Azumi, a modern Japanese restaurant from Atlas Restaurant Group, opens Monday, June 24th at 4444 Westheimer in Houston’s River Oaks District, a bustling, pedestrian-oriented lifestyle destination popular for its upscale mix of retail and restaurants.
Azumi will be the third concept Atlas owns and operates in the Bayou City after conquering the Baltimore dining scene with multiple fine dining concepts. Led by executive chef Timur Fazilov, who brings to the table years of experience with Michelin-star restaurants, Azumi will introduce intriguing fusion elements to its largely sushi-focused Japanese menu.
“We’re incredibly excited to open Azumi and expand Atlas’ footprint in Houston,” said Alex Smith, President and CEO of Atlas Restaurant Group in a statement. “Chef Fazilov and the team have created an elevated Japanese dining experience that reflects the innovation and fusion of Houston’s culinary landscape.”
Azumi will make its stylish home adjacent to Atlas mainstay Loch Bar at River Oaks District. It will be the second iteration of Azumi, which Atlas launched in 2014 at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Fazilov, who sharpened his skills in Japanese cuisine working with super-chef Masaharu Morimoto restaurants in Doha, Qatar, and Miami, promises culinary surprises.
Tailored to Houston’s appetite for premium Japanese fare, including globally sourced omakase delights, Azumi’s menu will spotlight dishes like Scallop Tiradito, Hirame (flounder) Crudo, and Crispy Rice with either spicy tuna or truffle avocado. In addition to an extensive nigiri, sashimi, and maki roll selection, larger plate items will include Wagyu Short Rib and Yakisoba Noodles. Though Azumi’s menu will focus on dishes exclusive to Houston, diners will also be treated to fan-favorites from the Baltimore flagship like the Flaming King Crab Roll, Miso Black Cod, Fried Rice, and Chicken Gyoza. Azumi will also offer several tasting options like the Toyosu Nigiri Plate or the Japanese A5 wagyu flight.
The space has been designed in a dramatic fashion of discreet luxury by Baltimore-based Patrick Sutton with an eye for elegance, plus a dash of romance and whimsy. The 6,500 square foot restaurant’s interiors feature a light color palette created with warm, natural materials and elevated textures inspired by the cosmopolitan dining scene in Tokyo. A nod to the location’s River Oaks neighborhood, white oak is used throughout the room as seen in decorative overhead beams and across the floor which is a blend of white oak and oversized gray ceramic tiles, reminiscent of the traditional gray tiles often used in Japan. In addition, Japanese calligraphy-inspired artwork by Leo Shallat and traditional silk Shoji screens will adorn the space.
With seating for 80 in the main dining room, 11 at the sushi bar and an additional 66 on its fashionable covered outdoor terrace, Azumi will present a variety of dining and drinking perspectives. A set of ten-foot sliding glass doors reveal two outdoor covered terraces that seat 66 people. Doors to the southern facing terrace can be fully opened to the 20-seat cocktail bar – which has 360-degree seating – and to the intimate, 20-seat chef’s table, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow through both seating areas.
Azumi’s beverage menu features a variety of signature cocktails including Two Moons made with Tito’s vodka, Midori, elderflower liqueur, cucumber and yuzu; Origami Angel made with colorful shochu, nigori sake, calpico, strawberry, cacao and lemon; Nigami, made with Beefeater gin, jasmine green tea, plum, lime and shiso; and two spirit-free options. Beverage options also include an extensive list of wines, over 60 sakes and 16 different rare bottles of Japanese whiskey. Select wines and sake will be available by the glass. The restaurant will also offer other libations from their full bar.
Azumi is open for lunch and dinner service Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 12 am. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm. Complimentary parking is available in the River Oaks District parking garage with the option to valet. Reservations are encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.
