Chef kiss! Every dish was amazing. Highly recommended for Japanese food lovers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Autumn Strife
There’s something about this restaurant that just feels easy in the best way. The space was inviting, well organized, and had a comfortable energy that worked whether you were visiting solo or with others. It’s the kind of environment where you can actually relax.
The staff was professional and approachable, which made the whole experience feel seamless. Everything flowed naturally, and nothing felt forced or overly scripted.
I visit a lot of places as a travel streamer, and this is the type of spot I always enjoy sharing with my audience. It’s consistent, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable. Follow me on Instagram @AutumnTheNomad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
nguyen tuan
The full package.
Claire H
We have been wanting to come to N/Naka for the past 10 years. Finally we made it in January 2026! This is the best dining experience we have ever had. The restaurant ambience is very cozy and comfortable, the decor is minimalistic and Zen. Our server John was very attentive and friendly.
The food at N/Naka was superb! The appetizer plater was packed with delicious little dishes, everyone of them was so elegantly tasty. The black cod fish grilled in pine needles was so delicately tender, juicy and tasted like from another world. The sea urchins from Santa Barbara tasted so fresh and sweet, the fatty tuna melted in our mouth. The pasta with Mentaiko and black truffle tasted heavenly, the flavor just exploded in the mouth. In addition to the nigiri sushi sets, The chef also gave each customer a hand rolled blue crab sushi roll - so good!
At end of the meal, Chef Niki Nakayama actually came over and greeted us. We felt so privileged to meet her in person. Chef Niki Nakayama was so graceful and warm and let us take a picture with her. Our entire dining experience was so wonderful and memorable that we kept thinking and talking about it even after we left LA. Comparing to the other one star Michelin restaurants that we had been to, we totally believe that N/Naka deserve Two Michelin stars! There are NO doubts about it. We can't wait to go back to N/Naka again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nguyen Quan Hieu
Consistently great.
Supa Dupa
The food is phenomenal and always creatively designed! I’m a repeat customer for life!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Connor Rose
Fantastic dining experience at n/naka. Upon arrival, the service was fantastic and we sat at a spacious booth for five at the front of the restaurant. Each dish was fantastic, and they were able to accommodate one guest in our party with dietary restrictions. Two of us had the expertly crafted wine/sake pairing. The soup broths were so warming and flavorful, the wagyu was top notch, and the spices/herbs used across the dishes kept us on our toes with every bite. Reservations are challenging to get, but we hope to be back soon. My personal favorites were the shiizakana, yakimono, and zukuri.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh George
It’s good, not great. I think $200 a person is more appropriate but the sushi is better at many other places
Staff and atmosphere can’t be beat though
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Eunice
This 2-stars Michelin experience was on par with the 2,3-stars experiences I had in Europe and South America. Ambience was relaxed and cozy. Like, dining at friends home. John, our server was warm & humorous. The current Fall menu paid homage to Japan’s classics in the Fall with an LA twist. Many courses had wow factor surprises, and perfectly executed creativity. No flops. Chef Niki paid attention to the tiniest details. Price is high, but then we are in LA. Many restaurants charge as much if not more for tasting menus. It is worth the resy trouble & saving for an experience. The pairing price though has a slightly lower QPR. The use of a distinctive Albariño to pair with the nigiri dish was unexpectedly good. Also loved the complimentary welcome tea & sake which were not part of the “sake & wine pairing”). The take home gift bag cookies and tea bag was nice touch. Also, really can’t compared to the kaiseki in Japan, this isn’t the most traditional kaiseki but LA kaiseki at its finest. Well deserved the 2-stars. I am honestly curious about their winter menu come January. Better start saving up. 😛
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Madrona Beach
Maybe one of the best meals I've ever had. Creative, original, excellent attention to every detail, not flashy or arrogant just outstanding.
We came for our 9th wedding anniversary and I am already wanting to plan another trip. We first heard of Chef Nikki and n/naka years ago when my wife and I were still just dating in school and watching the first season of Chef's Table on Netflix. It was the first episode we put on and we fell in love with what she stood for and the work she put in. Years later, she still shines, and her drive and the art in her work are just as described. We felt like honored guests and I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to feel valued and who enjoys good food. She changes her menu around, so you'll have to see for yourself, but it was a beautifully crafted kaiseki. Thank you for a wonderful night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Keith Lee
Excellent food and service. Thank you, John, our server. Much better than Kato in creativity, taste, and overall experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roede tali Idona
Tables were spaced comfortably.
Paavo Namupala
They made sure everything was okay.
