From the brand behind JINYA Ramen Bar and Robata, new 25-seat counter-style restaurant specializes in temaki and kushiyaki
Los Angeles, CA (RestaurantNews.com) JINYA Holdings, renowned for its commitment to bringing authentic Japanese flavors to guests, is unveiling a bold new concept with the grand opening of Saijo — an intimate eatery featuring hand rolls and grilled skewers — on April 2 at 12473 Washington Blvd. in Culver City.
Founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi drew inspiration from his time in Saijo City in Japan — home to a historic JINYA, or small castle, that later became the site of Saijo High School, where he studied. Inspired by Japanese culinary traditions and Takahashi’s personal journey, Saijo brings together two traditional dishes: hand rolls (temaki) and grilled skewers (kushiyaki). Saijo’s hand rolls feature fresh sushi ingredients, while the kushiyaki highlights smoky grilled meats. The restaurant will also serve appetizers, hosomaki and select beverages, including beer, sake and wine.
The 25-seat countertop space is designed to provide guests with a modern, immersive culinary journey, where they can watch chefs meticulously prepare each dish. An elevated yet approachable dining experience, Saijo will also offer takeout and delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, allowing guests to savor the same high-quality, freshly prepared dishes delivered right to their door. This includes a variety of bento boxes, available exclusively for takeout.
“At Saijo, we focus on simplicity and quality,” said Takahashi. “We want our guests to experience the essence of Japanese flavors in every bite — whether they’re dining in or enjoying Saijo at home. We’re excited to introduce Los Angeles to a dining experience that celebrates traditional Japanese craftsmanship.”
The foundation of Saijo’s menu is a commitment to quality and authenticity. The restaurant prioritizes perfectly crafted hand rolls emphasizing the delicate balance between sushi rice and nori. The Hatsuzumi Nori, imported directly from the Ariake Sea in Fukuoka, is carefully selected for its sweetness, amino acid richness and delicate texture, while the sushi rice is meticulously time-controlled to maintain optimal temperature. Through Saijo’s exclusive sourcing channels, it procures this high-quality nori directly from local producers, ensuring unparalleled freshness and taste. Renowned for its soft texture, sweet flavor, and rich umami, only 5% of Ariake Nori’s annual production qualifies as first-harvest nori, making it exceptionally rare. This is premium nori – crispy and light with a delicate texture, and Saijo believes the quality will surprise its guests.
Saijo’s kushiyaki menu showcases an exceptional selection of premium meats, including the highly coveted A5 Miyazaki wagyu, known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, succulent pork belly chashu, and a variety of chicken options. The seafood selection features delicious shrimp, flavorful unagi (grilled eel), and delicate Chilean sea bass. Saijo also offers a variety of fresh vegetable skewers.
Operating hours will be Wednesday to Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. The restaurant will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Saijo joins a legacy of successful concepts that began with Sabakurou, the original Tokyo restaurant that opened in 2000, and evolved into Robata JINYA and JINYA Ramen Bar. This new concept represents an exciting evolution of the brand’s expertise in Japanese cuisine.
For more information, go to SaijoHandroll.com or follow Saijo on Instagram.
Contact:
Paul Donahie
Champion
908-239-8679
[email protected]
