KONBI

Los Angeles, CA

Critically acclaimed chefs Akira Akuto and Nick Montgomery opened their project, Konbi, in Echo Park in 2018 and became instant dining scene darlings. Keeping a straightforward approach, Konbi delivers Japanese-style sandwiches, French pastries, and delicate vegetable forward sides on the quick to the greater Echo Park and Eastside communities.

The shop itself is nestled into a historic building off Sunset Blvd., and is long and narrow in order to encourage the “grab and go” lunching practice. The small space presented the challenge of tight space planning, thus pushing us to utilize each and every key touch point to maximum advantage. Every joint and detail was carefully considered in recognition of the scale of the space, so that customers would, if even for a moment, be immersed into a finely crafted environment.

Since opening, Konbi has been awarded the honor of Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurant in 2019 and was included in Food and Wine's Best New Restaurant List for 2019.

Project completed while with Otto Design Group | Graphic design by Andy Goldman | Photos included from EaterLA, Wonho Frank Lee