Can’t even use words to describe how intricate, flavorful, and well presented each and every course was at this restaurant. Definitely worthy of the Michelin stars they have. Restaurant is pretty hard to book because it is a small restaurant but if you’re diligent in checking at 10am when reservations open you’ll be able to get a seat. There was not a single course that we didn’t like, lots of unique flavor combinations. My favorite would probably be the fried fish which literally melted as well as the truffle spaghetti dish (unique contrast to an otherwise traditional Japanese menu). I usually don’t get full from fine dining restaurants but not this one! highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Paul Masatani
I’ve wanted to eat here since watching that Chef’s Table episode 9 years ago. It was seemingly impossible to get a reservation back then and was still pretty damn difficult now but for good reason. Simply put eating here is like listening to a perfect album. Like any good album it started off with a banger to set the tone, the hits just kept coming, some soft, some loud, and it ended with not one but two very different delicious desserts. I didn’t even realize 3 hours had passed, was kinda sad it was over but man what a journey.
It was on my bucket list to eat here and hope to return.
Dietary restrictions: when you make the reservation they ask if you have any food allergies and they also call you a week before to confirm if you have any food allergies.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex M
Best restaurant experience I've ever had
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joel Chantraprabhavej
Memorable experience. Would love to try the fall/winter menu next time. Each plate was a piece of art. My least favorite dish was probably the Mizumono...it's just grapes lol. Best dish? Shiizakana or Niku...oh the Yakimono!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Gustavo Pena
We had the pleasure of celebrating my wife's birthday at n/naka, and it was an extraordinary experience that surpassed our expectations in every way. Chef Niki Nakayama's culinary expertise and innovative approach to kaiseki cuisine shine through in each exquisite dish, showcasing her team's technical skill and artistic flair.
The service was impeccable, with a seamless blend of attentiveness and discretion that made us feel truly special. The serene ambiance and meticulously curated atmosphere only added to the evening's enchantment.
What struck us most, however, was the team's unwavering dedication to excellence and their passion for delivering an unforgettable dining experience. It's clear that Chef Nakayama and her team are masters of their craft, and we felt privileged to be able to experience their artistry firsthand.
If you're seeking a world-class culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression, n/naka is an absolute must-visit destination. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Chef Nakayama and her exceptional team for making my wife's birthday dinner an unforgettable celebration.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Jiacheng Liu
Amazing foods, decor, staff. Their truffle pasta is the best in town. Nigiri are also fresh and well seasoned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
A F
Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin Stephens
Me and my girlfriend and 2 friends got the tasting menu and wine/sake pairing. Definitely would recommend if you like wine and/or sake. I also loved how they would explain the dish and wine/sake. Definitely made our dinner better
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ian Simpson
It's not hyperbole to say that n/naka is one of the greatest dining experiences a person might ever hope to have, and without question, it's one of the most impressive restaurants in the world. To try and review it in this space does a disservice to Niki Nakayama, Carole Iida and the extraordinary staff, as well as anyone reading this who hasn't experienced it for themselves -- there are spoilers and I won't reveal/ruin them. Suffice it to say that calling n/naka 'a meal' is about as reductive as referring to the Sistine Chapel as 'a painting.'
While the cost is well above what most would expect to pay for a typical dinner out, it only takes about thirty seconds to realize that this isn't typical...or just a dinner. I'd never been emotionally moved by food or by a dining experience until n/naka -- and I'm still reeling from it several days later. If you're looking at your bill at the end of the night and thinking about money, you've missed the point -- or maybe it's meant to hit you later.
One anecdote to support the above: about halfway through our dinner, I was hit with a debilitating migraine that forced me to miss some of the meal. I was embarrassed and felt ashamed about this, but the restaurant was so kind and took the best care of me. I can't think of many other moments in my life when I felt as cared for.
There's dedication to culinary craft, to the art of food service and hospitality, and to the tireless pursuit of perfection... and then there's n/naka, an establishment that, for a few hours of your life, might just convince you that true perfection does, in fact, exist.
Vegetarian options: If you're a vegetarian, there's an entire, separate vegetarian tasting menu for you. It's every bit as opulent, epic and satisfying as the modern kaiseki menu. Not eating fish or meat shouldn't deter you from n/naka.
Dietary restrictions: I'm a pescatarian that is allergic to mushrooms, which is kind of a mine field for a chef to navigate. The staff and kitchen nevertheless accommodated these things and gave me a bespoke kaiseki menu that was not only respectful of those restrictions but also felt seamlessly tailored to them. For a restaurant to anticipate what you can and are able to eat and celebrate those things for and with you -- pure magic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Adrian Brown
it was obviously very good but we felt it was waaaaayy overpriced for what it is .... and tbh the food didn't blow us away - yes we went in with high expectations .... but when a restaurant plays at the pointy end it's to be expected. At these prices ($USD870 for 2 pax with 3 glasses of wine) I can't recommend it - save your $$ and go to Nobu ... now that's saying so thing about the prices ? however the staff were great.
N/ Naka cooks like characteristics of Vivaldi's composition. Vivaldi winter!
Dietary restrictions: Ask it will be given onto you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wagyu Roast with Wasabi Cream and Ponzu, Mackerel
Jason Krikorian
I had a really great time and experience at this restaurant, and the highlight for me was when the chef came out and spent time talking to me and talking an interest in making sure everything was perfect! Very kind lady!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Geu Urquilla
Excellent place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crudo
Daniel G
One of the best meals in Los Angeles. All of the food was delicious, interesting, and wonderful to look at. I want the entire collection of tableware. Also, the service was special. The staff was so nice and made us smile the entire time. The dining room is forgettable, but hard to complain when everything else was so good.
