Yauatcha will close
High-profile Galleria-area dim sum restaurant announces impending shutter
One of the Galleria's most high-profile restaurants will serve its last meals in early 2020. Yauatcha, the upscale dim sum from the Hakkasan Group, has set a closing date of February 16, CultureMap has learned.
The restaurant provided the following statement in response to CultureMap's request for comment:
Over the past years, Yauatcha has served as an acclaimed dining destination in Uptown Houston, providing signature dim sum, Chinese cuisine and pastries – and hosting an array of memorable events and celebrations against a one-of-a-kind backdrop. We have been privileged to work with one of the finest culinary and service teams in the city and honored by media accolades and the patronage of many loyal guests. Regretfully, we have made the difficult decision to close our Galleria location and will officially cease service on February 16th, 2020. We look forward to welcoming Houstonians in their travels to our other Yauatcha restaurants globally.
Open since March 2017, Yauatcha brought a Michelin-starred pedigree courtesy of its sister location in London. Along with additions such as Shake Shack, Fig & Olive, and Nobu, Hakkasan's decision to open the restaurant in the Galleria represented the mall's evolution as a dining destination.
Initially, the restaurant seemed poised for success. Its innovative menu of upscale dim sum dishes, French pastries, and lavish cocktails drew crowds and celebrities. Tableside service and luxury ingredients like shu mai with caviar and or dumplings with scallops helped set it apart from other dim sum restaurants, although they meant higher prices than those more traditional establishments. The restaurant ranks 45 on CultureMap's list of Houston's top 100 restaurants.
Sadly, the fine service and elegant atmosphere haven't been enough to sustain the business. Still, we'll be back for at least one more round one of crispy prawn cheung fun and edamame truffle dumplings.
