A Taste of Japan Debuts in Alys Beach

An Exclusive First Look at O-Ku Alys Beach’s Menu

Alys Beach, Florida has welcomed a new culinary gem: O-Ku, a restaurant celebrating authentic Asian cuisine with a regional approach. The restaurant is the latest addition to the Indigo Road Hospitality Group’s family, known for its dedication to quality and hospitality. VIE is thrilled to share an exclusive first look at their new menu!

“O-Ku is our sushi concept,” explains Steve Palmer, founder, managing partner, and chief vision officer of the nationally recognized Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG). “The original O-Ku opened in Charleston fourteen years ago, born from my passion for Japanese cuisine, hospitality, and culture. Across all of our restaurants, our goal is to evoke a special feeling in our guests; that’s the most important part.”

O-Ku’s menu promises to bring a modern Japanese dining experience to Alys Beach. “From a menu perspective, it’s modern Japanese. There is sushi, of course, but also a robata, which is a Japanese coal-fired grill that allows us to offer a variety of cooked dishes, including miso-marinated cod, wagyu steak, and chicken yakitori,” Palmer elaborates. “The menu is diverse and approachable, offering something for everyone.”

The emphasis on quality is paramount, with the freshest ingredients sourced from across the globe. “We fly fish in from all over the world,” Palmer adds. Although O-Ku restaurants are scattered across the South, they are far from cookie-cutter establishments. Each location boasts its own unique menu and atmosphere tailored to its specific environment. O-Ku Alys Beach reflects the beach lifestyle that visitors and locals cherish, providing a dining experience that complements the area’s relaxed yet refined vibe.

O-Ku is situated in a prime location at the heart of Alys Beach. “There is a new condominium building at the end of the event lawn, right in the center of Alys Beach,” Palmer reveals. David Thompson, a renowned architect and designer based in Charleston, has been tasked with creating the restaurant’s interior. “David’s done over twenty restaurants with us. He definitely wanted to reflect the fact that we’re at the beach. Think blond wood, neutral tones, and a really modern design. It feels comfortable but also very exciting.”

Steve Palmer, founder, managing partner, and chief vision officer of the nationally recognized Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG).

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, founded in 2009, operates restaurants and hotels across the Southeast. “I’ve been in the restaurant business for thirty years,” Palmer shares. “I started working as a dishwasher in Atlanta, moved to Charleston for college, and have been working in restaurants ever since. We are Southern folk, and we like the South. We are very excited about becoming a part of the 30-A community with O-Ku.”

The group prides itself on its culture of internal hospitality. “We believe in our people. Our culture of internal hospitality, how we treat each other, really defines us. Our restaurants are made up of our people, and we want it to be the best employment experience possible. We also offer a lot of opportunities for those who want to grow in hospitality.”

O-Ku is poised to become a beloved addition to the vibrant Alys Beach dining scene, where modern Japanese cuisine meets Southern hospitality.

— V —

Learn more about O-Ku Alys Beach at @okualysbeach and learn more about Indigo Road Hospitality Group at theindigoroad.com.