Chef Yoshi Okai leads a 20-course sushi counter inside Kira in New Orleans' CBD, blending Japanese fish with Gulf ingredients, booked via OpenTable.
At a glance
- Price
- $$$
- Courses
- 20
- Chef
- YOSHI OKAI
- Reservations
- OpenTable
- Booking
- OpenTable
- Category
- Counter only
- Cuisine
- Modern sushi
- Price
- Upscale
Kira, a Mediterranean-and-Japanese concept from hospitality operator Billy Blatty, houses an omakase counter led by Chef Yoshi Okai at 601 Tchoupitoulas St in New Orleans' Central Business District. The counter seats guests for an intimate, staggered-seating format, letting Okai prepare each course personally and keep the pacing of the nigiri service under his control.
The omakase runs 20 courses, drawing on seafood sourced from Japan's premier fish markets alongside regional Gulf ingredients such as shrimp and okra. The format emphasizes a progression of techniques, textures, and flavors across the meal, with Okai setting the rhythm of the service course by course.
Kira falls in the upscale price tier and is classified as counter-only for the omakase experience, with modern sushi as the stated cuisine. Reservations are handled through OpenTable. There is no lunch service; the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. daily, closing at 11 p.m. Monday and Sunday, midnight Thursday, and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Beyond the counter, Kira operates a broader dining room and bar program with live-fire cooking, crudo, and shareable plates, plus private event space accommodating 20 to 800 guests. For the omakase specifically, guests should confirm seating availability and any deposit or cancellation terms directly with the restaurant or through the OpenTable listing, as these specifics are not published on the site.
Good to know
- How do I book the omakase at Kira?
- Reservations are made through OpenTable; check the listing for available counter seating times.
- Who is the chef at Kira's omakase counter?
- Chef Yoshi Okai leads the omakase, preparing each of the 20 courses personally.
- How many courses are in the omakase?
- The omakase menu unfolds over 20 courses, combining Japanese seafood with Gulf regional ingredients.
- Is lunch available at Kira?
- No, Kira does not offer lunch service; hours begin at 5 p.m.
- What are Kira's hours and days closed?
- Kira is open Thursday through Sunday evenings into the early morning, and Monday evening; it is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Details checked October 2, 2026. Prices and hours change; confirm before you go.
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