering this dining format in the city. By offering unique flavors and dining experiences, these restaurants contribute positively to the local economy and the community’s cultural landscape.
As the demand for diverse culinary options continues to rise, Charlotte’s entrepreneurs are stepping up to meet this challenge with creativity and innovation. The expansion of izakaya dining speaks to the city’s dynamic food culture, facilitating local growth and fostering community interactions.
Impact on the Community and Economy
The coming addition of Uchibā not only expands dining options in Plaza Midwood but also has broader implications for economic growth in Charlotte. As more restaurants open within the Commonwealth development, we can expect a surge in job creation and business opportunities. This development is a testament to how reduced regulatory hurdles can enable entrepreneurs to thrive, injecting much-needed energy into the Mecklenburg County economy.
Moreover, these dining venues serve as gathering spaces for the community, enhancing social interactions and promoting local cultural initiatives. The investment from both local and national entrepreneurs signifies confidence in Charlotte’s potential for continued growth and prosperity.
Supporting Local Businesses
As the culinary landscape of Charlotte continues to evolve, it’s essential for the community to rally behind these local innovations. The success of Uchibā and its sister restaurant Uchi exemplifies the benefits of fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can flourish. Supporting local businesses not only strengthens the economy but also creates a sense of identity and pride within the community.
As Charlotte residents look ahead to the opening of Uchibā and other exciting ventures, they are encouraged to engage with these establishments, celebrating the resilience and creativity of their neighbors.
Conclusion
With Uchibā slated to open in early 2026, Plaza Midwood is on the verge of becoming an even more exciting destination for food lovers. This new rooftop bar and restaurant reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes Charlotte and enriches the area’s vibrant culinary scene. The intersection of innovative dining experiences and historical charm underscores the potential for economic growth fueled by local investment. As we anticipate Uchibā’s opening, both residents and visitors are invited to explore and support the local business community, contributing to an ever-thriving Charlotte.
FAQ
- What is Uchibā?
- Uchibā is a Japanese rooftop bar and restaurant set to open in early 2026 in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the sister restaurant of Uchi and draws inspiration from traditional Japanese izakaya bars. The menu will feature shareable small plates including baos, dumplings, nigiri, sashimi, and yakitori skewers. The establishment will include a 2,200-square-foot dining room seating 38 guests and a bar area for 24, along with a 1,500-square-foot rooftop area that can accommodate 60 diners. The restaurant will be located at 1720 Commonwealth Avenue in a restored 100-year-old building.
- Who is overseeing the kitchen at Uchibā?
- Chef de cuisine Shaun King will oversee both kitchens at Uchibā and its sister restaurant, Uchi.
- What is the Commonwealth development?
- The Commonwealth development is a multi-acre mixed-use project located at the southwest corner of Central Avenue and Pecan Avenue in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. It is home to several dining establishments, including the celebrated sushi-focused concept, Uchi, founded in 2003 by James Beard award-winning chef and sushi master Tyson Cole. Uchi’s Charlotte location is slated to open in late 2025.
- What is the significance of Uchibā’s opening?
- The addition of Uchibā further enhances the culinary offerings in Plaza Midwood, contributing to the neighborhood’s reputation as a vibrant dining destination. Uchibā joins a growing trend of popular izakaya-style dining in Charlotte, following the success of places like DŌZO.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Uchibā |
| Location | 1720 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Opening Date | Early 2026 |
| Concept | Japanese rooftop bar and restaurant inspired by traditional izakaya bars |
| Menu Highlights | Shareable small plates including baos, dumplings, nigiri, sashimi, and yakitori skewers |
| Seating Capacity | 2,200-square-foot dining room seating 38 guests, bar area for 24, 1,500-square-foot rooftop area for 60 diners |
| Development | Part of the Commonwealth development in Plaza Midwood |
| Sister Restaurant | Uchi |
| Chef de Cuisine | Shaun King |
| Neighborhood | Plaza Midwood, Charlotte, North Carolina |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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