Basan Detroit, a new eatery inspired by Japan’s “izakaya,” or after-work gathering places, is set to open in District Detroit next week.
Located on the ground floor or Olympia Development’s Eddystone building, the 4,000-square- foot, 77-seat restaurant is located just steps away from the Little Caesars Arena and will be open seven days a week starting Nov. 15, serving dinner and cocktails in both its main dining room and lounge.
Designed by Chicago-based design group Simeone Deary for Four Man Ladder Hospitality, aesthetic features include an open kitchen, 12-seat private dining space, dramatic lighting, plush velvet cranberry red sofas, golden natural wood, and custom artwork. A patio will be opening in the spring.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce the city of Detroit to Basan,” says Chef John Vermiglio, owner of Four Man Ladder Hospitality. “We are confident that this corner of Park Avenue will exude the energy matched for the neighborhood and promise to deliver the world-class hospitality the city has come to expect from Four Man Ladder Hospitality.”
The name Basan is derived from a mythological fire-breathing bird from Japanese folklore. A large red Robata grill is the showpiece of the kitchen, where many dishes will be prepared over an open flame.
Four Man Ladder, operators of Grey Ghost Detroit and Second Best, is the organization behind Basan, which will be run by Executive Chef Eric Lees.
Basan’s menu features are arranged into five categories: Buns, Skewers, Small Plates, Large Plates, and Sweets. Dishes expected to stand-out include: Bologna Bun, Eggplant Tempura, and Chicken Liver Mousse.
The restaurant’s beverage program has been curated by Beverage Director Will Lee, alongside Beverage Manager Alex Kirles. Offerings include 12 craft cocktails, a series of No ABV mocktails, packaged and draft beers, sake, and a full wine list. Cocktails will include:
- Shiso Pretty (vodka, mint, cucumber, shiso, cherry green tea, Sakura, and lime).
- Pacific Coast Highway (sake, barenjager, rice malt, spiced pear, calpico, and mirin).
- Smooth As Sunshine (rum, pineapple, mint, sesame, passionfruit, and rose water).
Basan’s hours will be 4-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 4 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Reservations can be made here and via the Resy app.
