Joji Hattori’s Universe of Japanese Culinary Culture in the Heart of Vienna
When Joji Hattori opened SHIKI in the heart of Vienna eleven years ago, the vision was clear: to create a place that unites the finesse of Japanese haute cuisine with European hospitality. What began as an ambitious restaurant has evolved into a multifaceted culinary universe – shaped by precision, deeply rooted craftsmanship, and a profound cultural awareness.
Today, SHIKI unfolds across three distinct, carefully composed concepts:
SHIKI Japanese Cuisine, SHIKI Omakase, and the SHIKI Boutique | Sakethek. Each represents its own expression of Japanese culinary and gastronomic culture – from the purist plate to the intimate tradition of omakase, to refined craftsmanship and a curated sake culture. Together, they form a self-contained world of Japanese gastronomy, extending far beyond the classic restaurant experience and allowing SHIKI to be experienced as a holistic concept.
What once began as SHIKI Japanese Fine Dining, Brasserie, and Bar now finds its consistent evolution in a refined and unified concept: under the name SHIKI Japanese Cuisine, the previous lines merge into a cohesive culinary identity.
In recent years, the concepts were spatially distinct – the fine dining menu was served in the rear salon, while the front area, with brasserie and bar, offered its own à la carte selection. This differentiation is now consciously dissolved: the architectural structure remains, but the kitchen will follow a unified culinary signature. Regardless of where guests are seated, the same menu applies – whether in the relaxed front area or the elegant salon.
With this integration, SHIKI returns to its original idea: a house that accommodates different needs while maintaining a distinctive culinary identity.
From 21 April 2026, the kitchen presents a newly curated à la carte menu, alongside a seasonal menu that replaces the former fine dining offering and expands the brasserie concept.
The direction is clear:
more purist, closer to traditional Japanese cuisine despite subtle fusion influences, more focused on the product itself, defined by a reduced visual language and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
Classics such as Wagyu carpaccio, Saikyo miso-marinated black cod, and contemporary sushi in SHIKI style remain integral parts of the menu, complemented by new creations that highlight each ingredient in its purest form.
The overall culinary direction of SHIKI Japanese Cuisine (as well as SHIKI Omakase) will be led by Executive Chef Gerhard Bernhauer.
SHIKI Japanese Cuisine is further defined by an exceptionally strong beverage expertise, which has always been a hallmark of the house and is now even more precisely articulated.
Alongside an internationally curated wine list, it is above all the diverse sake selection that shapes the identity of the restaurant. This is complemented by Austria’s largest selection of Japanese whiskies, as well as a wide range of house-crafted alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.
With the repositioning of SHIKI Japanese Cuisine, the culture of fine dining now finds its most concentrated expression in SHIKI Omakase. For the first time in SHIKI’s history, traditional Japanese haute cuisine is presented in its most reduced and intimate form.
Hidden in the rear section of the SHIKI Boutique | Sakethek, a space with only eight seats is devoted entirely to the art of omakase in the style of sushi kaiseki cuisine – a Japanese tradition in which the selection of dishes is placed entirely in the hands of the master.
“Omakase” – literally “I leave it up to you” – represents a culinary philosophy of trust, defined by virtuosity, precision, and deep respect for the product. Two chefs dedicate themselves exclusively to this small group; all guests begin at the same time. Each piece is created directly before their eyes, every sushi is shaped à la minute and served at its ideal moment – with the rice at the delicate, skin-warm “hito-hada” temperature, achieved solely through natural cooling.
The proximity to the kitchen creates an atmosphere of focused calm, where craftsmanship and dedication become tangible. The culinary centrepiece is the OMAKASE MENU. Individual adjustments are deliberately not offered; only meat may be replaced with fish – a conscious reduction that places authenticity and precision at the forefront.
The result is an evening that is less a traditional dinner and more a concentrated encounter with Japanese culinary culture – intimate, precise, and entirely devoted to the moment.
With the SHIKI Boutique | Sakethek, Joji Hattori established a concept that brings together two specialized worlds under one roof: a sakethek focused on premium sake (over 60 labels) and a boutique dedicated to Japanese craftsmanship. In this combination, a unique, symbiotic destination for gastronomy and design has emerged in Europe.
What begins in the restaurant with one of the most diverse sake selections in the country finds its deeper expression in the sakethek. Here, sake is understood as an independent category – curated by Yuri Iwata, who has visited more than one hundred breweries across Japan over the years, building close and trusted relationships. Based on this foundation, Vienna is home to a remarkable selection of high-quality premium sake, including labels that are available in Europe for the very first time. Tasting sets offer a structured introduction to the stylistic diversity of Japanese brewing. On selected days, Yuri Iwata is personally present, supported by a highly trained team with dedicated sake expertise.
Another highlight of the SHIKI Sakethek is the series of regular Sake Masterclasses, which bring the depth and fascination of Japan’s cultural beverage to life in an enjoyable and accessible way. Each masterclass follows a specific theme, combining Japanese brewing artistry with culinary and cultural refinement. Developed in collaboration with selected guest speakers, these events offer exceptional tasting experiences for connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike. The next masterclass will take place on 29 May.
At the same time, the boutique is devoted to presenting Japanese craftsmanship at the highest level. Within custom-designed interiors, exquisite lacquerware, fine porcelain, artistic tinware, hand-forged knives, and carefully selected textiles from renowned manufacturers come together – many of which are being presented in Europe for the first time.
Even European craftsmanship finds its expression here in a distinctive form: exclusively designed SHIKImono garments by designer Natascha von Abensperg and Traun create an elegant bridge between East and West. For these unique pieces, traditional kimonos made from the finest Japanese silk are carefully reinterpreted and transformed for contemporary European wear.
In this way, a place is created where two areas of specialization – sake and craftsmanship – come together in a curated dialogue, adding a distinctive cultural dimension to the World of SHIKI.
