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Suika’s early rising sibling, Rondo awakens on Broadway with noodles, bowls, and tonkatsu

(Image: Rondo)

With LEGO sculptures and an emphasis on lunch and early evening when, yes, highballs and matcha parfaits are perfectly appropriate, Rondo Japanese Kitchen is now serving on Broadway with plans for a grand opening Friday.

CHS reported in October on the new sibling for the Suika and Tamari Bar Capitol Hill family of restaurants as plans for the Broadway project emerged from the sudden shuttering of the short-lived chain concept, Junkichi Robata Izakaya.

Owner Makoto Kimoto said Rondo is a daytime companion to its izakaya bar siblings that brother and sister both sides of E Pine with a focus that is more on the food end of things. The Junkichi space didn’t have a formal bar and Rondo won’t either. But you’ll still Kimoto’s Suntory highball on order.

With its days starting much earlier than its Pine siblings, closing time at Rondo will be 9 PM.

Seattle Met describes the new menu as “lunchier”

Ramen and mazemen, often described as brothless ramen, and donburi (aka protein-topped rice bowls) each get their own menu section. Heftier fare, like Japanese hamburger steaks and tonkatsu, come as part of a traditional set menu with miso soup and rice. The dessert trio: housemade yuzu ice cream and a pair of Kyoto-style matcha and hoji-cha parfaits.

Kimoto said he is also planning to eventually add takeout bento.

As for the look of the place, Kimoto has filled Rondo with the kinds of kitschy Japanese treasures you’ll also find at Suika and Tamari including a Dragon Quest LEGO sculpture from Hill historian — and brick master — Rob Ketcherside.

Rondo has been open during daytime hours for its soft opening but is ready to shift to full service plus happy hour and daily specials with a grand opening planned for Friday, January 10th. With dragons the theme, you can also expect some smokey drinks and plenty of dry ice when Rondo fully awakens.

Rondo is located at 224 Broadway E. You can learn more at instagram.com/rondoseattle.

 

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Ella Jurado
Ella Jurado
4 years ago

I went last night it was AWESOME!!!! They don’t take reservations and the waiting area is small however they do take your number and text your table is ready. I wouldn’t recommend this place for large parties unless you arrive early. Food and service were both exceptional. Looking forward to going back.