On Tuesday, August 15th, Sekoya Lounge + Kitchen opened its doors on California Ave. Helmed by restaurateur Steve Ugur, the mastermind behind the Pausa Bar & Cookery, Sekoya promises an experience that seamlessly blends design sophistication, inspired cuisine, and an atmosphere that redefines social connection.
Working in collaboration with the Cass Calder Architecture, Sekoya’s design is an expression of refinement and innovation. With artful arched entryways, authentic redwood accents, and Venetian plaster walls adorned with bespoke hand-painted designs, the interior exudes an aura of multidimensional charisma. Guests are greeted by an oversized fluted marble bar and a crafted organic live edge dining table, available for booking through OpenTable Experiences.
Sekoya Lounge + Kitchen features an menu crafted under the visionary expertise of Chef de Cuisine Jason Johnson. The menu unveils a tapestry of California-inspired shareable plates with global influences woven through including caviar service.
Menu highlights include:
- Thai Snapper Crudo – coconut dashi, pickled celtuce, turnips, crispy chile garlic tempura
- Grilled Quail – roasted grapes, pickled mushroom jus
- Chicken Liver Mousse – banana bread doughnuts, espelette spiced cherry compote
- Lamb Tartare – smoked egg yolk jam, crispy leeks, pickled mustard seeds, fried capers, lemon zest, vadouvan curry, lavash cracker
- Roasted Half Sea Breem – lime, brown butter, coriander-salt, crispy herbs
Cocktails are orchestrated by Bar Manager Erik Rivera. The libations are named from California’s mountain passes. Sekoya Lounge + Kitchen presents a seasonal cocktail program that showcases house-made syrups and infusions artfully prepared by simmering and steeping a range of herbs. This is complemented by a curated wine list, featuring selections from wineries such as Trebbiano D’Abruzzo and Domaine Eden.
Cocktail highlights include:
- Sekoya Milk Punch – milk washed rum blend, vsop cognac, chareau, green tea, lemon, pineapple, spice blend, nutmeg
- Hebron Cascade – toasted sesame infused tequila, aperol, watermelon beet shrub, lime, salted pandan-melon foam
- Black Butte –rye, averna, cynar, bitters, baby pine cone
- Bear Divide – honeycomb cereal infused bourbon, barenjager, orange bitters
- Little Pigeon “Paloma” (N/A) – grapefruit sherbet, lime, orange blossom water, club soda, citrus-infused salt
Partnering with CCS Architecture, Steve Ugur infuses Sekoya Lounge + Kitchen with an immersive atmosphere that marries culinary innovation with a sleek and modern design aesthetic. Sekoya’s design narrative is rooted in the grandeur of the California Redwood tree, affectionately known as “Palo Alto.” This homage not only pays tribute to the local heritage but also extends to Ugur’s Turkish roots. Evident in the restaurant’s name, “Sekoya,” which translates to Redwood in Turkish, this dual inspiration underscores the deep connection between natural splendor and the establishment’s cultural underpinnings. Natural elements seamlessly intertwine with contemporary aesthetics, where redwood woodwork and slabs intricately mingle with modern lighting and a refined yet vibrant color scheme.
The restaurant’s exterior includes a lively front patio, offering a covered outdoor gateway to the lounge-centered interior experience. A carved marble bar is adorned with glowing rope lights and sets the stage for a cocktail. Patrons can choose between outdoor dining, communal tables, lounging, bar seating, or the more secluded Sekoya Terrace that is available to reserve for private events and more.
Sekoya Lounge + Kitchen is locate at 417 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Hours of Operation are Monday – Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Thursday & Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday.
