About Us
The restaurant runs on two culinary programs — one defined by the precision of the sushi counter, the other by the breadth of the kitchen. Each has its own voice. Both share one table. From seasonal nigiri to hot plates, the meal is designed to be shared, layered, and lingered over.
The name comes from hachi, the Japanese word for eight. A number associated with rhythm, repetition, and continuity. It also carries the sound of applause, a quiet acknowledgment of something executed well. That idea carries through the restaurant.
CHEF KIICHI OKABE
Master Sushi Chef Kiichi Okabe has spent decades in Michelin-recognized kitchens and globally recognized Japanese restaurants across Japan, Singapore, Dubai, the Maldives, and Los Angeles. His work is defined by precision, discipline, and respect for the ingredient.
At 888, he leads The Kounter. His rice program — a Shari recipe refined over decades — uses top-grade Japanese rice and a vinegar blend tuned toward acid and savor rather than sweetness, so the rice supports the fish rather than masks it. Fish is selected through long-standing brokers out of the Japanese markets, held to a standard of texture, fat content, and age. What doesn’t meet the bar doesn’t reach the counter.
Chef Alfredo Bueno
Executive Chef Alfredo Bueno brings a broader culinary perspective to 888, shaped by global training and a deep understanding of flavor and composition. His menu draws from Japanese technique, global influence, and seasonal ingredients — donabe, wagyu, tempura, and composed seasonal plates designed for sharing, layering, and progression throughout the meal. His work defines the rhythm of the table.
STEVEN
DURR
Sound is approached the same way. 888 operates on a listening culture. Records are selected in real time, without programming or imposed structure. The system was designed by Steven Durr, whose work is trusted by artists including Lenny Kravitz, Sean Lennon, Neil Young, Blake Shelton, and Dan Auerbach. Built specifically for vinyl, it allows music to exist with presence and clarity.