Japanese cuisine is coming to a historic Montrose restaurant space. Gitano Capital has claimed the former One Fifth space at 1658 Westheimer Rd. for a new restaurant that will open in 2025.
Described in press materials as an “upscale Japanese concept,” the still unnamed restaurant will be Gitano Capital’s second Houston concept. Earlier this year, the Mexico-based hospitality group opened Ojo de Agua in River Oaks District. While Ojo is an accessible all-day concept known for its tacos, juices, and signature acai bowl, the Japanese restaurant will be a more elevated affair that’s led by “world-class” chefs and beverage experts.
Whatever the details, the new restaurant will build on the property’s legacy as a dining destination. For 19 years, it housed pioneering fine dining restaurant Mark’s American Cuisine. From 2017 until 2021, it housed One Fifth, Chris Shepherd’s restaurant that changed concepts annually. One Fifth debuted as a steakhouse that ultimately evolved into Georgia James. It also served as Georgia James’ temporary home before it moved into its current location in the Regent Square mixed-use development. Prior to its time as a restaurant, the building served in a variety of capacities, including as a church and as clothing and lifestyle store Dream Merchant.
“We could not be more honored to have the opportunity to build upon the storied legacy of the numerous quintessential Houston establishments to occupy 1658 Westheimer over the past several decades,” Gitano Capital co-founder Patricio Quiroz said in a statement. “The building itself is an innate part of the fabric of the broader Montrose neighborhood that surrounds it, and we feel that Montrose – one of the city’s most eclectic and vibrant nexuses – is the ideal setting for us to unveil an original culinary offering to the City of Houston.”
Notably, the new Japanese restaurant isn’t the only new dining venue coming to the property. As CultureMap has previously reported, Miami-based doughnut shop The Salty is also expected to debut in a newly-constructed building.
