ITANI RESTAURANT GROUP
With a location in Uptown Oakland (across from The Fox) and a second location in nearby Albany, Yonsei serves open-faced Japanese sushi handrolls made of crisp nori, seasoned sushi rice, and top-notch fish.
Sip on sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails, set to a soundtrack of 90s hip hop, and get lit by a neon sign that spells “Yonsei” in English and kanji characters — a nod to Chef Kyle Itani’s Japanese and American heritage.
Selection of handrolls from Yonsei Handrolls
Hopscotch Chicken
Hopscotch Chicken is Chef Kyle Itani’s new chicken joint in North Berkeley, located next to Itani Sushi inside Epicurious Garden. As the latest iteration of his first restaurant, Hopscotch, that was open in Oakland for 11 years, Hopscotch Chicken is an order-at-the-counter restaurant serving combo trays, salads, and sandwiches with chicken of your choice: freshly fried, rotisserie roasted, served as tenders or saucy wings.
Now open daily 11am - 8pm.
Selection of the menu at Hopscotch Chicken in North Berkeley
In 2024 Chef Kyle Itani opened Itani Sushi, a sushi restaurant located within the North Berkeley food hall, Epicurious Garden (across from Cheeseboard and next to Chez Panise). Grab one of our 12 counter seats for made-to-order rolls, sashimi, and the best nigiri in the East Bay. In a hurry? Grab from the cold case!
At their new Oakland Pop-Up, you can enjoy their best selling sushi items and a fun selection of Japanese snacks & candy. Open for weekday lunches.
Nigiri at the sushi bar at Itani Sushi in North Berkeley
ITANI RAMEN
Itani Ramen opened in 2016 and was inspired by Kyle’s extensive travels and a brief residence in Japan. Known as a place where all are welcome, this “izakaya for everyone” offers homemade gyoza, donburi bowls, cocktails, and plenty of ramen.
Next time you visit, check out the Genki Room - our private dining room. Perfect for your next event or special occasion!
Hopscotch
CATERING
Kyle brought his passion for Japanese cuisine and culture to Uptown Oakland in 2012 when he opened his first restaurant, Hopscotch - a classic American diner with a Japanese twist. He was among Oakland’s early culinary pioneers who helped establish a destination restaurant scene and earned himself a San Francisco Chronicle Rising Star Chef Award and a spot on the Chronicle’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants list.
In June 2023 the restaurant closed and Hopscotch Catering & Takeout was born.
You can now enjoy Hopscotch classics as takeout any day of the week or have Chef Kyle Itani cater your next Bay Area event! Hopscotch Takeout is available every day for delivery or pickup at Itani Ramen - click here to learn more.
For events, Chef Kyle creates customized menus carrying on the beloved cuisine of Hopscotch. Check out their sample menus for your next event - a wedding, birthday bash, retirement party, bridal or baby shower, etc.
Seasonal buffet by Hopscotch Catering