Award-Winning Chef Michael Lewis Brings UKIAH Japanese Smokehouse to Fort Lauderdale’s Riverfront

UKIAH Japanese Smokehouse Set to Debut in Fort Lauderdale, Late Spring 2025
Award-Winning Chef Michael Lewis Expands Acclaimed Concept to South Florida

Get ready, Fort Lauderdale. The Las Olas Riverfront is about to welcome one of the most exciting culinary concepts to hit the South Florida dining scene. Opening late Spring 2025, UKIAH Japanese Smokehouse brings an elevated fusion of Japanese street food and American barbecue to 221 SW 1st Ave. — a prime waterfront location that perfectly complements the restaurant’s bold and unexpected flavor profile.

Helmed by award-winning Chef Michael Lewis, UKIAH is a concept born from passion and pedigree. Chef Lewis, known for his work at Zuma and as the visionary behind KYU in Miami, has partnered with Steven Haigh, Lizzy Maynes (Scotch & Bacon Group), and Michael Sponaugle (Buya Restaurants) to expand the Asheville-born hotspot to Fort Lauderdale.

At the heart of UKIAH is a custom wood-fired smoker, infusing rich depth into standout dishes like House-Smoked Brisket and Pastrami Short Rib with fire-roasted kimchi and yuzu pickles. The menu explores the soul of Japanese street food with offerings like grilled yakitori, house-made gyoza, and rich tonkotsu ramen, balanced with a raw barand crave-worthy vegetable-forward dishes.

Crowd favorites? Expect to fall in love with:

Crispy Rock Shrimp with chili butter and gorgonzola
Sliced Hamachi with white ponzu and serrano
Beech Mushroom Tempura with Tokyo ranch
Red Snapper with brown butter-white ponzu and grilled lemon
And the addictive Japanese Sweet Potato with miso butter, parmesan, and umami salt.

The beverage program is just as inspired. UKIAH’s bar features a mix of core and seasonal cocktails that reflect the East-meets-West culinary ethos. Sip on inventive libations like “So Fresh and So Green” (gin, shiso, green peas, ginger syrup) or “Purple Rain” (ube-infused sake, orange curaçao, egg whites). Guests can also explore curated selections of sake, shōchū, and Japanese whisky, making the bar a destination of its own.

UKIAH’s Fort Lauderdale outpost spans 4,000+ square feet with a stylish, welcoming design marked by natural wood, soft finishes, and deep indigo hues. Indoor and outdoor seating, a central bar, and semi-private spaces create a versatile, vibrant atmosphere for everything from date night to celebratory gatherings.

Brunch lovers, take note: Sundays will feature Chef Lewis’ signature brunch, complete with bottomless sake cocktails and bubbles — a sure-fire new weekend favorite.

In keeping with its community-minded mission, UKIAH’s giving2sips program will continue in Fort Lauderdale, with rotating cocktails benefitting local charities. “Fort Lauderdale has been home for over 15 years,” says co-owner Lizzy Maynes. “We’re passionate about giving back and using this platform to make a difference.”

For more information and updates: www.ukiahrestaurant.com
Instagram: @ukiahrestaurantftl
Address: 221 SW 1st Ave, CU 1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301