Flooding Closes Kinjo Just As It Earns a Michelin Star

Newly Michelin starred sushi restaurant Kinjo won’t be receiving the traditional Michelin-fueled bump in business this month: The Russian Hill restaurant, which earned a star in its first year of business at 2206 Polk Street, is currently closed due to flooding from its upstairs neighbors. While it replaces its ceiling and performs other repairs, the restaurant will remain shuttered until at least the middle of January, 2018.

Takatoshi Toshi, previously the head chef at Sushi Ran, opened the new omakase destination with Billy Kong and Kua Chuang of Lower Haight sushi bar Ijji. Their restaurant debuted in January in a 42-seat space designed by Michael Brennan (Ijji, Jardiniere, House of Prime Rib, and more)

Today, a note under the reservations tab on Kinjo’s website explains that “due to unexpected water pipe related flood repair from our neighbors above, Kinjo will be CLOSED until January 15, 2018. “

“We’re still under construction and we don’t have an [exact] timeframe for reopening” Ryan Wong, a partner in Kinjo and Ijji, tells Eater. The flooding occurred on September 2nd, apparently after Michelin inspectors made their judgments. November 15 was previously offered as a reopening date.

“It is what it is,” says Wong. “We’re trying to work it out as soon as possible to reopen.”

Stay tuned for more as Kinjo gets back on track. Until then, would-be patrons are encouraged to visit Ijji or other sister restaurants Saru Sushi Bar and Seiya restaurant.

• Kinjo Tragically Closed Into 2018 Due to Water Damage [Tablehopper]
• Sushi Ran Head Chef and Ijji Team Up for SF Omakase Spot [ESF]