Kenji Ito - Kenji Modern Japanese, Adelaide

Kenji Ito is the new "young darling" of the Adelaide dining scene. He first came to Australia 17 years ago as an exchange student and spent nine months in Sydney before returning to Japan to complete a degree in English Literature. Living in Tokyo, Kenji fell into cooking through a classical Japanese apprenticeship like so many obsessed chefs before him.

He returned to Australia nine years ago to work at the former Himeji a traditional Japanese restaurant in Adelaide. Determined to learn more about Western cooking, Kenji worked with iconic young South Australian chefs David Swain (Fino), Peter Reschke and Nigel Rich (d'Arry's Verandah) and at The Greedy Goose. Chef Kenji and his wife Noriko opened Kenji Modern Japanese in early 2006 and have created a gorgeous, intimate little restaurant which has quickly developed a strong following.

Kenji presents the best traditional Japanese food in Adelaide, South Australia and has no equal in his home city. His modern Japanese food may confront some, as Kenji sees no cultural boundaries as he includes newfound ingredients to the dishes he presents.

One of the very refreshing aspects of Kenji Modern Japanese is the staff training that sees all staff able to fully discuss the complexities of Kenji's food with a very genuine enthusiasm.

Kenji Ito is a master chef in terms of Japanese cooking but his inquisitive nature will see his food develop into a personal style, in a similar way to the now world famous South Australian chef, Cheong Liew. It goes without saying that we will continue to follow the evolution of his cuisine with great interest.