Steak, Sushi, and a Few Surprises at Providence's New CUT 123

The next time someone at the table wants steak and someone else wants sushi, Providence's newest restaurant has a solution that comes with a few surprises of its own, including complimentary popcorn to start and an ice cream cone to finish.

Chow Fun Food Group's CUT 123 is now open at 123 Empire Street, pairing a downstairs steakhouse with an upstairs Japanese izakaya-inspired lounge. Both floors serve the full steak and sushi menus, allowing guests to choose their atmosphere without compromising on dinner.

Downstairs, the restaurant takes an approachable approach to steakhouse dining, with 12-ounce Certified Angus Beef cuts starting at $19.50 for a Center Cut Top Sirloin. The kitchen hand-cuts its steaks in-house and offers additional options, including a $22 Coulotte Sirloin and a $24 Baseball Cut, with sauces and sides priced separately. Meals begin with complimentary popcorn made using beef tallow and coconut oil, giving the traditional bread basket some unexpected competition.

Upstairs, the atmosphere shifts toward sushi, sake, and shareable plates, with a menu that occasionally brings the two cuisines together. The signature CUT 123 roll wraps tempura shrimp and cucumber in sirloin and finishes with eel sauce, while other options include $5 hand rolls, tuna nachos, and cocktails like the smoked Final CUT Old Fashioned, made with tallow-washed bourbon.

The restaurant's Empire Street location also puts it within walking distance of Trinity Rep and PPAC, making it a convenient stop before a show. For those keeping an eye on curtain time, a $23 pre-theater bento box, available from 4:30–6:30 p.m., combines sirloin, tempura vegetables, sushi rice, and mixed greens.

"Great food shouldn't require a special occasion," says Chow Fun Food Group co-owner John Elkhay, summing up the restaurant's approach to offering steakhouse favorites and sushi without the formality often associated with a special-occasion dinner.

CUT 123 is open Tuesday through Sunday, with weekend lunch service beginning at 11:30 AM. The restaurant also offers complimentary valet parking Thursday through Saturday. For menus, hours, and additional information, visit cut123ri.com.