Kyle Itani Opening Ramen Shop In Oakland; Kosaka Brings Quality Sushi To NYC's West Village

We're always on the lookout for restaurant news here at Food Republic. And news we often receive — we're constantly pitched on restaurants that have pledged to open their doors in the near future, only to eventually learn about inevitable roadblocks and delays that have us questioning whether we should cover a restaurant during our fall preview — one that we may have already mentioned in our spring preview, months before. Such is the unpredictable nature of the restaurant world.

We've worked diligently to assemble this short roundup of promising restaurants that we are certain have recently opened for business and of the newest announcements we've come across regarding restaurants certain to open in the near future. Well, fairly certain. Take a look and be sure to reserve your table today!

Central Standard, a classic American bar and grill in the South Congress Hotel (the second of three restaurants to open in the hotel) will officially open for dinner tomorrow night. Helmed by executive chef Michael Paley, the restaurant will offer an exceptional raw bar featuring oysters, crudos and shellfish towers, while a Berkshire pork chop, yellowtail jack and tomahawk steak will be cooked on a wood-fired hearth. Signature entrées include a lobster roll, grilled lamb kebab and prime rib roast. 1603 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704

Recognized as a premier steakhouse in Charleston, Halls Chophouse will open its second location in Greenville on January 22, 2016. Like the renowned flagship, Halls Chophouse Greenville will be a destination for enjoying an exceptional meal alongside nightly live entertainment. Expect both wet- and dry-aged USDA prime and choice beef, as well as locally sourced fish, poultry, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 550 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

Itani Ramen

Kyle Itani, chef-owner of Oakland's popular Hopscotch Restaurant and Bar, will soon be bringing one of his favorite Japanese cooking traditions to town: ramen. Itani Ramen will offer a simple, seasonal menu that highlights noodle soups from regions throughout Japan, as well as bar favorites including gyoza and donburi and Japanese spirits. The chef — who is fourth-generation Japanese and has studied modern Tokyo cooking intensively — is looking to open his second restaurant in mid-January. Watch our exclusive New Chefs Rising video with Itani below. 1736 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94612; itaniramen.com

ALMA (residency)

Critically acclaimed ALMA has found a new, temporary home at the Standard in Hollywood for an exclusive three-month residency. Taking place now through the end of February 2016, the residency will feature the cooking of original chef Ari Taymor, who will introduce an à la carte menu showcasing his innovative work of local ingredients and flavors — a mix of ALMA favorites and new dishes. 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; alma-la.com

Kosaka

Chef Yoshihiko Kousaka (of Michelin-starred Jewel Bako fame) this week opened an intimate 18-seat sushi spot in the West Village. He offers two omakase options — one featuring only sushi and one that includes cooked dishes from the kitchen. The majority of the seating is located at the interactive L-shaped sushi counter, while there are also two four-top tables. Food Republic attended an exclusive sneak-peek dinner last week and gives the new restaurant a full-fledged two thumbs up! 220 West 13^th St., New York, NY 10011; kosakanyc.com

Le Turtle

Taavo Somer of Freemans and Carlos Quirarte of the Smile have partnered to open Le Turtle, a modern French restaurant on the Lower East Side. Chef Greg Proechel — formerly of Blanca — has assembled a small menu that includes grilled wagyu beef with Japanese sweet potato and braised oxtail with mirepoix and horseradish, while the house bread comes from Roberta's. Exposed brick walls and reclaimed-marble-topped tables highlight somewhat unusual seating arrangements. The restaurant is still awaiting its wine and beer license — look for an all-French, natural-focused list from former Semilla sommelier Jessie Keifer when it's approved. 177 Chrystie St., New York, NY 10002