A Japanese-Italian Newcomer Takes Over West Hollywood’s Busiest Corner

West Hollywood’s restaurant repertoire is set to expand in a big way with the incoming opening of Blackship next month. The ominously-named new eatery lands right along bustling Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of the standalone city.

Blackship is the work of chef Keiichi Kurobe, who most recently has been spending time as executive sous chef over at Hinoki + the Bird. Now he’s branching out with his very own brainchild, an Italian-Japanese spot with a full whiskey and sake bar. That means housemade pastas and lots of Italian-focused shareable plates, but done with Japanese techniques and some ingredients. A newly-build brick oven will see plenty of use.

The Sean Knibb-designed space will hold room for 100, inclusive of an on-site patio. Expect an open kitchen and bar seating inside as well. The overall project comes together from the Culinary Labs crew, who are responsible not only for Hinoki + the Bird but also chef Ricardo Zarate’s Rosaliné down on Melrose.

Blackship is currently angling for an opening some time in November, though an official date has so far not been set. Meanwhile, Italian-focused passion projects continue to pop up all over Los Angeles, from Ronan on Melrose to Felix in Venice to Chad Colby’s in-the-works Larchmont spot Antico.

Blackship. 8512 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA.

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