Chef Kyle Itani Reopens Old Oakland Restaurant Delage
The sushi spot returns with an expanded menu and new ownership following a September 16, 2026, reopening.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Japanese Food
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Chef Kyle Itani and Jeremias Jimenez have taken over and reopened the Old Oakland restaurant Delage. The pair officially relaunched the sushi destination on September 16, 2026.
Why it matters
The transfer allows previous owner Chikara Ono to return to Japan while giving Itani a venue to execute a specific omakase experience. The new team aims to broaden the restaurant's accessibility beyond its original constraints.
The omakase dinner costs $140 per person at the ten-seat sushi bar. The restaurant now offers a expanded menu featuring al a carte sushi, takeout, and lunch sets.
The players
Kyle Itani
He is the chef who took ownership of Delage to pursue a specific omakase vision.
Chikara Ono
He founded Delage in 2016 and initiated the ownership transfer to return to Japan.
Jeremias Jimenez
He serves as a chef alongside Kyle Itani in the management of the reopened restaurant.
Daniel Paez
He manages the cocktail program at the establishment.
The details
Delage utilizes the Edomae style of fish preparation, which incorporates salt, vinegar, soy sauce, and kombu to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Fish for the restaurant is delivered weekly from the Toyosu Market in Japan.
Timeline
Delage was originally opened in 2016.
Kyle Itani and Jeremias Jimenez reopened the restaurant on September 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
Delage maintains the 1800s-era Edomae sushi style, which uses salt, vinegar, and soy sauce to cure fish. This preservation method reflects a broader trend of restaurants prioritizing authentic, technique-driven preparation over modern convenience.
Diners can now access a wider variety of options including lunch sets, takeout, and al a carte sushi in addition to the traditional $140 omakase dinner. The new management is actively adjusting these service offerings based on customer demand.
The takeaway
The transition of Delage highlights how established local restaurants evolve through new leadership. Guests looking to visit should note the expansion of service types that now include lunch and takeout options.
Further reading
Discover more about the local dining scene in our Japanese Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Berkeleyside.
Live Poll
Do you trust that new management can maintain the quality of a well-established local restaurant?
