First-of-Its-Kind Fusion Concept Opens Today on Westheimer

Marco Torres
First-of-Its-Kind Fusion Concept Opens Today on Westheimer

Lobster ceviche

THE LATEST ADDITION to Houston’s scene of mouthwatering, global-fusion fare opens today on Westheimer.


Located in West Houston near the Beltway, Pacha Nikkei is a first-of-its-kind concept, melding the flavors of Peru and Japan in sharable small plates and craft cocktails boasting sake and pisco alike. Helmed by chef Masaru Fukuda and operator Sebastien Laval (an alumnus of La Table, Le Colonial and Musaafer), Pacha Nikkei touts a ceviche bar, lounge area and dining room — and a killer playlist, thanks to the many years Chef Fukuda spent moonlighting as a nightclub DJ.

Fukuda, who cut his teeth at Latin Bites and Kata Robata, hosted Nikkei pop-ups all over town for the last several years, and most recently operated a Nikkei stall at the now-closed Politan Row food hall. Repeat customers came to love his seafood-heavy dishes like pulpo a la parrilla and Peruvian-spiced-infused sushi rolls.

Inside the new brick-and-mortar, sweeping murals depicting four generations of Fukuda’s family, alongside other immigrants who came to Peru from Japan, in the 1800s color the walls. An otherwise clean and simple design scheme lets the food bring all the flavor.

Serving dinner only at the moment, Pacha Nikkei opens at 4:30pm Mon.-Sat.

Chef Fukuda

El Tunche cocktail

Lomo Saltado

Ceviche classico

Food
Reyna Group Owner Leads Real Estate Market with Passion and Excellence

MICHELLE REYNA WYMES, a distinguished name in the Houston real estate market, is the owner of the successful boutique brokerage, Reyna Group. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle has deep-rooted connections to the community she serves with dedication and pride.

Keep Reading Show less

Inside Buttermilk Baby (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

NOSTALGIA RUNS HIGH at new Buttermilk Baby in M-K-T Heights, where classic Carvel ice cream treats — a rarity in restaurants — are paired with a menu of buttermilk biscuits, chicken sandwiches and burgers.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Molina and Thirumalaisamy

A PROJECT FROM Rice University's Moody Center for the Arts, the Tent Series is a public-art exhibit erected in the heart of campus on the front of the Provisional Campus Facilities, found on Loop Road. It changes every school year, and this fall, the new art will be unveiled on Sept. 11.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment