Chicago’s Fulton Market is set to welcome an exciting culinary addition in 2025 as Osaka Nikkei, the renowned Peruvian-Japanese restaurant, announces its latest outpost at 1101 West Lake Street.
Leading the culinary direction is Global Culinary Director Juan Alfonso Urrutia, a Peru-born chef with extensive experience in Nikkei cuisine. With over two decades in the industry, including years spent refining his craft in Japan, Chef Urrutia has been instrumental in shaping Osaka’s menu. He will oversee the hiring and training of the Chicago team, ensuring the brand’s high standards are upheld.
“Osaka’s growth to Chicago marks a significant milestone for our brand. This is one of the most thrilling, highly respected culinary destinations in the world, with so much diversity and distinction. We want the Osaka experience to weave seamlessly into the tapestry of the Chicago’s world-class dining landscape,” Diego de la Puente, co-founder of Osaka Nikkei, said.
Joining Chef Urrutia is Global Corporate Itamae Chef Rogger Quispe, a sushi master with 24 years of experience. Chef Quispe has played a key role in Osaka’s global expansion. Osaka’s menu will showcase signature dishes that highlight the interplay of Peruvian and Japanese influences. Standouts include Wasabi Ceviche, featuring scallops and white fish in a citrus-wasabi sauce, and Carpassion Tiradito, a striking dish of salmon, passion fruit honey, and crispy strips.
The sushi selection will be equally inventive, with options like Tumbo Shrimp—crispy shrimp in a curuba sauce—and Asado Gyüdon, a braised short rib dish served with pachamanquero rice and pickled onion.
Kero Bar, a stylish cocktail and music hub, will feature a craft cocktail program and a lineup of prominent DJs. A key element of Osaka’s identity, music will play a central role in shaping the atmosphere, with its Osaka Sounds platform curating unique soundscapes for guests.
“Music is integral to Osaka. It’s not just about what’s on the plate or in the glass; it’s also about the environment and the energy we create. We and our guests champion music so much that it led us to even create our own sound platform,” co-founder Diego Herrera said.
Housed in a historic 1895 building along Chicago’s former rail line, Osaka’s new space will be a visual and sensory experience. Designed by London-based Afroditi Studio, the interior will merge the warm craftsmanship of Peru with the clean elegance of Japanese design. The 180-seat space will include a main dining area, 12 sushi counter seats, a private dining room to host 10, and a lively bar scene.
Osaka already has popular outposts in Lima, Miami, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Quito (Ecuador), Santiago, Bogota, and Punta Del Este (Uruguay). Along with the Chicago, the restaurant is also planning openings in Madrid and Dubai in 2025.
Ahead of its grand opening, Osaka will host a series of exclusive pre-launch events, offering Chicagoans an early taste of its signature flavors, cocktails, and music.
