Dōzo Japanese-American Kitchen is now open in a new Dilworth location.
Dōzo Japanese-American Kitchen, the ultra-popular modern take on a Japanese izakaya that once occupied a small counter at City Kitch in Wesley Heights, returned on Jan. 29 in brand new Dilworth digs.
Co-owner and chef Perry Saito promises to bring the same Wesley Heights vibe that everyone loved to East Boulevard in the former space of Fern, Flavors from the Garden.
Saito first caught Charlotte’s attention with his Katsu Kart food truck, and those food truck origins won’t go missing from Dōzo’s new location. His longtime collaborative artist, Quynh Vu, who did the art for Katsu Kart, has decorated the main interior walls space with what Saito calls “an incredible mural.”
The rest of the interior will showcase custom woodwork and design with the help of Jason and Jerry Calamusa of 8Lincoln30.
Many of the cult classics, such as Dōzo’s karaage chicken, will be part of the new menu, but with some stunning new changes. At the center of the shift will be “a carefully selected, by-the-glass sake program, specifically designed for a unique experience of tasting sake typically reserved for those committing to a full bottle price,” Saito said in a news release.
Already big names in Charlotte good culture, Saito and partner and co-owner John Gamble hope to offer a space of community in Dilworth with this new iteration of Dōzo.
“Where so many things in the world have driven divide, we hope to break down these barriers over the joy of food, hospitality and spirits,” Saito said in the release
DŌZO Japanese American Kitchen
Location: 1419 East Blvd a, Charlotte, NC 28203 (opening Jan. 29)
Cuisine: Japanese American
Instagram: @dozoclt
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 2:34 PM.
