The Niku Bar Will Bring Outdoor Dining and and Michelin-Star Clout to Lower Greenville

Founded in Tokyo about 70 years ago, Japanese barbecue restaurant Manpuku opened its first Texas location in Dallas’ Lower Greenville over the summer. Known for its interactive dining experience (where guests grill their own meats at the table), the new spot has quickly gained popularity. To follow up on their success, Manpuku will debut a new outdoor dining experience called The Niku Bar on October 7.

The Japanese tapas and wine bar, located just outside Manpuku, will feature a menu created by Michelin-starred chef Kentaro Tsunoda (formerly of Stella Maris in Paris). A combination of Japanese and Spanish tapas-style sharable bites, the menu includes dishes such as Uni and Kobe beef sashimi, crab ceviche, crispy cheese, beef yakiniku tortilla pizza, Japanese taco rice, and spicy beef ramen — just to name a few.

“In Japanese, niku means ‘meat,’ so we’ll have a strong focus on new ways to experience American wagyu beef with interesting flavors like sea urchin or raw egg yolk,” said Chef Tsunoda in a statement. “We’ll offer a completely different experience on our patio with a large and varied menu with something new to try on each visit.”

Designed by the same team behind Manpuku (Takahiro Sato and Masakazu Abe of Pico Innovate Texas Inc.), the patio features lots of greenery and enough space for 60 or so people, as well as a private room with comfortable sofa seating. The drink menu will also see the debut of a signature sangria featuring seasonal fruit and local honey. Sommelier-selected wines, Japanese whisky, and craft beer will also be available for the outdoor dining experience.

The Niku Bar opens just in time for Texas/OU weekend, so make your reservations early.