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High-end international restaurant Chatto Matte has signed a lease for 11,000-square-feet of the new ONE22ONE tower under construction on Broadway
ONE22ONE [Rendering]

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London-Based Chotto Matte Is Bringing Showstopping Restaurant Design and Nikkei Cuisine to Nashville

The internationally coveted Japanese and Peruvian-fusion Nikkei restaurant chooses Nashville for its next US location

by Delia Jo Ramsey

Chotto Matte, a high-end restaurant specializing in Japanese and Peruvian fusion Nikkei cuisine, is heading to Nashville — and that will definitely change the game for restaurant design in Music City. GBT Realty announced today that the restaurant has leased a whopping 11,000-square-feet of its first and second floor retail space at ONE22ONE, the new 24-story tower under construction at 1221 Broadway.

Nashville marks the sixth city for a Chotto Matte and just the fourth in the U.S., beginning in London in 2013 and since expanding to Miami in 2018 and Toronto in 2019. Chotto Matte says they have plans to build a “strong presence” in the United States, with other locations recently announced for San Francisco and Los Angeles. The over-the-top Miami location of Chotto Matte opened in 2019 and came complete with a retractable roof, splashy murals, and a 3,000-pound volcanic boulder.

Chotto Matte was founded by Kurt Zdesar in 2013 after years of research both in Japan and Peru — with a focus on Nikkei cuisine, which is a lively combination of both Japanese and Peruvian techniques and ingredients. Zdesar was formerly the Europe director for Nobu, where he helped grow the popular brand.

“Nashville is absolutely the ideal setting for our vision. Each Chotto Matte is designed from the ground up to authentically integrate within the market it is within while maintaining our signature sense of excitement, occasion, and experience. We’re thrilled to have a home in Music City, and our restaurant will be truly a unique, can’t miss sensory experience that evolves Nashville’s offerings,” said Zdesar.

Andy Martin Studio is the architect for Chotto Matte since 2013, having worked on the first site design. Martin is involved in all Chotto Matte restaurant openings and works closely with Zdesar on the original design in each location.

The menu here focuses on Nikkei staples like ceviche, tiradito, anticucho bbq, sushi, sashimi, and tempura, with signature dishes like sea bass ceviche and black cod yuzu-miso. The brand promises a full sensory experience. including live theatrics like sushi making and robata grill and fire pit cooking, plus plenty of “in-depth table interactions.” Vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes are also on offer, alongside a full bar.

Chotto Matte translates to “wait a moment” — and that’s clearly the focus here, with guests invited to explore the design and the show as dinner progresses. The restaurant is targeting its opening in Nashville by early 2023 at ONE22ONE, a landmark intersecting where the Gulch, Midtown, and Downtown Nashville neighborhoods meet.