#Japan #Tokyo #Grand Hyatt #Oak Door #Rafael Carrera

A New Era at Oak Door

The Grand Hyatt Tokyo, a dynamic luxury hotel nestled in the heart of the bustling city, has announced that Rafael Carrera Barragan has taken on the role of Executive Chef at the signature steakhouse, Oak Door, located on the sixth floor.

Introducing Executive Chef Rafael Carrera Barragan

Carrera, with a rich career spanning across Ecuador, Texas, and Australia, has joined Oak Door after a decade of impressive experience at Melbourne's renowned Rockpool Bar & Grill, listed in the prestigious 50 Best Discovery restaurant guide. He is set to usher in a new chapter for Oak Door, leveraging his profound expertise in premium beef, grilling techniques, and cooking methods.

As he assumes the leadership of Oak Door, a beloved establishment for the past 23 years, Carrera is committed to elevating the dining experience by focusing on quality ingredients, dramatic culinary presentations, and an even further pursuit of grilling excellence. His culinary philosophy is rooted in simplicity, precision, and respect for the ingredients. Through his mastery of grilling, smoking, and seasoning techniques, he aims to highlight the unique characteristics of each ingredient. At Oak Door, all carefully selected meats, from domestic wagyu to American premium beef, will be grilled over oak wood charcoal before being finished in a broiler oven that reaches temperatures as high as 900°F, enhancing their natural flavors and individuality.

Chef Carrera's Vision

In his own words, “For me, a fantastic steakhouse is a place where people gather and connect. I am excited to express the diverse attractions of steakhouse dining while exploring the fantastic ingredients Japan has to offer and creating new memories with our guests. I hope to foster deeper connections through our cuisine and the interactions between people.”

A Culinary Journey Begins

Carrera's journey into the world of grilling began in Ecuador, where family BBQs sparked his passion for cooking. He learned the warmth and joy of gathering from Latin American culinary culture, mastering strong Argentine-style steak techniques from his father while learning the art of smoking ingredients from his mother and grandmother—elements that have shaped his career as a chef.

After cultivating his skills in Ecuador and Texas, he moved to Australia and joined Rockpool Bar & Grill. Over the next ten years, Carrera honed his craft as a Senior Sous Chef, focusing on sourcing quality ingredients, maintaining consistency, and creating dishes that strike a balance between robustness and delicateness.

Future Plans for Oak Door

At Oak Door, patrons can look forward to signature dishes like tomahawk steak alongside carefully curated meat selections. The restaurant will also focus on seasonal side dishes, seafood pairings, and wine that complements the grilled items. Carrera plans to gradually incorporate dishes inspired by his international experiences as well as his life in Japan.

Oak Door, featuring a dramatic open kitchen and sophisticated service alongside a vibrant bar area and a highly acclaimed wine cellar, has been a cherished destination for guests from around the world for 23 years. Under Carrera's guidance, the steakhouse aims to enhance its appeal as a remarkable dining destination for local guests in Tokyo and international gourmets seeking a modern culinary experience grounded in craftsmanship.

Rafael Carrera Barragan: A Brief Overview

• - Born: 1990, Ecuador
• - 2013: Cook and Baker at Hilton Colón Hotel, Quito, Ecuador
• - 2014: Graduated with a Bachelor's in Gastronomy Administration/Culinary Arts from Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (UIDE)
• - 2014: Cook at JW Marriott Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Texas, USA
• - 2015: Cook at Club La Unión, Quito, Ecuador
• - 2016: Senior Sous Chef at Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne, Australia
• - June 2026: Appointed Executive Chef of Oak Door, Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Enhancing the Bar Experience

In addition to his role at Oak Door, Carrera aims to amplify the presence of the adjoining Oak Door Bar, positioning it as an essential part of the internationally inspired steakhouse dining experience. Guests can enjoy cocktails either as a pre-dinner aperitif or as a destination on their own. Alongside classic cocktails, signature offerings and seasonal bartender selections will also be available. Closely collaborating with the bar and sommelier team, Carrera will develop dishes that harmonize naturally with grilled fare and cocktails.

Oak Door’s wine cellar features over 300 varieties of New World wines, including American wines and large-format bottles ideal for celebrations. Together, the bar, wine program, and wine cellar will transform Oak Door into a comprehensive dining destination where guests can savor meals and enjoy interactions in a vibrant atmosphere.

About Oak Door

Situated on the sixth floor of Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Oak Door is a steakhouse specializing in refined meat dishes and seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes like the tomahawk steak are grilled over oak charcoal and finished in a 900°F broiler oven, drawing out the natural robustness of the ingredients. Accompanied by a selection of New World wines recognized by Wine Spectator, guests can dine in diversified spaces including the dining room, private rooms, a lively bar area, and an open terrace.

This appointment of Chef Carrera signals the dawn of an exciting new chapter at Oak Door, where guests can expect an unforgettable dining experience rooted in maximum flavor and quality.