The Mineola community held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest restaurant, Ikedo, on Friday, Feb 27.
“The turnout for our grand opening showed us just how excited the Mineola community is,” said owner Mimi Chi. “Our goal has always been to create a place where everyone feels welcome, and we’re honored by the support.”
Ikedo, which opened its doors Feb. 21 after nearly a year in construction, is a Japanese restaurant located at 530 B Jericho Turnpike. According to the business, the restaurant is a combination cafe and izakaya specializing in sushi, hand rolls and ramen.
Mineola officials, including Mayor Paul Pereira, Trustee Donna Solosky and Deputy Mayor Janine Sartori, came in support of the grand opening.
“It’s worth going in, the food is absolutely delicious, the decor is amazing,” Pereira said. “That shopping center really is a gem. Go there, go to the other businesses around there. Winter is tough for the restaurant business.”
The restaurant offers many personally crafted dishes and build-your-own options as well as accommodating dietary restrictions, including vegetarian needs and dairy and gluten intolerance.
“Whether classmates are relaxing over boba drinks after school, or families are enjoying a casual dinner, or guests are stopping in for coffee and dessert, the front room offers a vibrant and welcoming gathering space,” the release said.
Ikedo has two distinct rooms that span design and restaurant concepts, including a casual cafe counter at the front and a restaurant-style seating area in the back.
The restaurant’s first location opened in 2020 in Port Washington. The menu includes boba tea, Japanese-style ice cream parfaits and coffee drinks as well as dinner items like ramen, robata-grilled specialties, beer, sake, cocktails, sushi, and handrolls.
Members of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, and several Chinese associations from Long Island, Herricks and New Hyde Park attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Our goal has always been to create a space where everyone feels welcome,” Chi said. “From families and students to professionals and friends gathering after work, Ikedo is meant to bring people together.”
