The revival comes from veteran restaurateur Sammy Ladeki, founder of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, and marks a dual-concept opening at the beachfront resort. Roppongi Asian Bistro will share space with a new location of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, with both restaurants taking over the former home of SEA180° Coastal Tavern, which closed in March 2024 after a decade-long run under the Cohn Restaurant Group.
The Imperial Beach opening is the second Roppongi revival from Ladeki. Last year, it was announced that Roppongi would return to its original space on Prospect Street in La Jolla, with that location expected to debut later in 2025 following a renovation by designer Stephanie Parisi. While the La Jolla flagship will lean into modern design and full-service sushi lounge vibes, the Imperial Beach counterpart offers an equally ambitious concept in a stunning beachfront setting.
Replacing a previously planned Toasted Gastrobrunch outpost, another Ladecki concept, the new dual-restaurant space at 800 Seacoast Drive will offer two distinct experiences. Roppongi will feature Asian cuisine with French-style execution - a nod to its original tapas-style menu - along with an onsite sushi bar and ocean-view seating. Signature dishes such as the famed Crab Stack and Japanese Hot Rock will be offered alongside new creations.
Meanwhile, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, a local staple with seven other locations in California and Nevada, will bring its familiar lineup of woodfired pizzas, salads, tapas, and entrees to the beachside resort. Together, the two restaurants represent a homecoming of sorts for Ladeki, whose restaurant group has long played a central role in shaping San Diego’s culinary landscape.
Roppongi will open on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 800 Seacoast Drive within Pier South Resort in San Diego's South County city of Imperial Beach. For more information, visit .
Originally published on May 21, 2025.Ìý
