Jikoni - (n.) kitchen

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In Swahili, Jikoni means kitchen.

At our core, that's what we are.

A space to cook, to create, and to share.​

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The Roots of AfriCali
 

Founded in 2019 by Kiano Moju, Jikoni began as a culinary production studio in the downtown Los Angeles Arts District. Originally, it was a creative hub – part test kitchen, part production rental space – dedicated to digital food storytelling. 

 

However, as Kiano traveled on her AfriCali cookbook tour, she encountered the same question in every city: "Where can I actually eat this food?" Because this culinary style is uniquely hers, there wasn't a brick-and-mortar answer. Kiano realized that to share the true spirit of AfriCali, she had to move beyond the screen and into the kitchen.

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The Pop-Up Journey

What followed was a celebrated pop-up restaurant series across Los Angeles. From intimate gatherings in East Hollywood to our residency at Citizen Public Market, Jikoni became a destination for those seeking bold, fire-grilled flavors. No two pop-ups were ever the same, but they all shared one thing: a deep love for good food, bold flavors, and the stories behind them.

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A Return to Our Roots in Beverly Hills

When our residency at Citizen Public Market concluded, Kiano saw an opportunity to return to Jikoni’s soul: the culinary studio. Today, our Beverly Hills studio is the heartbeat of:

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• Private Dining: Intimate, bespoke feasts in our private dining room and terrace.

• Ticketed Culinary Events: Communal events – like dinner parties and cooking classes – for foodies, by foodies.

• Brand Collaborations: Creative partnerships rooted in culture and flavor.

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Every event at Jikoni is grounded in the same philosophy: No two menus are the same, but every meal is a celebration of heritage, community, and the stories that connect us.