Old Metairie is about to get a serious sushi upgrade. Kenji Kazoku, a new upscale Japanese restaurant from the team behind Kenji Omakase, is set to open on Metairie Road on April 29. The suburban outpost will mix omakase with neighborhood-style a la carte sushi, giving nearby residents a closer option for chef-driven Japanese seafood. It also marks the Kenji group’s first full-sized restaurant concept outside its downtown omakase counter.
Who’s behind it
The project is led by restaurateur Malachi Dupre and chef Matthew Nguyen, the duo already known for Kenji Omakase downtown, according to the Kenji Omakase website. Their plan is to take the meticulous omakase craft they honed in the Central Business District and translate it into a more relaxed, neighborhood-friendly format, while keeping the same tight focus on quality coming out of the kitchen.
What to expect from the menu
Kenji Kazoku will serve sashimi, sushi in both maki and nigiri form, and a spread of shareable plates that includes dry-aged fish, grilled octopus and charcoal-grilled wagyu, all backed by a curated cocktail program. Per OpenTable, the idea is to pair omakase-level precision with dishes that work just as well for a casual date night as for a table full of friends splitting plates.
Where the fish is coming from
The chefs told reporters they expect to source about 80 percent of their seafood from Japan, with the rest flown in from New Zealand, Greece and Hawaii, and they plan to open to the public on April 29, as reported by WGNO. That approach mirrors the Toyosu-market program used by the downtown operation, while adjusting portion sizes and pacing for a more laid-back suburban dining room.
From permit filings to a neighborhood spot
The Metairie location first surfaced in Jefferson Parish permit records in 2025, when filings listed the Kenji Kazoku name for the 2929 Metairie Road address, according to What Now New Orleans. The ownership group has also taken the brand beyond Louisiana, opening a Casa Kenji project in Houston late last year, per CultureMap Houston, a move that underscores Kenji’s growing regional footprint.
Reservations and practical details
Reservations are available now on OpenTable, which lists the Metairie location at 2929 Metairie Road along with the phone number and hours for the new restaurant. Diners can expect both omakase seatings and a la carte service when doors open, with pricing positioned for neighborhood dining and private parking noted on the listing.
