With Taku closure, Chef Shota says goodbye to Capitol Hill (and maybe Seattle?)

Chef Shota Nakajima officially announced the closure of Taku, his acclaimed Osaka-inspired karaage bar in Capitol Hill, after ten years of serving the community. He conveyed his gratitude for the support he received over the years, stating, “Seattle, you’ve given me more than I could ever ask for. ” Nakajima had recently hosted pop-ups inspired by his earlier venture, Naka, while Taku had been temporarily closed. He reflected on the challenges of opening during the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexities of restaurant operations. The closure follows another exit from Capitol Hill last year when he shut down Kōbo, a Detroit meets Osaka pizza pop-up.

Plans for expanding Taku had been filed but were withdrawn in December, signaling a shift in Nakajima's focus. He hinted at future projects, possibly outside Seattle, emphasizing that change is part of his journey. Nakajima will host farewell dinner pop-ups at Taku, encouraging the community to celebrate his culinary legacy.