Ikura

Izakaya-Nikkei from White Rabbit Family

What is Izakaya? Izakaya originates from a combination of Japanese words: "i" meaning "to stay" and "sakaya" meaning "sake shop." Modern izakayas are an important part of Japanese culinary culture. Japanese people often visit izakayas with their colleagues after work, a process they call "nomification," which means "transforming from shy individuals into communicative and cheerful people" through the consumption of "nomi" (alcohol).

What is Nikkei? Nikkei is a culinary tradition that combines Japanese and Peruvian ingredients and cooking techniques. It emerged in the early 20th century following a wave of Japanese immigration to Peru. They brought with them traditional recipes, cooking techniques, and the concept of "umami" – a savory taste – and began to apply them in combination with local ingredients. Nikkei cuisine is a result of the adaptation of Japanese people to life on another continent, a gastronomic synergy of two ancient civilizations and philosophies.

Executive Chef The executive chef for all restaurants in the WRF alliance is Vladimir Mukhin, one of the most famous chefs in the world.

Menu One of the main sections of the menu is the robata grill, a traditional Japanese grill. It is used to cook seafood, meat, and vegetables. In these dishes, we use not only authentic ingredients but also traditional cooking techniques.

Sushi, rolls, and sashimi combine the elegance of Japan with the vibrancy of Peru. The appetizers will surprise you with their bright ingredients, which do not overpower but perfectly complement each other: for example, bao tacos with soft-shell crab and mango, romano tacos with black cod and kataifi pastry, wasabi shrimp with golden mango and passion fruit sauce, and more.

Another section of the menu that we are highlighting is tempura, a traditional Japanese dish of fish, seafood, and vegetables battered and deep-fried to a golden crisp. Here are a few examples from the menu: royal shrimp in a traditional Japanese style, karaage made with crispy squid and spicy yuzu, uni, ikura, and oba with shiso.

Bar The bar features cocktails with distinctive Asian flavors and a large sake selection – 27 items representing all regions of Japan. The bar at Ikura is a perfect complement to the Nikkei cuisine and a wine experience in its own right.

Interior The interior of Ikura was designed by Natalia Belonogova. It is based on the principles of the Japanese worldview of wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi describes the beauty of imperfection, transience, and incompleteness, while still possessing a unique character. This style is characterized by minimalism, simplicity, a lack of symmetry and regular shapes, and the use of eco-friendly materials: textured wood and stone, Japanese plaster, and glass.