A brand new west coast izakaya restaurant called Budonoki is looking to open a brick-and-mortar somewhere in Los Angeles County.
When co-owners Dan Rabilwongse, Eric Bedroussian, and Josh Hartley launched Budonoki at the end of last year, they wanted to create a neighborhood restaurant concept offering Japanese-inspired bar food with a focus on oshizushi. The trio has spent all of 2022 making a name for the restaurant through pop-up events in Los Angeles, most recently offering their services to Ototo LA at the end of last month. Although the pop-ups have been successful, the owners want something more tangible.
Despite the uncertainty of when and where this dream will become a reality, Bedroussian confirms with What Now Los Angeles that the goal remains to eventually open a brick-and-mortar in Los Angeles. When this does happen, customers can expect izakaya classics with bold flavors and techniques from chef Dan Rabilwongse, who has worked at well-regarded restaurants such as Bouchon, Hayato and Tsubaki, and most recently, Tartine Sycamore. All of the delicious food will be complemented with ice-cold beers, crisp sake, and crushable cocktails.
While Rabilwongse will be in charge of the kitchen, Bedroussian and Hartley will use their experience in the restaurant industry to make Budonoki excel to the next level. Although both are the co-founders of Lynnwood & Vine Supper Club, Bedroussian has spent time as the Assistant General Manager of Hillstone Restaurant Group and Momofuku. On the other hand, Hartley has served as the business operations associate/ manager for The Alinea Group and Jon & Vinny’s. Together they hope to curate an experience that is fun, communal, accessible, honest, and, above all, delicious.
