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

Chef Shota Nakajima announced the closure of his Capitol Hill restaurant Taku, ending a notable chapter in his culinary career. After five years at the E Pike location, Nakajima shared his gratitude for the Seattle community, describing his decade in the area as a beautiful journey. The restaurant had recently been closed as Nakajima prepared for pop-up events inspired by his acclaimed kaiseki restaurant, Naka. Previously, he also closed his Kōbo pizza pop-up, indicating a shift in his culinary direction. Nakajima’s announcement revealed that he is planning farewell dinner pop-ups at Taku, inviting the community to celebrate one last time.

He emphasized that this is not a permanent goodbye, suggesting future projects outside of Seattle. The closure comes amid broader changes in the local dining scene, particularly following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nakajima's journey reflects the evolving nature of restaurants in the area, highlighting both successes and difficulties faced by local chefs.