More Rakiraki plus Pokirritos

More Rakiraki plus Pokirritos

Three years after installing what is arguably the most simultaneously authentic and adventurous ramen house in San Diego, Japanese restaurateur Junya Watanabe is on the cusp of opening not one, but four different concepts in 2016. Work is nearly complete on Pokirrito, a fast-casual spot sharing a kitchen with his Kearny Mesa ramen HQ, Rakiraki. There, guests will order pristine seafood marinated poke-style in Watanabe’s signature, top-secret “Golden Ratio” blend, folded into a burrito (or poke bowl). An identical iteration of Pokirrito will open in February in conjunction with the second coming of Rakiraki in Little Italy. But Watanabe’s far from done. Angels and Hearts, his crepe, shaved ice, and mochi ice cream enclave in Kearny Mesa will soon offer craft coffee, breakfast, baked goods, and Watanabe’s semisweet take on the French classic mille feuille (layered dessert), and last month he secured a spot near the iconic Dumpling Inn to house a yet-to-be-finalized but sure-to-be-tantalizing concept. 858.573.2400, rakirakiramen.com    BRANDON HERNÁNDEZ