Asian-inspired restaurant Haii Keii updates River Oaks opening

A new Asian-inspired restaurant concept is coming soon to the Upper Kirby/River Oaks area.

What you need to know

Originally set to open summer 2024, Haii Keii is the brainchild of restaurant veterans chef Jeff Auld and Jarred Tosto, according to a news release on the opening.

The menu will feature a variety of Asian dishes—representing the diversity of the continent's many cultures, per the release. These include Peking Duck, Japanese milk bread, maki, sashimi, small plates, wok-fired dishes, as well as Japanese, Australian and American Wagyu selections.

Meet the team

Haii Keii's executive chef Jeffrey Taylor spent seven years cooking at New York City's Morimoto—which closed in March 2020 per the restaurant's Instagram. Taylor went on to join Montrose Collective eatery Uchi, according to the release.

Sushi chef Jose Espinoza rounds out the new restaurant's team, per the release. Espinoza has had hands in other local establishments, such as Uchiko, exclusive pop-up concept Uwa and Handies Douzo.

• Opening in mid-February
• 3300 Kirby Drive, Houston
• www.haiikeii.com