ikigai is a new sushi bar and shokudo (a casual, family-owned Japanese restaurant) on Colorado Boulevard that opened in late December of 2023. With reasonably priced sushi, udon, ‘chef’s choice’ omakase, and even children’s bento boxes, the restaurant has quickly become a very popular and lively destination in Downtown Eagle Rock.
We spoke with owners Peter and Sooji Park to learn a little more about their history with sushi and the concept behind ikigai:
What is the story behind ikigai and what made you want to open a shokudo-style restaurant in Eagle Rock? Are there any elements that are drawn from your previous restaurant experience?
Peter began his culinary journey by learning the intricacies of harvesting and processing some of the world’s freshest fish and seafood in Alaska. He brings 30+ years of experience as a sushi chef, including the time spent at the sushi restaurant we owned and operated in Anchorage for more than two decades prior to moving to Los Angeles. We felt that Eagle Rock was the perfect community to launch our new concept, with its already diverse range of restaurants, local testimonials of high demand for more sushi and Japanese options, and a tight-knit neighborhood. ikigai is the culmination of all of our past efforts.
Can you describe to our readers what the Japanese concept of ikigai means to you and how it figures into the restaurant’s concept?
“Ikigai” is a concept that refers to one’s “reason for being.” It reflects a convergence of passion, belief, values, and vocation—i.e., what gets you up in the morning. Our restaurant expresses our family’s sincere love for serving high quality sushi and showcasing hospitality in every avenue of the dining experience for the enjoyment of all our guests. We’ve found our ikigai in our restaurant, and we hope that the name may motivate everyone to reflect on the same, wherever that may lie.
What are some of your signature dishes that people should be sure to try?
Some of our most popular dishes include: blue crab hand roll, torched salmon belly nigiri, chirashi, yellowtail king roll, and 10 piece omakase. From the kitchen, our spicy tuna crispy rice and chicken karaage are quite popular!
What has the response been thus far to ikigai from the Eagle Rock community?
We’ve had an incredible first few months serving the Eagle Rock community. Already, we have many regular patrons, and it’s a pleasure to have so many families, couples, co-workers, and local residents dine with us. We’re glad to join the neighborhood’s eclectic dining scene, and our team aims to serve Eagle Rock’s best sushi for years to come.
🦅 🍣 🐟 🍙 🍶
ikigai
2146 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 999-7190
Sun-Thur: 5pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Fri-Sat: 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm (lunch + dinner)