The Dancing Pine Opens Korean Steakhouse in Sakura Novi, Michigan’s Asian-Inspired Development

Photo courtesy of Sakura Novi | Taken by Rebecca Simonov

Acclaimed restauranteur Min Kyu Kim, the founder behind Kimchi Box and ONDO Bakery & Café, introduces his most ambitious concept yet: a high-end Korean steakhouse built around fire, steaks, wine, caviar, and Korean hospitality at Sakura Novi.

Sakura Novi, Michigan’s Asian-inspired mixed-use development, is proud to announce that The Dancing Pine, has officially opened its doors, introducing Michigan to a grand new dining experience centered around Wagyu, curated wines, seafood, caviar, fire, tableside service, and the quiet elegance of Korean hospitality.

Located at 42768 Grand River Avenue, within Sakura Novi,

The Dancing Pine arrives as one of the most anticipated restaurant debuts of 2026. The restaurant blends the interactive nature of Korean barbeque and the precision of a modern steakhouse. Guests can enjoy premium beef and seafood selections, and extensive wine program, private dining rooms, and attentive service designed for both special occasions and memorable nights out.

The restaurant’s name is inspired by the pine tree, a symbol of dignity, resilience, and longevity in Korean culture. Those influences are reflected throughout the 4,500 square-foot space, which features a sophisticated interior with design elements, like mother-of-pearl accidents, which pay tribute to Korean craftsmanship.

The kitchen is led by Executive Chef James “JJ” Jung, whose career experiences includes leadership roles at several acclaimed dining destinations across the country. Prior to joining The Dancing Pine, Chef Jung helped open SET Steak & Sushi at Pendry Newport Beach, a modern steakhouse and sushi concept inside one of Southern California’s premier luxury hotels. His background also includes NOBU, Yellowtail, Rosaliné, and Lumi, where he developed a style rooted in precision, restraint, and bold flavor.

At The Dancing Pine,

Chef Jung brings that pedigree to a menu built around premium Japanese, Australian, and American Wagyu, along with a selection of premium steakhouse cuts chosen for exceptional quality and flavor. Beyond steak, the menu features fresh oysters, seafood, house-made banchan, signature sauces, seasonal accompaniments, and a premium caviar program, creating a dining experience that moves between indulgence and balance.

“The Dancing Pine represents everything we’ve wanted to bring to Sakura Novi,” stated Min Kyu Kim, Founder of The Dancing Pine. “It’s a place where guests can celebrate, gather, and enjoy exceptional food and hospitality in a setting that reflects both Korean tradition and contemporary dining.”

“The Dancing Pine is a defining addition to Sakura Novi and an important milestone in bringing our vision to life,” stated Scott Aikens, Owner of Sakura Novi. “Our goal has always been to create a destination where people can experience the best of Asian culture, food, and community. The Dancing Pine is the kind of flagship restaurant that elevates the entire development and helps establish Sakura Novi as one of Metro Detroit’s premier dining destinations.”

The Dancing Pine is now open at Sakura Novi. An official grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration is planned for late July. The Dancing Pine is open Tuesday – Sunday from 4:00pm – 10:00pm.

Guests can learn more by visiting www.TheDancingPine.com.

SAKURA NOVI’S MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

Sakura Novi is Michigan’s first Asian-themed mixed-development, combining a curated collection of restaurants, retailers, and residences on a 18-acre campus that features a Japanese-inspired garden. The area, which was designed to transport visitors to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Osaka, or Seoul without leaving Michigan was developed in partnership with Robert B. Aikens & Associates and Robertson Homes.

The Sakura Novi development includes:

• Residences at Sakura Novi –Luxury Townhome community that includes 176 three-story residences ranging from 1,331 to 1,765 square feet with 2-3 bedrooms, 1-2 car garages, and modern amenities.
• Sakura Gardens – A Tranquil 2-acre green space featuring a Japanese-inspired garden patio, landscaped pond, cherry blossom gardens, walking paths, a playground, and a public plaza for community events.
• Culinary Masterpieces

*Opening Soon

• • Paris Baguette Bakery Café – French-inspired, Korean-crafted bakery café that offers freshly baked European-style breads and pastries, signature cakes and desserts for everyday and special occasion, hand-crafted coffee and espresso drinks, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and light fare, and a bright café space designed for gathering.
  • Chubby Cattle Wagyu Shabu House – Providing all-you-can-eat Wagyu Shabu from one of the fastest growing premier Wagyu restaurants in the country.
  • The Dancing Pine– Anchor restaurant tenant serving Korean steakhouse food, Korean BBQ, and specialty sharable dishes called “banchan.”
  • Sumo Japanese Grill*– All Sumo Meals are crafted for flavor and freshness with grilled protein, fluffy rice, stir-fry veggies, and house noodles.
  • Cloud Boba – Bubble tea café serving contemporary and classic tea offerings, specialty coffee beverages, and unique signature drinks
• Retail Collection
  • Book Off – Japan’s largest secondhand chain specializing in books, toys, manga, anime-related items, video games and consoles, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and collectibles.
  • Klawsome!  – Michigan’s first stand-alone claw machine arcade.
  • Teso Life – Japanese-themed department store and anchor tenant that specializes in snacks, cosmetics, homeware, kitchenware, stationery, toys, collectibles, and more.
  • Klarnz Skincare* – Specialty skincare destination featuring curated Korean and Asian beauty products, innovate treatments, and expert guidance focused on achieving healthy, glowing skin.

To learn more about the amenities, residences, retailers, and restaurants at Sakura Novi visit www.SakuraNovi.com.

About Sakura Novi

Sakura Novi, LLC, an affiliate of Robert B. Aikens & Associates, LLC, specializes in cultural retail and restaurant collections, living spaces, impactful architectural forms and public spaces to create environments where people can connect with community, enjoy themselves, and breathe more easily. Learn more by visiting www.SakuraNovi.com and follow @SakuraNovi on Facebook and @SakuraNoviMI on Instagram.