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David Utterback
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Portrait of David Utterback
i. Biography
The Climb
Sushi in Utterback’s work is framed less as a fixed canon than as a regional set of practices, shaped by New York, Japan, and a 2009 visit to Tokyo that marked a turning point in his reference points. David Utterback’s current scope spans Ota, Yoshitomo, and Koji in Omaha, with Ota and Yoshitomo defining his day-to-day chef work.
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Today
At Ota and Yoshitomo in Omaha, David Utterback works as chef, with the role itself functioning as the clearest shorthand for his current practice. The defining title is chef at Ota and Yoshitomo.
Signature
The signature plates associated with Utterback’s kitchen are prairie tuna, scallop carbonara, cured cherry trout, and aged yellowtail. Taken together, they point to a sushi-minded approach that moves between local names, precise treatment, and familiar fish handled in a way that supports the restaurant’s broader style.
In Their Words “Everyone wants to poo-poo giant maki rolls, but sushi is a regional style of food rather than one specific style.” “All through the north and south of Japan, the construction of sushi changes.”
FAQ
Asked of David
What is David Utterback's current role?
As of 2026, David Utterback is Chef.
What recognition has David Utterback received?
James Beard Award nominee, Best Chef: Midwest (2026).
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The Sunday email
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Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
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