Chef Brian Baik’s Corridor 109 Is Finally Opening Its Doors

Corridor 109 has finally put down its roots.

After years of operating as a pop-up, chef Brian Byck’s restaurant is getting a permanent brick-and-mortar location in Los Angeles, which just opened its doors this week. The 10-seat Corridor 109, whose name pays tribute to Paris restaurant Corridor 53, will offer an 11-course seafood tasting menu.

And these dishes will include rare and exclusive products directly from Japan. Bike itself will choose each ingredient for the menu, which will evolve over time. Starter bites include the Acura Tartlet, a fresh salmon roe tartlet. Skipjack Tuna with Katsu Pesto, Pesto Spaghetti; and aji toast, with horse mackerel and homemade milk bread. Master sommelier Michael Engelmann has curated a wine list to pair with your meal, serving primarily wines from small, family-owned estates. If you’re in the mood for a strong tipple, Bar 109, Corridor 109’s watering hole, can be found in the same location (and also serves some snacks.)

New York-based Montalba Architects dreamed up the space for both bar and restaurant, turning a former furniture store into a modern eatery. Design touches include a stained walnut chef’s table around the kitchen, along with warm, moody lighting and black stainless steel. And, of course, you’ll need to watch as Baik and his team unleash their creations.

Bike is no stranger to the restaurant industry. His family opened Cubao’s House in 1983, the same location where Corridor 109 originated in 2021, when Baik took over Monday night diners. Popped up, gained traction, then moved to another location in Chinatown. In addition to coming from a strong culinary pedigree, Baik has entered the kitchens of a number of notable restaurants including Bobli, Eleven Madison Park, and Sushi Nose.

Corridor 109, in LA’s Melrose Hill neighborhood, is open Thursday through Saturday during preview seating at 7 p.m. As of now, pricing for this space is set at $295, but after November 15th it will increase to $325.