Hero to bring Japanese-accented Italian to downtown Phoenix

Brown butter miso on agnolotti. Yuzu kosho on tuna crudo. A chicken katsu that moonlights as a parm.

Hero, opening this Friday on the southwest corner of Portland and First streets just off Roosevelt Row, is Italian food with a Japanese accent, and it’s the first move in a three-restaurant play for downtown Phoenix.

The 2,800-square-foot restaurant is the first Valley project from Prescott-based Vivili Hospitality Group, the team behind La Planchada, The Barley Hound, Rosa’s Pizzeria, and Taco Don’s.

Founder Skyler Reeves calls Hero ‘‘the first expression of what we’re building in Phoenix.’’ Two more concepts are on the way nearby: Pizzanista!, a fast-casual pizza spot developed with LA’s Salman Agah, and Bar Saint Bruno, an intimate cocktail bar.

From Bologna by way of Tokyo

Culinary director Yuji Iwasa built the menu around handmade pasta with a Japanese twist.

Look for Agnolotti Di Plin with ricotta, lemon and brown butter miso; Black Spaghetti Vongole (pictured); Tuna Crudo with yuzu kosho and pistachio; and a Chicken “Katsu” Parmigiana topped with vodka sauce and mozzarella.

Desserts follow suit with Black Sesame Panna Cotta and a Matcha Tea-Ra-Misu.

Spritzes with a Southwest streak

The cocktail list comes from LA bar veteran Vincenzo Marianello and blends Italian amari, Japanese whisky, and a little Southwest heat.

Highlights include the Arizona Spritz (Aperol, St.-Germain, watermelon, prosecco) and the Mayan Bliss, which pairs tequila and lychee with habanero and a tahini rim.

A room built for lingering

The space’s design centers on a curved, sculptural bar with a glowing arched backdrop and a dining room full of terrazzo, patterned textiles, and dramatic drapery.

A 2,500-square-foot garden-style patio with wood trellising is coming soon.

Hours are 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.