By 1808Delaware
Downtown Powell gained a new vantage point—and a new culinary voice—on Thursday as Lani Rooftop Lounge opened its doors to the public. Located three stories above East Olentangy Street and the new COhatch, the space introduces a concept that blends panoramic views with a menu designed for sharing, conversation, and a slower pace of dining.
The opening marks a notable addition to Powell’s evolving dining scene, pairing a destination-style atmosphere with a menu that leans into global influence and seasonal ingredients.
A setting designed to linger
At 50 E. Olentangy St., Lani Rooftop Lounge positions itself as both a visual and social experience. The rooftop setting offers expansive views over downtown Powell, creating a backdrop that shifts with the time of day—from early evening light to a more intimate nighttime setting.
Opening day aligns with the venue’s regular schedule:
- Wednesday–Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: Noon – 11:00 PM
Reservations are available through OpenTable, signaling an operation built with steady demand in mind from the outset.
A menu built around sharing
Lani’s culinary approach centers on small plates designed to be passed, sampled, and revisited. The menu avoids rigid categories, instead moving fluidly across influences and textures. Dishes previewed ahead of opening include:
- Olives and cucumbers with sesame seeds and chili crisp
- Kale salad with puffed rice, parmesan, sesame dressing, and soft-boiled egg
- Smoked fish spread with black sesame, pickled onion, and crackers
- Tuna tartare (seasonal)
- Beef skewers with carrot-onion vinaigrette
- 24-hour pork belly with miso caramel glaze
- Wagyu meatballs with mushroom cream
- A Buckeye-inspired tart dessert
The emphasis is clear: layered flavors, contrasting textures, and plates that encourage exploration rather than routine ordering.
Cocktails as a centerpiece
The bar program is positioned as equal to the kitchen, not secondary. Lani’s cocktail list reflects the same philosophy as the food—balanced, ingredient-driven, and slightly unexpected.
Early standouts include:
- Lani Old Fashioned
- Serenity Spritz
- Hell’s Corner, featuring jalapeño infusion
These drinks anchor a broader menu of wine and spirits, reinforcing the lounge’s identity as a destination for both dining and evening socializing.
A chef with a global lens
At the center of the concept is Lingo Quichocho, whose background informs much of Lani’s direction. Originally known for his work in Guam, Quichocho built his reputation through ingredient-focused, farm-to-table cooking. As executive chef and co-owner of Kitchen Lingo in Hagåtña, he developed a style rooted in seasonality and adaptability. His experience extends to kitchens in California and Massachusetts, including work under Roy Yamaguchi.
That background translates into a menu that resists strict categorization. Instead of adhering to a single cuisine, Quichocho’s approach focuses on how flavors interact—often drawing from multiple traditions within a single dish.
A new layer for downtown Powell
Lani Rooftop Lounge arrives at a moment when smaller suburban downtowns are increasingly investing in destination-style experiences. Its rooftop setting alone distinguishes it locally, but its broader impact may come from how it encourages a different kind of dining rhythm—one built around sharing, pacing, and atmosphere.
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