After nearly two years of anticipation, construction delays, and shifting timelines, Katsuya Ko held its soft opening event at Westfield UTC, marking the long-awaited arrival of the brand’s next-generation Japanese dining concept in San Diego’s University City area.
Katsuya Ko is a new offshoot of the globally recognized Katsuya restaurant brand, created by hospitality group SBE in collaboration with renowned chef Katsuya Uechi. The concept hosted a soft opening event on Friday night with a full opening in the next few weeks following final permitting and inspections from the city.
Katsuya Ko represents a deliberate evolution of Katsuya, designed to be more approachable, family-friendly, and relaxed while maintaining the culinary DNA that made the original restaurants famous. The word “Ko,” which translates to “child” in Japanese, reflects the idea of what Katsuya’s next generation might look like – youthful, warm, and accessible to diners of all ages.
Located inside Westfield UTC, Katsuya Ko joins a growing lineup of high-profile Asian-inspired restaurants that have transformed the mall into one of San Diego’s most competitive dining destinations. The opening follows years of momentum at UTC, which has attracted brands like Din Tai Fung, Marugame Udon, Ramen Nagi, and Menya Ultra, redefining expectations for what a mall-based restaurant experience can be.
While more casual in tone, Katsuya Ko is still firmly rooted in Japanese culinary tradition. The menu blends classic Katsuya staples, including sushi, sashimi, and hand rolls, with comfort-driven dishes and shareable plates designed for everyday dining. Items like yakitori, gyoza, miso-forward small plates, and Ko-exclusive offerings aim to strike a balance between familiarity and innovation, while appealing to families, students, and shoppers alongside longtime fans of the brand.
The La Jolla location also marks a return to San Diego for the Katsuya name. The company previously operated Katsuya by Starck at the Andaz Hotel in downtown San Diego from 2012 to 2014, before that space eventually became STK Steakhouse. Katsuya Ko represents a fresh start in the region, with a format better aligned to San Diego’s lifestyle-driven dining culture…