After opening their sushi concept in April, the owners have big expansion plans.
From Block Club Chicago, chefs Patrick Bouaphanh and Eric Blanck of Jinsei Motto at 2456 N California Avenue are now planning a lunch and late-night cocktail bar in the downstairs area. Along with the expansion, the owners hope to turn the space into a Japanese-style cafe in the future. An opening date for the cocktail bar has not yet been announced.
Since opening, the team has been serving sushi sets with seafood like salmon, golden eye snapper, yellowtail and scallop. Alternatives to sushi include soups, salads, crispy rice and their wagyu picanha with shiso and chimichurri. Drinks are already served, including cocktails, wines and beers.
What Now Chicago previously reported on Jinsei Motto adding a new omakase bar to the CH Distillery in November 2021, prior to the Logan Square location. The space closed in April 2025, and he decided to partner with Blanck to restart the concept. The two have since seen success from the neighborhood’s response.
Jinsei Motto is at the former Testaccio Italian restaurant location which left in 2024. This is close to Logan Square’s center on California Avenue. Restaurants close-by include Namaste Chicago and La Licor Panamericana.
The restaurant is still open as renovations downstairs are underway. Additional updates for Jinsei Motto and the cocktail bar opening can be found on their Instagram @jinsei.motto.
