Chotto Matte redefines global dining with Nikkei cuisine that masterfully blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors
Celebrating the best of authentic and innovative Nikkei cuisine, Chotto Matte masterfully blends Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. Internationally renowned Executive Chef Jordan Sclare brings an artistic touch, with a commitment to excellence that ensures the very best of Nikkei, featuring eye-catching natural colors and mouth-watering flavors. Chotto Matte restaurants are set in stylish and contemporary architectural spaces, located in some of the world’s most inspirational cities. Established in 2013 by Kurt Zdesar, the company continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of the restaurant scene. With six locations across England, the US, Canada, and the Middle East, Chotto Matte creates elevated dining experiences on a global scale.
“I launched Chotto Matte in Soho back in 2013 because I wanted to give Nikkei the recognition it deserves. Nikkei is the culinary evolution of Japanese and Peruvian food cultures, which has been developing for over 120 years. Yet, it had not been presented globally in a way that truly captures its vibrancy. What started as a single restaurant has now grown into a family of sites stretching from London to Miami, Toronto, San Francisco, Doha, Riyadh, and very soon, Manchester. Each new opening is another step in proving that Nikkei belongs in some of the world’s greatest cities. I am proud to have been able to lead this movement and showcase the unique flavors of Nikkei,” begins Kurt Zdesar, Founding Partner.
We delve into the exclusive dishes that Chotto Matte offers its guests, exploring the menu development process behind these delightful Nikkei specialties. “Our menus showcase the breadth of Nikkei cuisine, featuring sushi and sashimi with a Peruvian kick, ceviches blending acidity and spice, and smoky Anticucho robata dishes that deliver depth and heat. But it is not just about the food; our cocktail programs are also carefully crafted to mirror the dishes, they are bold, colorful and layered with flavor. Importantly, we slightly tailor each restaurant to reflect the local culture while maintaining the essence of Chotto Matte. That is why no two locations feel identical, even though the spirit remains the same.
“Menu development is very personal to me and my team, especially Jordan Sclare, our Executive Chef. Together, we have spent years travelling around the world, in particular to Peru, where we explored the mountains, jungles, coastlines, and cities, and immersed ourselves in the local culture, flavors, and techniques. Each trip uncovers new secrets, whether it is a spice, a preparation method, or a dish we have never encountered outside its local community. We bring those discoveries back to our kitchen, adapt them, and reimagine them through the Nikkei lens. That is why the food at Chotto Matte feels authentic yet innovative; it is born from genuine exploration,” Kurt explains.
Multi-sensory experience
In addition to its meticulously crafted menu, Chotto Matte dedicates a lot of attention to the architecture and design of its restaurants. “I have always believed that restaurants should feed all the senses, not just the palate, and design is a critical element in creating this multi-sensory experience. Every Chotto Matte features graffiti murals, raw materials, bold colors, and open kitchens, allowing our guests to feel our energy the second they walk in. However, we never replicate a blueprint. For instance, our Soho location includes Claude’s, our underground club, while our new Manchester site is being built around a rooftop terrace that promises to be one of the city’s most exciting social spaces. Superfutures, our architects, have done an outstanding job with our Manchester restaurant. For me, creating successful restaurants is about infusing the brand’s DNA, which is edgy, cheeky, and inclusive, while adapting it to the character of each city.”
Kurt shares more insights into the opening of the new Chotto Matte restaurant in Manchester and what led him to choose this city specifically. “Manchester has been a true passion project for me, which is set to open on the 10th of October 2025. The restaurant features a huge rooftop terrace, something I hope the city has not experienced before. I chose Manchester because it is buzzing with energy, youth and diversity, so it encompasses the kind of crowd that embraces bold ideas. It reminds me of Soho in its early days: a bit raw, hungry for something new, and ready to take risks. That is the environment where Chotto Matte thrives,” he enlightens. 
Continuing its geographical expansion, Chotto Matte is focused on opening new restaurants not only across Europe, including in Tbilisi, Georgia, but also in the Middle East. “Tbilisi is one of our most ambitious projects to date, set to open in late 2026. The restaurant will occupy the top two floors of a 44-story hotel, complete with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. This will be inside Georgia’s largest integrated resort, which boasts a huge hotel, casino, arena, and even a Harvey Nichols department store. It is a statement location that reflects our ambition to place Chotto Matte not just in cities, but in landmark destinations. Across Europe, I would love to see us in Paris, Milan, Berlin, and Madrid, or indeed any city with the right appetite for bold, immersive dining experiences.
“Outside Europe, we are looking at launching in Dubai, contingent on finding the perfect site. The city thrives on spectacle, and we have built a brand that will stand out there. Olivier Flamant, our Group Managing Director, is investing significant energy into expanding our private dining and events offerings, as guests are looking for experiences beyond just dinner. He is also heavily focused on training and culture. While growth can be easily attainable, achieving sustainable growth while maintaining quality is the real challenge, and that is where we are directing our resources,” Kurt adds.
Burgeoning lifestyle brand
Chotto Matte is currently experiencing exciting growth, signaling a bright future for the company. “For the next few months and into 2026, we will be refining our operations to ensure that every restaurant delivers on the promise of Nikkei. While new openings are in the works, we will only pursue cities where the brand truly fits. In five years, I envision Chotto Matte firmly established as the global voice of Nikkei, present in every major city. However, I also see us evolving into more than just restaurants to become a lifestyle brand that encompasses food, art, music, and culture. And who knows, maybe one day we will have a Chotto Hotel that embodies our brand’s DNA,” Kurt ends.