by TM Petaccia

Chef Robin Anthony continues to quickly expand his restaurant group. This Saturday, Yakitori Omakase by Prime Fish will begin its soft opening. The six-seat “speakeasy restaurant” will be located in a sectioned-off area of Nusa in south Charlotte, and offer a 12-course tasting menu of Japanese grill (yakitori) and other dishes for $185.

The restaurant joins Anthony’s other concepts, Prime Fish, Prime Fish Omakase, Prime Fish Cellar, and Nusa. The counter will be run by chef Leo Zheng.

“Currently, there is not an actual full yakitori omakase experience in Charlotte where it’s classic counter service with the chef in front of you,” says Kendra Kong, general manager of all the Prime Fish concepts.

There will be two seatings Wednesday – Saturday, at 5:30 and 8 p.m., with two Sunday seatings at 1 and 5 p.m.

“This is something both Leo and Robin wanted to try to bring something new to Charlotte,” Kong says. “Chef Robin’s always looking for what Charlotte needs. There is yakitori offered in Charlotte, but not in this style where you are sitting in an intimate setting with the chef.”

The twelve courses will primarily feature yakitori skewered items, but will also include other Japanese inspired dishes and dessert.

In addition to Zheng, Terrell Johnson, most recently at McNinch House, will join Yakitori Omakase as sommelier, overseeing the restaurant’s sake and wine pairings. “There’s going to be a versatile arrangement of beverages to choose from,” Johnson says. “A range of sake will be considered, alongside old-world and new-world wines, Japanese beer, and perhaps Japanese whiskey as well. We really want the beverage program to accentuate the flavors and textures presented by our culinary team.”

“We’re really excited about this concept,” Anthony says. “We feel we put high-end omakase sushi on the map here, and we’re looking to do the same for yakitori and expand the palate of Charlotteans.”