The former Izakaya Kanpai space at 5430 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard will soon become Okan Diner, a more casual outpost from Daisuke Yamashita and Ken Nakamura who also own nearby Wa Dining Okan in the Convoy District and Robataya Otan in Kearny Mesa. In addition to traditional Japanese dishes, the eatery will specialize in noodles and kettle rice.
Despite very positive online reviews, Izakaya Kanpai, owned by the same crew that's behind Clairemont's Sushi Fish Attack, closed earlier this month after less than 2 years in business. The ample space located in a small retail plaza was quickly scooped up for the opening of a new Japanese concept.
Okan Diner will have a similar homestyle Japanese menu as Wa Dining Okan but will specialize in noodle dishes like udon and soba, as well as Kamameshi - Japanese kettle rice cooked in an iron pot called a kama and mixed with various types of meat, seafood and vegetables and flavored with soy sauce, sake or rice wine. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner and also serve beer, wine and sake.
Okan Diner is anticipated to open in late February/early March. Visit Wa Dining Okan's website to get a feel for what to expect on the new menu - okanus.com.
