D.C.'s sushi game is about to get a Texas-sized upgrade. Uchi, the Austin-born Japanese restaurant from James Beard Award winning chef Tyson Cole, is set to open a major downtown outpost at 1150 17th Street NW later this spring. The restaurant will take over ground-floor space in the 17xM office tower and is being designed as a sweeping, theatrical dining room with 185 seats, including 18 at the bar and 14 at a sushi counter, plus two private dining rooms. The menu is expected to lean on Uchi's signature hot and cool tastings alongside sushi, makimono, yakimono, tempura and a rotating omakase program.
Local reporting first flagged the expansion last year, with Eater Washington DC noting that parent group Hai Hospitality had signed for the space and that the project would be shaped by the city's energy. That early look also described plans for a "new modernism" interior influenced by the neighboring National Geographic Museum and cinematic lighting motifs. The coverage placed Uchi's arrival in the context of the brand's national growth, as the group already operates locations from Texas to California.
Developer Skanska later confirmed the tenancy in a 2025 press release, stating that a portion of 17xM's ground-floor retail would be "soon occupied" by Uchi and that tenant move ins were expected in mid 2026. Skanska's release highlights 17xM's rooftop terrace, green wall and wellness amenities, and frames the restaurant as a draw for office tenants. Those leasing details suggest Uchi's debut will track closely with the building's broader delivery schedule rather than moving on a totally separate restaurant timeline.
In a press release provided to WhatNow, Cole said, "Expanding to D.C. is an incredible opportunity for us to continue evolving while staying rooted in what makes Uchi special." The announcement, which has been summarized by several outlets, lays out the seating plan and private dining rooms and promises a menu of hot and cool tastings, sushi and a changing omakase. Photo credits accompanying the release point to Uchi's social channels, where the brand has been steadily teasing the D.C. arrival.
How Uchi Fits Into D.C.'s Sushi Scene
D.C.'s omakase and chef-led counter scene is already crowded with small, reservation-only spots that punch well above their size in both hype and price. Eater Washington DC has suggested Uchi will test whether a larger, multi-room operation can capture the same cachet as the city's tighter, jewel-box counters. For diners, Uchi's scale and private rooms could make it a go-to for office dinners, big celebrations and group nights out, alongside omakase fans looking for a more theatrical setting.
Opening Timeline
The calendar has shifted since Uchi's D.C. plans first surfaced. Early coverage projected a fall 2025 debut, while building lease materials pointed toward mid 2026 occupancy. The press release shared with WhatNow now says the restaurant should be ready by mid spring. Skanska's lease update, combined with the more recent press materials, suggests an opening window tied closely to the tower's retail finishes and permitting. Uchi has not yet published a reservation schedule for the D.C. location.
Next Steps For Diners
For now, Uchi's main site lists D.C. as "coming soon," and the company is still finalizing reservation details for the downtown outpost. Fans should expect booking information to drop closer to any soft opening. Uchi and its social channels remain the best places to watch for official opening dates, menu previews and glimpses of the finished design.
