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Chef José Garces will open Okatshe, a modern Japanese izakaya with sushi, seafood and cocktails, in downtown Allentown’s Moxy Hotel on Oct. 1. PHOTO/CITY CENTER
José Garces sets date for second Allentown restaurant
Stacy Wescoe//September 22, 2025//
Listen to this articleChef José Garces is getting ready to open his second restaurant in downtown Allentown.
He announced Monday that Okatshe will open Oct. 1, 2025, at 947 Hamilton St., in The Moxy Allentown Downtown hotel.
In March Garces opened a Cuban café and rum bar, Rosa Blanca, at 950 Hamilton St.
According to a press release, Okatshe is based on one of Garces’ popular restaurant concepts.
It will be a modern take on traditional Japanese izakaya. The restaurant will feature Japanese small plates, sushi and sashimi with a cocktail and Japanese whisky bar.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is bringing a truly high-quality sushi and fresh seafood experience to Allentown and the Lehigh Valley,” said Garces. “We’re partnering with Yama Seafood, one of the best suppliers in the country, to ensure every dish is exceptional. While sushi is the focus, I’m also excited to share guest favorites like seared salmon, broiled scallops and octopus.”
Greg Brandberg will serve as Okatshe’s executive chef. He previously worked in Chicago at a number of different venues including the Michelin-starred Seasons at the Four Seasons Hotel and NoMI at the Park Hyatt along with stages at Charlie Trotter’s and Alinea.
The restaurant was designed by Saguez & Dash and includes booths, long community tables and a sushi bar under a ceiling dotted with white paper lanterns.
The restaurant also features Graffiti wall art inspired by Tokyo street art which Garces said will provide a backdrop for DJs to perform throughout the year.
The restaurant will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight, with the kitchen serving until 10 p.m. Okatshe will accommodate 100 guests, including 68 in the dining room, 32 at the bar and 20 on the outdoor patio.
