Our vibe
Created by friends, UKIAH was born out of a true passion for Japanese soul food and southern BBQ (with a good cocktail on the side!)
Located opposite Asheville’s iconic music venue in downtown, the Orange Peel, UKIAH features a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, a large central bar and dog-friendly patio. Our hope is that everyone will find their perfect spot, whether it’s at the bar slurping on some ramen or dinner with friends with a good bottle of wine. Dress code is casual, and the music is a mix of indie, old school, funk and soul.
Oh and the name? It spells “haiku” backwards, reflecting a little bit on our approach to food… structure and balance, turned upside down… (Also – we liked it…) and to welcoming you.
Our Menu
Created by James Beard nominated Chef/Owner Michael Lewis, UKIAH’s menu is designed to share between friends and family. You will find the menu divided into sections including “Raw”, “Crunchy + Munchy”, “Sharing is caring” and “Big + Bowlsy.” Think Salmon Sashimi with smoked soy and scallions, Crispy Baby Back Ribs with yakiniku or Grilled Asparagus with Bacon Maple-Miso + crispy shallots. Vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options are available.
The cocktail menu is presented in both a core and seasonal format, pulling inspiration from fresh local ingredients combined with traditional Japanese flavors for a true “East meets West” experience. UKIAH’s full bar also highlights sake, shōchū + Japanese whisky.
Our Brunch
Launching April 9th 2022… after 9 months of planning, Chef Lewis and the team are excited to offer weekend brunch at UKIAH. Alongside the full menu, UKIAH has put a Japanese spin on Southern brunch classics in downtown Asheville.
That means we take some of our best dishes, like the Karaage Chicken, and put it on Waffles with salted butter + matcha… or we twist our fan-favorite Ramen into Breakfast Ramen with tonkotsu-egg broth, maple shichimi bacon, and a sunny side egg. Chef’s personal favorite is the Shishito Pepper-Cheddar Biscuit with Japanese Sausage Gravy and Eggs…
The bar also knows how to brunch, of course. Sip on the Serial Crusher, a rum based drink with cinnamon toast crunch infused milk (you read that right), cold brew coffee + vanilla bitter. The star of the brunch show: The Breakfast Oldie. Our old-fashioned twist features sesame bacon washed bourbon, miso demerara + house orange bitters. See you on the weekend for brunch, Asheville.
