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Itani Ramen, which has been creeping towards opening for months, will now officially debut on May 2. The chef-owner, Kyle Itani, also owns Hopscotch around the corner on San Pablo Ave., where he's been honing his Japanese-influenced comfort food for the past few years.
After a final quick trip to Japan for inspiration, the chef will open his ramen shop at last, serving lunch and dinner to Uptown Oakland crowds. As Eater reported previously, Itani is less worried about adhering to "authenticity" and more concerned about exposing people to the culture of the dish, which varies from area to area in Japan. In the meantime, prepare for an onslaught of rotating types of ramen, gyoza, mini rice bowls and lots of beer, wine, sake, and shochu.
Stay tuned for more details on the menu and space closer to opening.