Can’t even use words to describe how intricate, flavorful, and well presented each and every course was at this restaurant. Definitely worthy of the Michelin stars they have. Restaurant is pretty hard to book because it is a small restaurant but if you’re diligent in checking at 10am when reservations open you’ll be able to get a seat. There was not a single course that we didn’t like, lots of unique flavor combinations. My favorite would probably be the fried fish which literally melted as well as the truffle spaghetti dish (unique contrast to an otherwise traditional Japanese menu). I usually don’t get full from fine dining restaurants but not this one! highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
I’ve wanted to eat here since watching that Chef’s Table episode 9 years ago. It was seemingly impossible to get a reservation back then and was still pretty damn difficult now but for good reason. Simply put eating here is like listening to a perfect album. Like any good album it started off with a banger to set the tone, the hits just kept coming, some soft, some loud, and it ended with not one but two very different delicious desserts. I didn’t even realize 3 hours had passed, was kinda sad it was over but man what a journey.
It was on my bucket list to eat here and hope to return.
Dietary restrictions: when you make the reservation they ask if you have any food allergies and they also call
you a week before to confirm if you have any food allergies.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best restaurant experience I've ever had
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Memorable experience. Would love to try the fall/winter menu next time. Each plate was a piece of art. My least favorite dish was probably the Mizumono...it's just grapes lol. Best dish? Shiizakana or Niku...oh the Yakimono!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
We had the pleasure of celebrating my wife's birthday at n/naka, and it was an extraordinary experience that surpassed our expectations in every way. Chef Niki Nakayama's culinary expertise and innovative approach to kaiseki cuisine shine through in each exquisite dish, showcasing her team's technical skill and artistic flair.
The service was impeccable, with a seamless blend of attentiveness and discretion that made us feel truly special. The serene ambiance and meticulously curated atmosphere only added to the evening's enchantment.
What struck us most, however, was the team's unwavering dedication to excellence and their passion for delivering an unforgettable dining experience. It's clear that Chef Nakayama and her team are masters of their craft, and we felt privileged to be able to experience their artistry firsthand.
If you're seeking a world-class culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression, n/naka is an absolute must-visit destination. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Chef Nakayama and her exceptional team for making my wife's birthday dinner an unforgettable celebration.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Amazing foods, decor, staff. Their truffle pasta is the best in town. Nigiri are also fresh and well seasoned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Me and my girlfriend and 2 friends got the tasting menu and wine/sake pairing. Definitely would recommend if you like wine and/or sake. I also loved how they would explain the dish and wine/sake. Definitely made our dinner better
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's not hyperbole to say that n/naka is one of the greatest dining experiences a person might ever hope to have, and without question, it's one of the most impressive restaurants in the world. To try and review it in this space does a disservice to Niki Nakayama, Carole Iida and the extraordinary staff, as well as anyone reading this who hasn't experienced it for themselves -- there are spoilers and I won't reveal/ruin them. Suffice it to say that calling n/naka 'a meal' is about as reductive as referring to the Sistine Chapel as 'a painting.'
While the cost is well above what most would expect to pay for a typical dinner out, it only takes about thirty seconds to realize that this isn't typical...or just a dinner. I'd never been emotionally moved by food or by a dining experience until n/naka -- and I'm still reeling from it several days later. If you're looking at your bill at the end of the night and thinking about money, you've missed the point -- or maybe it's meant to hit you later.
One anecdote to support the above: about halfway through our dinner, I was hit with a debilitating migraine that forced me to miss some of the meal. I was embarrassed and felt ashamed about this, but the restaurant was so kind and took the best care of me. I can't think of many other moments in my life when I felt as cared for.
There's dedication to culinary craft, to the art of food service and hospitality, and to the tireless pursuit of perfection... and then there's n/naka, an establishment that, for a few hours of your life, might just convince you that true perfection does, in fact, exist.
Vegetarian options: If you're a vegetarian, there's an entire, separate vegetarian tasting menu for you. It's every bit as opulent, epic and satisfying as the modern kaiseki menu. Not eating fish or meat shouldn't deter you from n/naka.
Dietary restrictions: I'm a pescatarian that is allergic to mushrooms, which is kind of a mine field for a chef to navigate. The staff and kitchen nevertheless accommodated these things and gave me a bespoke kaiseki menu that was not only respectful of those restrictions but also felt seamlessly tailored to them. For a restaurant to anticipate what you can and are able to eat and celebrate those things for and with you -- pure magic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
it was obviously very good but we felt it was waaaaayy overpriced for what it is .... and tbh the food didn't blow us away - yes we went in with high expectations .... but when a restaurant plays at the pointy end it's to be expected. At these prices ($USD870 for 2 pax with 3 glasses of wine) I can't recommend it - save your $$ and go to Nobu ... now that's saying so thing about the prices ? however the staff were great.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Most amazing food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Shrimp Matsukaze
N/ Naka cooks like characteristics of Vivaldi's composition. Vivaldi winter!
Dietary restrictions: Ask it will be given onto you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wagyu Roast with Wasabi Cream and Ponzu, Mackerel
I had a really great time and experience at this restaurant, and the highlight for me was when the chef came out and spent time talking to me and talking an interest in making sure everything was perfect! Very kind lady!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crudo
One of the best meals in Los Angeles. All of the food was delicious, interesting, and wonderful to look at. I want the entire collection of tableware. Also, the service was special. The staff was so nice and made us smile the entire time. The dining room is forgettable, but hard to complain when everything else was so good.
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