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As is the case with most restaurant openings, Itani Ramen’s opening day has been pushed back from what was originally intended. But, the highly-anticipated Oakland ramen shop from chef/owner Kyle Itani (Hopscotch) has just passed all of its inspections and is one step closer to opening to the public in mid-April. While Itani is hiring staff and finalizing the space, he’ll be holding a series of pop-up dinners to preview his Tokyo-style noodle soup.
Starting March 19, a limited menu (in full below) of ramen, gyoza and salad by Itani and chef Brian Ikenoyama (who oversees daily culinary operaitons) will offer a glimpse into what the full-steam Itani Ramen will be like. Each weekend of pop-ups will have a new style of ramen, the first being shoyu with chashu pork and vegetarian miso. Drink options are sake, shochu, draft Ashai beer and soda.
The pop-up dinners will run from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. on March 19-20 and 25-27, April 1-3 and 8-10, leading up to the opening. As they get closer to opening day, they may expand the pop-up hours and days.
Itani Ramen Pop-Up Menu: March 19 – 20
Shoyu Ramen (Chashu pork, bamboo shoots, green onion; $14)
Vegetarian Miso Ramen (Bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, green onion; $14)
Gyoza (Pork, cabbage, white pepper; $7.50 for five pieces)
Little Gem Salad (Cabbage, daikon, sesame miso dressing; $6)
Pickles (Daikon, cucumbers, cabbage; $5)