Ippuku: Bringing Authentic Japanese Yakitori to Berkeley
Discover how Ippuku's authentic Japanese yakitori, bold raw chicken sashimi, and a 14-year-old tare sauce have made it a must-visit dining destination in Berkeley.
Tucked away in the heart of Berkeley, Ippuku offers a window into the traditional Japanese dining experience, complete with smoky, grilled yakitori and rare delicacies like chicken sashimi. The mastermind behind this beloved restaurant is Christian Geidemann, a Berkeley native who, after years of traveling and cooking in various cities across the U.S., returned to his hometown with a vision of bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to the Bay Area.
Christian’s Culinary Journey
Christian’s journey to founding Ippuku began far from the Berkeley streets. His passion for food was ignited as a high school student at Berkeley High, working in local restaurants like Café Pastoral. “I started as a busser, but I didn’t enjoy the front of the house,” Christian recalls. Instead, he gravitated toward the kitchen, where the fast pace and hands-on work suited him better. He later gained valuable experience working under the legendary Mark Miller at Fourth Street Grill, a stepping stone that led him to a lifelong career in the kitchen.
His love for Japanese cuisine took root during his time in Santa Fe, where he opened a Japanese restaurant called Casa Soba in 2001. "I always had an affinity with Japanese people, and I started traveling to Japan regularly in the early 2000s," Christian shared. It was during these trips that he learned the intricacies of Japanese culinary traditions, which would eventually inspire the opening of Ippuku in Berkeley.
Authentic Yakitori in the Bay Area
In 2010, Christian opened Ippuku with the goal of offering an authentic Japanese yakitori experience, a rarity in the Bay Area. Ippuku’s specialty lies in its simplicity and adherence to traditional Japanese techniques. "The yakitori part of our menu is very traditional. There’s no fusion going on here," Christian explains. The grill-driven menu offers a range of skewers, from chicken thighs to hearts, as well as Japanese bar snacks like grilled Camembert cheese with honey—a small homage to the way Japan interprets Western ingredients.
Perhaps the most unique—and talked-about—offering at Ippuku is the raw chicken sashimi, a dish that Christian first encountered in Japan and knew he had to bring to the U.S. “The first time I had it, it was like eating another kind of tuna,” he says. At Ippuku, the chicken is prepared meticulously, ensuring that it's seared on the outside to eliminate any surface bacteria while keeping the inside perfectly raw and tender. It's a daring dish that, while unconventional, has become a hallmark of the restaurant’s authentic Japanese approach.
Over the years, Ippuku has built a loyal customer base, with many patrons returning regularly, not just for the food, but for the intimate, immersive dining experience the restaurant offers. “We have customers who’ve been coming here for almost 15 years. We’ve watched their kids grow up, and some of them have even worked here,” Christian shares proudly. The community that has formed around Ippuku is one of the most rewarding aspects of running the restaurant for Christian.
Navigating the Restaurant Industry
The road to success hasn't been without challenges. Christian notes that staffing has been a significant issue, even with Ippuku's proximity to UC Berkeley. "Even though we’re across the street from UC Berkeley, it’s tough finding people who want to do this kind of work," he admits. But despite these hurdles, Ippuku has continued to thrive, becoming a staple in Berkeley’s dining scene and a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Japanese meal.
For aspiring restaurateurs, Christian offers valuable advice: “Find a place that’s gone out of business. You can make a good deal with the bank for the equipment, and get the doors open quickly.” His experience shows that starting with an existing space is a smart way to save capital, especially in today’s competitive market.
What’s Next for Christian and Ippuku?
Though Christian now resides in Tucson, Arizona, his heart remains connected to his culinary roots in the Bay Area. While he is exploring new opportunities in Tucson, he's also excited about Ippuku's future. "We’re starting a new project with Soba Ichi, our sister restaurant. We’re opening a kiosk near Acme Bread on San Pablo, and we might even serve some yakitori to-go," Christian reveals.
As Ippuku continues to be a cornerstone of traditional Japanese dining in Berkeley, Christian’s passion for food and dedication to preserving the integrity of Japanese cuisine remains as strong as ever. Whether it’s through the smoky flavors of yakitori or the delicate textures of raw chicken sashimi, Ippuku offers diners a genuine taste of Japan—a culinary journey that Christian has carefully crafted through years of experience, travel, and an unwavering love for his craft.
Visit Ippuku the next time you're in Berkeley for a dining experience that seamlessly blends authenticity, flavor, and tradition. Whether you're an adventurous eater or a fan of perfectly grilled yakitori, this is one restaurant that promises to leave a lasting impression.