Ichika offers Japanese cuisine, interactive dining experience in Plano

Ichika recently opened in Plano, business owner Leo Kekoa said.

The restaurant is Texas’ first kaiseki-dedicated restaurant and one of the few kappo-style dining experiences in the country, Kekoa said in an email.

“Kaiseki represents the highest expression of Japanese cuisine—a seasonal journey that honors nature, simplicity, and restraint,” Kekoa said. “Rooted in ichigo ichie—one time, one meeting—each course is carefully composed to reflect the fleeting beauty of the moment—from delicate sashimi to steamed, grilled and fried preparations, [which are] often guided by the rhythms of the land and sea.”

Kekoa said kappo-style kaiseki is traditionally served in formal dining rooms but that will not be the case at Ichika.

“Here, chefs prepare and serve each dish directly in front of you, in an open and intimate setting — a quiet dialogue between craftsmanship and hospitality,” Kekoa said.

Kekoa, who also co-owns Kinzo in Frisco, is one of three master chefs leading the culinary program at Ichika. The other chefs are Chef Chikao, a 40-year Dallas sushi pioneer and Chef Kaoru, who is Ginza-trained and has three decades of experience.

• Opened March 3
• 8240 Preston Road, Ste. 175, Plano
• Instagram: Ichika