This is not just a sushi restaurant. This is not just a restaurant. This place is special. It is costly but at the end of your 11 course meal you will say it was well worth the price of admission. I cannot detail every dish. But let me tell you each was wonderful to the taste and presentation. My favorite was the needle fish. The only downside was the pour of the wine as compared to the cost for the glass.
Dan D.
No, sorry. This is a meme restaurant. Nobody with any self-respect would eat here. Save your money and what's left of your dignity and go somewhere else. I came here only because my company paid for our meal and the entire experience was curated solely to be "instagrammable" and nothing else. The food was mid at best. I can't believe this place has fooled even Michelin-types. I think that designation can be bought now, clearly.
Kimtastrophe M.
Expected much more for the price. It was plenty of food. Not leaving hungry like some other places with tasting menus.
Kennie P.
Came here for my girlfriend's birthday. Above and beyond experience. The food, ambiance, service was one of the best we've ever had. Thank you to Naomi for the incredible second to none service. Chan's service and enthusiasm was also very much appreciated. We will be back again!
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.
Anne Davis
Absolutely loved this experience. Thank you for this wonderful comfortable dinner. It’s exactly what I love. The restaurant is not big which I liked because it felt cozy and not super crowded. Non of the courses specifically stood out but everything was perfect. Service was absolutely incredible, always caring and super friendly. Loved how they kept giving extra courses and even adding a lovely Polaroid picture at the end. It’s crazy how they even thank us again by sending a letter to my address. Loved it and LOVED IT. Just go
Ryan Huang
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an extraordinary dining journey at n/naka. First, this restaurant is EXTREMELY difficult to book - reservations are gone within seconds. Yes, you heard right, SECONDS after being released on Tock, but for good reasons!First, the attentive and knowledgeable staff at n/naka ensured that every detail of our dining experience was meticulously taken care of; you will not feel rushed.What truly sets n/naka apart is the inventive and unique interpretation of kaiseki-style culinary art. A perfect combination of plant-based dishes, seafood, and meat is arranged, so you are unlikely to suffer from diminishing returns of marginal utility. In other words, your more "heavy" dishes will likely be followed by a refreshing and light dish. The spices and ingredients are also in stark contrast to what's often used in Western cuisine. You are unlikely to have a similar experience compared to, for instance, Providence.The variety of dishes served was visually stunning and a testament to the chef's commitment to using the finest, freshest ingredients. Each plate told a story of culinary craftsmanship and dedication to perfection. Each dish was a revelation, pushing the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine while maintaining a deep respect for its roots.I have to say I am thoroughly impressed and will return in the future (if I am lucky enough to get another reservation ;).Parking: There's a dedicated valet just behind the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Jessica Miller
Then this type of dining is a special treat. First, the service is impeccable. The staff couldn't have been more friendly and attentive. I can understand why it takes three months in advance to get in. But the food here is great and very tasty and fresh tasting. Our wine pairings are a real treat. The only thing I don't like is if you have to go to the wine pairing and wait longer to bring the portions between them. I would have also enjoyed having more red wine pairings and not too many whites. The owner himself came out and took pictures with us. It was an honor and a real treat. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone. The chef did a great job!
Jeff Streit
There are so many places in LA to have a great Kaiseki experience but N/Naka really stands out and is absolutely worth it.The restaurant sits inside a nondescript grey building on the corner of Overland and Lawler in Culver City. The interior environment is small but not cramped and is traditional Japanese modern. The narrow color pallete helps to make the colorful dishes really pop.The tasting menu offers 13 impeccably created courses. From sashimi to pasta to wagyu each one is beautifully plated, art in and of itself.Service is attentive but not overbearing and does a great job of making you feel comfortable. Many other restaurants go for a more stoic experience but N/Naka keeps it somehow fun and light.We opted for the wine and sake pairing and thought it was definitely worth it. It added another element to the tasting experience and was actually a decent value with the opportunity to try 9 different wine and sake.Overall a fantastic experience that definitely lived up to it's reputation.And don't forget there is valet parking in back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
PJ Roth
Excellent food and great menu. Be prepared to have your taste buds explode with so much flavor. Small dishes but they all are so unique and delicious.
