Itani Restaurant Group
Itani Restaurant Group
Chef Kyle Itani 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.
The past decade plus years have been full of restaurant openings, pivots, and plenty in between. We are proud to serve guests at our current restaurants and all over the Bay Area through Hopscotch Catering events. Scroll down to learn more.
Itani Restaurant Group
Yonsei Handrolls - Oakland
1738 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA
Yonsei Handrolls - Albany
905 San Pablo Ave., Albany, CA
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.
Itani Sushi - Berkeley
1511 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA
Itani Sushi - Oakland Pop-Up
326 23rd Street, Oakland, CA
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.
Hopscotch Chicken
1511 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA
Inside Epicurious Garden
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.
Itani ramen
1736 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA
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!
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. After 11 years as one of Oakland’s favorite brunch and dinner spots, the restaurant closed and Hopscotch Catering was born.
Hopscotch Catering offers menus and experience from all of Chef Kyle Itani's restaurants. They specialize in: Sushi Platters • Sushi chefs preparing nigiri or handrolls to order • Buttermilk Fried Chicken • Self-Serve Ramen Bars • Smoked Meats.
