Pikunico is a fast-casual restaurant, highlighting authentic Japanese ingredients and a contemporary experience with genuine hospitality. Born from acclaimed chef Kuniko Yagi’s best childhood memories of eating Japanese-style fried chicken with her grandmother on the weekends, Pikunico offers house made karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) served in a sandwich or basket along with market-driven salads, sides and desserts. After a brief stint in the structured world of finance, Kuniko appeared as a contestant on Bravo TV’s “Top Chef,” was named StarChef.com’s Rising Star in 2010, and has earned a number of critical accolades for her work with Hinoki & the Bird, including best new restaurant nods from Esquire, Bon Appetit, Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Times, and more.