Maeve Susan Goodman
My mother and I celebrated her birthday at Nnaka Restaurant and it was a fantastic dining experience. The set menu included 13 courses, with some special dishes. Every dish was beautifully prepared and delicious.
Chef kiss! Every dish was amazing. Highly recommended for Japanese food lovers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
There’s something about this restaurant that just feels easy in the best way. The space was inviting, well organized, and had a comfortable energy that worked whether you were visiting solo or with others. It’s the kind of environment where you can actually relax.
The staff was professional and approachable, which made the whole experience feel seamless. Everything flowed naturally, and nothing felt forced or overly scripted.
I visit a lot of places as a travel streamer, and this is the type of spot I always enjoy sharing with my audience. It’s consistent, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable.
Follow me on Instagram @AutumnTheNomad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The full package.
We have been wanting to come to N/Naka for the past 10 years. Finally we made it in January 2026! This is the best dining experience we have ever had. The restaurant ambience is very cozy and comfortable, the decor is minimalistic and Zen. Our server John was very attentive and friendly.
The food at N/Naka was superb! The appetizer plater was packed with delicious little dishes, everyone of them was so elegantly tasty. The black cod fish grilled in pine needles was so delicately tender, juicy and tasted like from another world. The sea urchins from Santa Barbara tasted so fresh and sweet, the fatty tuna melted in our mouth. The pasta with Mentaiko and black truffle tasted heavenly, the flavor just exploded in the mouth. In addition to the nigiri sushi sets, The chef also gave each customer a hand rolled blue crab sushi roll - so good!
At end of the meal, Chef Niki Nakayama actually came over and greeted us. We felt so privileged to meet her in person. Chef Niki Nakayama was so graceful and warm and let us take a picture with her. Our entire dining experience was so wonderful and memorable that we kept thinking and talking about it even after we left LA. Comparing to the other one star Michelin restaurants that we had been to, we totally believe that N/Naka deserve Two Michelin stars! There are NO doubts about it. We can't wait to go back to N/Naka again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Consistently great.
The food is phenomenal and always creatively designed! I’m a repeat customer for life!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic dining experience at n/naka. Upon arrival, the service was fantastic and we sat at a spacious booth for five at the front of the restaurant. Each dish was fantastic, and they were able to accommodate one guest in our party with dietary restrictions. Two of us had the expertly crafted wine/sake pairing. The soup broths were so warming and flavorful, the wagyu was top notch, and the spices/herbs used across the dishes kept us on our toes with every bite. Reservations are challenging to get, but we hope to be back soon. My personal favorites were the shiizakana, yakimono, and zukuri.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It’s good, not great. I think $200 a person is more appropriate but the sushi is better at many other places
Staff and atmosphere can’t be beat though
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
This 2-stars Michelin experience was on par with the 2,3-stars experiences I had in Europe and South America. Ambience was relaxed and cozy. Like, dining at friends home. John, our server was warm & humorous. The current Fall menu paid homage to Japan’s classics in the Fall with an LA twist. Many courses had wow factor surprises, and perfectly executed creativity. No flops. Chef Niki paid attention to the tiniest details. Price is high, but then we are in LA. Many restaurants charge as much if not more for tasting menus. It is worth the resy trouble & saving for an experience. The pairing price though has a slightly lower QPR. The use of a distinctive Albariño to pair with the nigiri dish was unexpectedly good. Also loved the complimentary welcome tea & sake which were not part of the “sake & wine pairing”). The take home gift bag cookies and tea bag was nice touch. Also, really can’t compared to the kaiseki in Japan, this isn’t the most traditional kaiseki but LA kaiseki at its finest. Well deserved the 2-stars. I am honestly curious about their winter menu come January. Better start saving up. 😛
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maybe one of the best meals I've ever had. Creative, original, excellent attention to every detail, not flashy or arrogant just outstanding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We came for our 9th wedding anniversary and I am already wanting to plan another trip. We first heard of Chef Nikki and n/naka years ago when my wife and I were still just dating in school and watching the first season of Chef's Table on Netflix. It was the first episode we put on and we fell in love with what she stood for and the work she put in. Years later, she still shines, and her drive and the art in her work are just as described. We felt like honored guests and I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to feel valued and who enjoys good food. She changes her menu around, so you'll have to see for yourself, but it was a beautifully crafted kaiseki. Thank you for a wonderful night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food and service. Thank you, John, our server. Much better than Kato in creativity, taste, and overall experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tables were spaced comfortably.
They made sure everything was okay.
My mother and I celebrated her birthday at Nnaka Restaurant and it was a fantastic dining experience. The set menu included 13 courses, with some special dishes. Every dish was beautifully prepared and delicious.
Loading...