Elevated and authentic Japanese dining and cocktail experiences — HIROKI-SAN and Sakazuki — are now open at Detroit’s Book Tower, located at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Grand River Avenue. Conceptualized and managed by Philadelphia-based hospitality and development firm Method Co., the new destinations were designed in collaboration with long-standing partner Stokes Architecture + Design. Distinguished by traditional Japanese flavors, design and décor, HIROKI-SAN and Sakazuki enhance the growing downtown culinary scene, and complement Book Tower’s food & beverage, residential, event and extended stay hotel offerings.
HIROKI-SAN
Led by Executive Chef Hiroki Fujiyama, who trained under legendary “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, HIROKI-SAN takes inspiration from the award-winning Philadelphia eatery Hiroki. Located on the lower level of Book Tower, guests will discover a modern Japanese dining experience.
“My passion lies in crafting a culinary experience that goes beyond borders, bringing people together through the art of food,” said Chef Hiroki. “We’ll be sharing the authentic Japanese food culture that extends from our roots in Philadelphia and Kyoto, Japan and focusing heavily on seasonality and soulfulness.”
The Menu
Crafted from imports flown in fresh weekly from Japan, the expansive menu features a variety of small, shareable plates including, but not limited to:
- Robatayaki — wood-fired skewers and grilled items
- Wagyu — three regional varieties of the specialty Japanese beef
- Noodles/Shumai — broths, steamed and sauteed dishes
- Sushi — focused on a seasonal assortment of traditional sushi and maki rolls
- Specialties — Japanese Wagyu beef, Curry Katsu, Uni-Toro Maki and more
Accompanying the cuisine, cocktails and mocktails at HIROKI-SAN take on classic Japanese libations with an emphasis on sake. Guests can enjoy cocktails such as the Bamboo Cutter (umeshu, chilled jasmine tea, peach) and the Chicka (blanco tequila, pear, lime & pineapple juices, vanilla, shiso), among others.
Design & Decor
The 4,100 square-foot HIROKI-SAN seats up to 108 guests — including nine seats at the sushi counter, 12 at the Chef’s counter, 87 in the main dining room, and a 16-seat private dining room. Design notes include Book Tower’s original plaster walls, a hand-hewn cypress beam ceiling, and customary Shoji (Japanese paper) screens.
Sakazuki
At street level is Sakazuki, a Japanese pub with a vast, by the glass sake menu, sandos — classic Japanese sandwiches — and small plates. Guests can snack on fun yoshoku (Western-style) bites like wagyu hamburgers, wagyu hot dogs and ekiben (bento boxes commonly sold at train stations across Japan).
Japanese-inspired libations include the Yuzu Colada (yuzu sake, white rum, coconut, pineapple juice), the Sailor Moon (riku gin, lemon juice, Sakura, lychee), and the Hello, Kat (blanco tequila, midori, lime juice, vanilla, matcha). With only 37 seats, including four at the bar, the intimate Sakazuki is a perfect stop before your night begins or as it winds down.
Sakazuki’s design and décor is inspired by Japanese pop-culture, nightlife and anime, featuring vibrant, fluorescent colors. The restaurant’s custom ceramic tilework was curated by Architectural Ceramics of Japan, known as one of the country’s finest tilemakers.
“Our team has collaborated to bring together some of the best elements of Japanese culinary and beverage traditions, as well as design, art and music to create unique concepts that complement each other in a special way,” said Randall Cook, CEO and co-founder of Method Co. “The goal of these concepts is to create an immersive experience, taking people away from their everyday lives for a bit and giving them a glimpse into some amazing aspects of Japanese culture and in doing so, enriching Detroit’s diverse dining scene. We are incredibly excited to be opening our doors and to welcome the city of Detroit in to enjoy each of these spaces, all in one night or also one at a time.”
“Book Tower has quickly become a dining destination for impeccable cuisine, cocktail offerings and exquisite design,” said Andrew Leber, Vice President of Hospitality at Bedrock. “The care and attention to detail extends to the newly opened HIROKI-SAN and Sakazuki, where guests will be transported by the authentic flavors and exceptional ambiance – a beautiful complement to the curated food and beverage selections.”
Initial hours of operation:
- HIROKI-SAN: Tuesday – Thursday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sakazuki: Tuesday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Friday – Saturday, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
For more information:
- HIROKI-SAN: visit hirokisandetroit.com and follow @taleofhirokisan for the most up-to-date information. Reservations, which are highly recommended, may be booked through Resy.
- Sakazuki: visit sakazukidetroit.com and follow @sakazukidetroit for the most up-to-date information.
