Cocina de Barrio Replacing Saiko Sushi in North Park

The trend of quick restaurant turnarounds continues in North Park, as Cocina de Barrio is preparing to open a new location at 2884 University Ave.

The company’s newest location will move into the former home of Saiko Sake and Sushi Bar in mid-October 2024, according to San Diego Magazine. While partners Jaime Osuna and Jose J. Flores have opened locations in Hillcrest, Point Loma, and Encinitas, Flores will be the sole owner of the new North Park location. Osuna will continue to operate as a partner at the other three brick-and-mortar sites. When the new North Park location opens, customers can expect the delicious flavors of Oaxaca and plenty of alcohol to drink.

This is a significant accomplishment for the company, considering the duo opened their first location in Hillcrest in November 2019, right before the beginning of the pandemic. As the restrictions took hold of the restaurant, the company continued to find a way to serve its customers. The group was able to withstand the trials and tribulations of COVID-19 and was eventually able to second Cocina de Barrio, which opened in 2022 and replaced Swami’s Cafe in Point Loma. Recently, the company opened a third location in the former home of Lumberyard Tavern & Grill in Encinitas earlier this year.

Now, Flores is getting ready to expand by himself for the first time. The new North Park location will have a full liquor license and the same menu as the company’s three other sites. The new 3,200 square-foot restaurant will have everything from traditional Oaxaca dishes, such as chilaquiles verdes, enmoladas, and huevos Oaxaquenos. Cocina de Barrio also offers a handful of breakfast classics for brunch and an impressive dinner menu featuring many dishes you can’t usually get in North Park.