Scottsdale food enthusiasts have a new culinary destination to explore as Celebrity Chef Richard Blais debuted Tiki Taka on January 7 at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. The restaurant blends the bold flavors of Japanese and Spanish cuisines with a Southwest twist.
Known for his inventive approach to gastronomy, the Top Chef All-Stars winner continues his partnership with Grand Hyatt Scottsdale with this latest venture. The 138-seat restaurant promises an interactive dining experience.
“The inspiration comes from combining global cuisines, such as Japanese and Spanish, to offer a unique dining experience,” Marketing Manager Cassidy Khoury said.
Tiki Taka’s menu is designed to excite the senses, featuring shared plates that balance Japan’s umami-rich flavors and Spain’s bold spices. Highlights include Hamachi pizza with pickled daikon and bonito flakes, beef-bacon-wrapped dates with Valdeón cheese, and the Tiki Taka roll, a sushi masterpiece combining red crab, Bluefin yellowtail and piquillo pepper.
For a sweet finish, guests can indulge in Basque cheesecake with passionfruit curd or Kakigori, a shaved ice dessert in flavors like mango ube and sweet coconut matcha.
“Tiki Taka should provide guests with a sense of adventure, making them feel like they’ve explored two distinct cultures in one meal,” Khoury said. “Shared plates foster connections between diners and those around them. The hope is that guests are encouraged to return to Tiki Taka to try additional dishes on the menu and share food with others.”
The beverage program complements the innovative cuisine with playful cocktails like the Osaka Sour, featuring Akashi Japanese whisky and a tempranillo red wine float. The Ube Espresso Martini, made with ube-infused condensed milk, hopes to wow any flavor palette. Guests can also enjoy sake flights, Spanish wines, and an extensive Japanese whisky selection.
The restaurant’s design mirrors its menu, combining elements of Japanese izakayas with Spanish elements. Wimberly Interiors brought the concept to life with a mix of natural wood, Japanese shoji screens, wrought iron accents and colorful mosaics.
“The space was designed with minimalist elegance, with nods to Japanese and Spanish cultures,” Khoury said. “The art throughout the space includes murals and prints that merge Japanese ukiyo-e and Spanish flamenco bullfighting themes.”
The interior features a communal table at its center, sushi and tapas counters, and intimate booths. Neon accents and digital art displays add a modern flair, while the outdoor seating provides a scenic dining experience.
Tiki Taka will host events blending Japanese and Spanish traditions, such as flamenco and taiko drumming performances, and cooking classes as part of its integration with the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. Learn more at tikitakascottsdale.com.
