The Burbank-based Yakumi has opened the first fresh cut-to-order sushi counter at Los Angeles International Airport in the Delta Airlines terminal food court tucked between Fat Sal’s and the upcoming first outpost of DTLA’s Pizza Please opening in summer. The Cava Mediterranean grill will also open at that time in the space designed by PGAL Architects.

 Lee Maen and Philip Cummins, founders of Innovative Dining Group and creators of BOA Steakhouse, Katana, and Sushi Roku, together with Crew’s Hospitality and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield have brought its fast-casual concept to Delta’s newest 178-seat  food court under the supervision of Yakumi’s  Burbank chef  Steven Riley.

Yakumi

Yakumi crunchy roll (Michele Stueven)

It’s all part of the group’s mission to bring a taste of Los Angeles to travelers through strong local startups.  They’ve already opened Rock & Brews in Terminals One and Five,  Fresh Brothers in Terminal Two, Lemonade in Terminal Five as well as a Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen and Randy’s Donuts in Terminal Seven.

Perched on the upstairs terrace of terminal three, which was completely renovated during the pandemic,  the fast-casual concept offers made-to-order signature Yakumi combos including classic rolls like California, spicy tuna and baked crab,  yellowtail sushi with ponzu and serrano chili, salmon with truffle soy and sesame seeds. The artful combo boxes come in three sizes to suit varying appetites and there’s a variety of a la carte items as well. The rice is made fresh daily and it’s about a seven to ten-minute ticket time to get your custom order.   Additional selections include wine, beer, sake, and baked goods.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, It’s not your typical airport food and the space designed by URW has the relaxed ambiance of a restaurant.    The sushi bar feels local and friendly – just keep your eye on the time so you don’t miss your flight. You might just forget you’re at the airport.

 

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