Katsuya Beach Opens in Antigua as Japanese Brand Enters Caribbean

Katsuya Beach has opened at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa on Antigua's northern coast, marking the first Caribbean location for the Japanese dining brand and its debut outside the continental United States and The Bahamas.

The restaurant, set along the resort's shoreline with views of Prickly Pear Island, represents an expansion for Katsuya, which has operated locations in Los Angeles since its 2006 opening in Brentwood, followed by outposts in Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Century City. The brand also runs a location at Baha Mar in The Bahamas. The timing aligns with Katsuya's twentieth anniversary.

Katsuya Beach operates under the HQ Collection by sbe, with Jeff Wellemeyer as owner of Hodges Bay Resort & Spa. Christopher Eastmond, General Manager of Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, said the opening represents "an exciting new chapter for Hodges Bay Resort & Spa and Antigua's culinary scene." He added: "We're proud to introduce such an internationally recognized dining concept to the island of Antigua and to become part of Katsuya's continued legacy, while further elevating our guest experience through constant innovation and pairing that with the warmth, culture and hospitality the Caribbean is known for."

The menu balances Katsuya's established offerings with regional ingredients. Signature dishes include Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice and Baked Crab Hand Rolls alongside island-focused items such as Local Lobster Ceviche, Grilled Local Lobster with Shichimi Butter, and Crispy Local Fish with Tobanjan Mint Sauce. The menu also features sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls including the Surf & Turf Roll with seared filet mignon and truffle ponzu, as well as entrées like Miso-Glazed Salmon, Angus Filet Mignon, and Tomahawk Short Rib. Desserts include Brown Butter Glazed Donuts with coconut cream sauce and mango jam, and Miso Chocolate Cake served with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

The design merges Japanese minimalism with Caribbean coastal aesthetics. The open-air space features a sculptural wood installation through the center of the ceiling resembling wave movement, low lighting, dark finishes, and Japanese motifs. Hodges Bay Resort & Spa itself comprises 79 accommodations including suites and four-bedroom oceanside villas set across eight acres, with a private beach, two pools including an adults-only infinity pool, and access to Prickly Pear Island via complimentary boat transfer.

The opening signals sbe's continued investment in Caribbean hospitality and suggests the HQ Collection portfolio intends to leverage established dining brands as differentiators in resort-level markets.