The Story of Cafe Figaro

In the heart of Burlingame, there is a place where tradition and excellence converge—Cafe Figaro. Its story is one of perseverance, serendipity, and the unwavering belief that great things come from humble beginnings.

The tale begins with John Akkaya, a young dreamer who left his home in Turkey at the age of 16 to pursue a brighter future in the United States. With nothing but determination and a strong work ethic, John stepped into the world of hospitality, a field where he would spend many years mastering his craft and building a foundation for his dreams.

By the time John turned 33, he was ready for a new challenge. Real estate called to him, and he earned his real estate license, envisioning a fresh chapter in his life. One late night, after a long shift, John found himself watching an infomercial. The guru on the screen delivered a line that would forever alter his path: “If you don’t offer, you don’t know.”

The words resonated deeply. The next day, while flipping through the classifieds, John came across an ad for a struggling restaurant named Figaro that was up for sale. With limited financial resources, John decided to take a leap of faith. He offered everything he had, not expecting his bid to be accepted. To his amazement, it was.

Initially, John planned to fix up the restaurant, sell it, and move on. However, the reality proved far more challenging than he had anticipated. Figaro required more than a simple facelift; it needed a complete transformation. As he worked tirelessly to remodel the space, John’s vision evolved. He decided to create something extraordinary—a place that would become a cornerstone of the community.

To bring his vision to life, John knew he needed an exceptional chef. Enter David Garro Sokitch, a culinary veteran with a storied career. Garro had honed his skills at the iconic Tadich Grill and later opened a renowned restaurant in the Levi’s building during the 1980s. However, his venture succumbed to the recession. When John reviewed Garro’s resume, he thought, “I can’t afford you.” But Garro, nearing the end of his career, saw potential in John’s dream. “Pay me $100, and we’ll take it from there,” he said. The two men shook hands, forging a partnership built on trust and mutual ambition.

“What will the cuisine be?” John asked. Garro’s reply was decisive: “Let’s do Italian.” Together, they created the menu that has stood the test of time, becoming the heart and soul of Cafe Figaro.

Years later, the legacy of Cafe Figaro continues under the stewardship of John’s son, Will Akkaya. With a deep respect for his father’s vision, Will has added his own flair to the restaurant by curating one of the finest wine lists in the Bay Area. Guided by his mantra, “Whoever wrote the rule that a little café can’t have the best wines in the world?” Will has paired exceptional cuisine with extraordinary wines, elevating Cafe Figaro to new heights.

Today, Cafe Figaro stands as a testament to the power of hard work, bold decisions, and enduring dreams. Each guest who dines here becomes a part of its story—a story that began with a young immigrant’s dream and continues to thrive through the passion and dedication of his family.