Kaizume

Kaizume is a modern Japanese-French fusion restaurant at 1501 NW 23rd St in Oklahoma City's Uptown 23rd district, from chef Richard Ly, the veteran behind Awaji Izakaya. Announced in March 2025, it opened for business in early May 2026. The name blends kaizen (the pursuit of constant improvement) with me (the eye for beauty and precision), which the restaurant describes as a process and a promise, not just a name. The menu pairs contemporary Japanese technique with French influence: signature sushi rolls (Scorpion, Pear Pressure, Gold Digger), housemade tamago, house-smoked yellowtail, snapper crudo, chicken karaage, and pan-fried gyoza, plus French-leaning dishes like grilled beef tenderloin and flat-iron steak frites. Standouts include a dino-sized bone-in pork chop tonkatsu and A5 Wagyu served on a sizzling stone for $35. The bar pours sakes, ice-cold martinis, and signature cocktails such as the yuzu-kissed Tokyo Negroni. The dining room is warm-wood, yacht-inspired, and intimate, with reservations recommended. Hours: lunch Tuesday-Friday 11:00 AM-2:30 PM; dinner Tuesday-Thursday 4:00-9:00 PM and Friday-Saturday 4:00-10:00 PM; happy hour Tuesday-Saturday 4:00-6:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday. Phone (405) 461-5779, contact@kaizume.com.