Next time you’re in Asheville there’s an awesome restaurant that you have to check out. Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse has a cool, casual vibe with a menu that is a culinary infusion of Japanese soul food and American barbeque. To give you an idea of how upbeat and welcoming this popular eatery is located on downtown’s South Slope on Biltmore Ave. is, first let’s start with the name. It’s Haiku, a Japanese poem, written backward. Pretty cool, right? When you learn about how this awesome restaurant started, it all makes sense.
A group of friends had always dreamed about opening a restaurant together. You see, they all came from a food background and had a passion for excellent food, an authentic space enjoyed with the perfect company. So they took Haiku, and spelled it backward to reflect their approach to food…” structure and balance, turned upsidedown. One online review said it perfectly. “Where East Meets West, the restaurant combines raw, ramen, crunchy, and munchy plus everything in between.” It’s obvious, that they do things a bit differently in a very good way. It’s fresh and unique and it works just like a greatly written Haiku poem!
Since the owners believe that all meals are meant to share with family and friends, everything you order is served and placed at the center of the table. And trust us when we say there is plenty for everyone. The menu features a Sharing Is Caring option that has enough to feed the whole party. Crispy Baby Back Ribs or Grilled Prime Ribeye catch your attention? Make sure you check out the large central bar with ample seating, so whatever your pleasure, you’ll find it at Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse. And the ambiance is spot on! Beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable dining areas with just the perfect amount of lighting inside and a just as nice patio outside. And get this, the patio is dog friendly, so you can bring your furry pal along for the ride.
Enjoy daily lunch, dinner, and breakfast brunch at Ukiah and bring the whole family. There’s something delicious for every taste and preference. Get the party started with some really tasty snacks and a cocktail. Careful now, they might just fill you up. Remember to leave room for the main attraction.
For starters, try the house favorite miso soup or the over-the-top good crispy rock shrimp with chili butter and gorgonzola cheese. Then move on to an impressive menu full of flavor and fun.
Raw Selections
- Wagyu with house-made kimchee, yuzu kohso, and savory soy
- Oysters with sparkling sake mignonette
- Salmon Sashimi with wasabi soy broth and scallions
Fresh and light because balance is the key.
- Iceberg Wedge with sesame dressing, nashi pear, and nori
- Shrimp served with wasabi cocktail sauce
- Collard Green Caesar salad, parmesan shichimi dressing
Dumplings and Buns that will melt in your mouth
- Grilled Shitake Bao with mitsuba aioli
- Vegetable Gyoza with sweet potato, carrot, and shitake mushrooms
- Crispy Pork Bao with smoked chili aioli
Big And Bowlsy
- Duck Hot Pot with duck dumplings, smoked shoyu broth, and mushrooms
- Veggie Ramen with yuzu shio borth, bok choy, shitake mushroom, and soft-boiled egg
- Spicy Pork BBQ: Tan Tan, bok choy, and a soft-boiled egg
- Pork Belly with Tonkotsu, black garlic oil, shitake mushrooms, and a soft-boiled egg
Complement your meal with the chef’s extraordinary take on vegetables. The grilled asparagus with black maple miso and crispy shallots or the BBQ Baby carrots with smoked tofu and Korean chili vinaigrette will change your mind about everyday veggies.
If you have room for dessert, we highly suggest ordering more than one and sharing. The Coconut Cardamom Mochi is out of this world and the perfect amount of decadence to complete your special meal experience at Ukiah!
Insider Tip:
There is a full wine, saki, whiskey, beer, coffee, tea, and nonalcoholic drinks available. Reservations are recommended by phone or through their website.