A Night of Nikkei: Inside ITO’s Sell-Out Collaboration

On 7 October, Itō hosted one of its most exciting events to date — a one-night-only Nikkei takeover featuring Peruvian chef Matias Cillóniz and Itō’s own Head Chef Erik Ortolani. It was a collaboration that brought together two creative forces, two culinary cultures, and one unforgettable menu. And if the atmosphere inside the restaurant wasn’t proof enough of how anticipated it was, the numbers certainly were: the event sold out almost instantly.

That response wasn’t just a testament to the chefs — though their reputations speak for themselves — it also marked a milestone for us. This was the first time Itō used the SevenRooms email marketing platform, and the impact was immediate. Within minutes of the announcement hitting inboxes, bookings surged; by the end of the hour, every seat was taken.

For us, the night became the perfect meeting point between great technology and great food — the right message, reaching the right audience, at exactly the right moment.

What This Night Meant for Itō

While the collaboration and the menu were the heart of the evening, the night also represented a significant behind-the-scenes step for Itō. Using SevenRooms email marketing allowed us to communicate more directly, more personally, and more strategically with our community — and the overwhelming response showed just how strong that connection already is.

It reminded us that:

  • Our guests are deeply engaged
  • The right stories and collaborations spark excitement instantly
  • SevenRooms opens a powerful new chapter for how we share what’s coming up at Itō

The success wasn’t only about one night — it was about understanding how we can continue creating moments that resonate long after the plates are cleared.

Looking Ahead

The Nikkei takeover was bold, creative, and full of energy — everything Itō stands for. And thanks to the incredible response, it certainly won’t be the last time we bring chefs together to explore flavour, culture, and new ideas.

If this night proved anything, it’s that our community is hungry for more.

More collaboration. More creativity. More nights like this.

And with SevenRooms now part of our toolkit… you’ll want to keep an eye on your inbox.