Nostalgia Meets Modern Luxury at Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge
When an icon returns, you make a reservation. That’s the energy surrounding the grand reopening of Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge, La Jolla’s legendary Asian hotspot that defined coastal dining in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. After a decade-long pause, restaurateur Sami Ladeki has brought the beloved restaurant back to its original Prospect Street home, a return he says came down to timing. For years, guests told him how much they missed the food, the energy, the experience, and he always promised that when the moment felt genuine, Roppongi would come back. Now, with a thoughtfully reimagined menu by Chef Alfie Szeprethy and a breathtaking new design by Stephanie Parisi, that promise is fulfilled.
Think golden curves, hand-sculpted ceilings and a bar that shimmers like sunset on the Pacific. The vibe? Old-school Roppongi glamour meets contemporary coastal chic. This revival isn’t about reinvention, but celebration, honoring what made the original ahead of its time and recapturing the excitement and hospitality that defined it from day one. And with signature plates like the Polynesian crab stack, duck fried rice and crispy lobster making a grand return, Roppongi’s comeback feels like a love letter to loyal fans and an irresistible invitation to a new generation of diners.
If La Jolla’s been on your dining radar lately, you’re not alone. Map out the best spots to eat, sip and explore with this itinerary, and add Roppongi while you’re at it.
Legacy Reimagined
Roppongi was always more than just a place to eat; it was an experience. Since opening in 1998, it has helped put La Jolla on the map for world-class dining with its playful, global flavors. That sense of hospitality is deeply personal for restaurateur Sami Ladeki, shaped by a lifetime of learning what it means to make people feel welcome: from the discipline and respect for craft he absorbed in Germany and England, to the sense of excitement he embraced in New Orleans and Las Vegas, where every night feels like an occasion.
Now, Chef Alfie Szeprethy, who led the original kitchen, is back with a menu that mixes classic favorites and fresh, bold ideas. You’ll find longtime hits like the Polynesian crab stack and onion rings with wasabi-garlic aioli, along with sushi rolls, sashimi and wok-fired dishes. The diver scallops with Thai basil and sundried tomato hollandaise stand out, while the crispy lobster is packed with togarashi spice and chile ponzu butter. Every dish is treated like a reflection of the restaurant’s reputation, and every guest like family, a reminder of what made Roppongi special in the first place.
Creative Partners, Reunited
Behind Roppongi’s dazzling rebirth is a powerhouse creative duo: restaurateur Sami Ladeki and interior designer Stephanie Parisi. Their shared legacy includes everything from acclaimed restaurants to Hotel Parisi (named in her honor) and even Ladeki’s own La Jolla residence. This isn’t just a business partnership; it’s a decades-long collaboration rooted in mutual respect for craft, vision and sensory experience.
That same sense of continuity extends to the kitchen. Chef Alfie, who has been part of Ladeki’s culinary family for more than 15 years, began his journey at the original Roppongi and has since been integral to every concept that followed. His understanding of what makes each one special is unmatched, and with Roppongi, there was no need for reinvention. The menu was ahead of its time when it debuted, and it still resonates today: proof of a timeless approach to ingredients, presentation and fearless flavor.
Together, they seek to elevate the everyday through food and design, guided by passion, artistry and an unwavering commitment to experiences that rise beyond the ordinary. That ethos runs through every touchpoint of the new Roppongi. Ladeki, a culinary icon who’s spent decades shaping Southern California’s dining scene, brings a legacy of innovation. Parisi, known for her tactile, sculptural approach to design, draws from nature and a network of global artisans to create spaces that feel intimate, elevated and quietly magical. Each space tells its own story, inviting guests into a world where every detail is intentional and beauty is felt as much as it is seen.
Together, their work on the new Roppongi blends art, architecture and emotion. As Parisi reflects, “We wanted to create a space which transports people into a serene and inviting state of mind where they can enjoy an elevated sensory experience of fine cuisine, art and sculpture.”
A Stage for the Senses
Ladeki and Parisi have turned the new restaurant into what they call “a stage for the senses,” and they’re not exaggerating. Every curve, color and texture has been meticulously crafted to make guests feel like they’re part of a living work of art. Gold-brushed walls and bronzed screens guide you through softly arched ceilings, while sensual pebble tile entryways and hand-applied paint effects elevate the entire atmosphere. It’s architectural storytelling at its most indulgent.
The quartzite bar gleams like liquid light. Overhead, twin ceiling ovals frame ethereal installations by Milan-based artist Mirei Monticello, whose works seem to float in midair. These luminous sculptures anchor the room in artistry, casting a soft, dreamlike glow. Roppongi also showcases dimensional artwork by Sharon Ladeki (yes, Sami’s wife), adding a personal and emotionally resonant layer to the design.
Even the furniture doubles as art, with select pieces from Parisi’s own PARISII Collection of functional sculptures incorporated to balance form and comfort. A visit here isn’t just about dining; it’s an immersive experience that explores how space can transport us, evoke emotion, and awaken the senses.
The Roppongi Experience
Roppongi’s lively spirit is just as strong as ever, and in many ways, it feels remarkably current. Long ahead of its time, the restaurant’s flavors, presentations and combinations have stood the test of time because they were built on passion and creativity, not fleeting trends. The soul of Roppongi has always been about more than what’s on the plate; it’s about how the experience makes you feel.
Guests can enjoy craft cocktails under soft lighting, stay late for dinner served until 10 p.m. or unwind during the popular Happy Hour with half-off tapas and drink specials every day from 2–5 p.m. The new wine and sake program highlights both balance and bold flavors, and the cocktail menu offers a mix of unique and surprising options. Whether you’re sipping something botanical under golden light or swirling a sake flight by the bar, the experience is immersive and undeniably stylish. By bringing together artists, locals and longtime fans, Roppongi is once again a key part of La Jolla’s dining scene, where food, art and community come together.
Plan Your Visit
Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge is open daily for dinner from 5–10 p.m. Reservations are highly encouraged, but spontaneous walk-ins may find a seat at the bar if they’re lucky.
For those who remember its golden era or those ready to make new memories, this revival is one of San Diego’s most exciting returns.
Book your table now at roppongiusa.net/restaurant-and-lounge/.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
