The Story of Delage
Since 2016, Delage has been one of Oakland's hidden gems — an intimate sushi and omakase restaurant tucked next to Swan's Market in Old Town. Over the last decade, the restaurant has earned a reputation for exceptional fish, quiet hospitality, and a menu that put Oakland on the map for serious sushi. Today, two chefs carry that legacy forward through a friendship and a shared commitment to excellence.
A Restaurant Passed Between Friends
Chef Chikara Ono opened Delage in 2016, building it into one of the East Bay's most respected omakase destinations. Chikara welcomed guests to Delage for over a decade as if it were his home, which was his intention when naming the restaurant. Delage comes from "Dela," Chikara's nickname, and "ge" — Kyushu dialect for house. Together, it became an invitation among friends: "Delage?" — should we go to Chikara's house?
Mid-2026 Chikara asked longtime friend, Chef Kyle Itani, to take over Delage to allow him to spend more time in his home country of Japan. Chef Kyle and his team were honored to take over the house Chikara meticulously built.
The Team
Chef Kyle Itani leads Itani Restaurant Group, the East Bay hospitality group behind Itani Ramen, Itani Sushi, and both Yonsei Handrolls locations. Delage marks Chef Kyle’s second restaurant built alongside Chef Jeremias Jimenez, following their partnership at Itani Sushi in Berkeley.
The Experience
We are honoring the spirit of Delage by offering an 8-course omakase experience available alongside our à la carte sushi menu during dinner service. At lunch, we have our à la carte menu and a dedicated lunch set. The nine-seat sushi bar and three additional tables make up the entire dining room. This intentionally intimate setting is built for close, attentive service and a direct connection to the chefs preparing each course.
To accompany the food, Delage offers a curated drink menu of featured cocktails, Japanese whisky, sake, and wine curated by the Itani Restaurant Group’s resident bar manager, Daniel Paez.