Wonderful service and even better food. I'm so happy we scored this reservation for my birthday because it was easily one of the top 3 meals of my life!!! I hope we get the opportunity to dine again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Assaf Dar Sagol
One star for service, the other for presentation.Two empty stars - because of the taste.With most dishes - I was relieved that they were small so I don't have to endure another bite.The flavors and textures were not interesting or complex.Just a blast of Dashi and Miso.The last of the stars is empty because of one of the dishes they served to my wife mid meal, that was extremely lazy.Cut fruit with smoked gouda - nothing short of pathetic.I did not enjoy the wine and sake pairing - as there was no synergy between the drinks and the food.The atmosphere was completely sterile, and the lighting was fine tuned for taking images for social rather than enjoying the moment.This meal cost more than 800$ for two people.I had the regular menu, and my wife had the vegetarian menu.We both disliked 90% of the meal, and were barely tolerant to the other 10%.The presentation was amazing - and it make sense why this Restaurant gets such rave reviews in a city where facades are more important than substance.Yes, the food is very instagramable.The service was also excellent. Our waiter was very tentative.I did not enjoy hearing his presentations to the other tables - because that spoiled all the surprises. when he came to our table - we already knew what he was going to say, as we heard him say it 30 seconds earlier to the table next to us. This is not his fault, this is the fault of the restaurant's prep strategy.If you live for instagram - this restaurant is for you.Me personally - I would avoid.
LeandroRec1997
N/Naka is an extraordinary dining establishment that offers an exquisite culinary experience. Led by Chef Niki Nakayama, the restaurant showcases an impressive blend of Japanese and Californian cuisine.
Irma - Looking for a man
We saw N/Naka on chefs table season 1 and was intrigued. The 6 of us not only thought that the food was epic and up to the 2 Michelin stars but the waiter was amazing! It’s a very small space and it felt like he was there just for us. And the unique sake’s was really different and interesting. The easiest way to score a table is get a group of 6 together. These places have to figure out a way yo stop people from scoring a 2 top and selling on those bid for a table web sites. Go if you can it will blow your mind.
Louis Ta
Do yourself a favor and dine here if you get the chance. Thought-provoking food that felt like a journey. The attention to detail is everywhere in every aspect of the dining experience. Definitely lives up to the hype and deserving of 2 stars.
This is not just a sushi restaurant. This is not just a restaurant. This place is special. It is costly but at the end of your 11 course meal you will say it was well worth the price of admission. I cannot detail every dish. But let me tell you each was wonderful to the taste and presentation. My favorite was the needle fish. The only downside was the pour of the wine as compared to the cost for the glass.
No, sorry. This is a meme restaurant. Nobody with any self-respect would eat here. Save your money and what's left of your dignity and go somewhere else. I came here only because my company paid for our meal and the entire experience was curated solely to be "instagrammable" and nothing else. The food was mid at best. I can't believe this place has fooled even Michelin-types. I think that designation can be bought now, clearly.
Expected much more for the price. It was plenty of food. Not leaving hungry like some other places with tasting menus.
Came here for my girlfriend's birthday. Above and beyond experience. The food, ambiance, service was one of the best we've ever had. Thank you to Naomi for the incredible second to none service. Chan's service and enthusiasm was also very much appreciated. We will be back again!
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.
Absolutely loved this experience. Thank you for this wonderful comfortable dinner. It’s exactly what I love. The restaurant is not big which I liked because it felt cozy and not super crowded. Non of the courses specifically stood out but everything was perfect. Service was absolutely incredible, always caring and super friendly. Loved how they kept giving extra courses and even adding a lovely Polaroid picture at the end. It’s crazy how they even thank us again by sending a letter to my address. Loved it and LOVED IT. Just go
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an extraordinary dining journey at n/naka. First, this restaurant is EXTREMELY difficult to book - reservations are gone within seconds. Yes, you heard right, SECONDS after being released on Tock, but for good reasons!First, the attentive and knowledgeable staff at n/naka ensured that every detail of our dining experience was meticulously taken care of; you will not feel rushed.What truly sets n/naka apart is the inventive and unique interpretation of kaiseki-style culinary art. A perfect combination of plant-based dishes, seafood, and meat is arranged, so you are unlikely to suffer from diminishing returns of marginal utility. In other words, your more "heavy" dishes will likely be followed by a refreshing and light dish. The spices and ingredients are also in stark contrast to what's often used in Western cuisine. You are unlikely to have a similar experience compared to, for instance, Providence.The variety of dishes served was visually stunning and a testament to the chef's commitment to using the finest, freshest ingredients. Each plate told a story of culinary craftsmanship and dedication to perfection. Each dish was a revelation, pushing the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine while maintaining a deep respect for its roots.I have to say I am thoroughly impressed and will return in the future (if I am lucky enough to get another reservation ;).Parking: There's a dedicated valet just behind the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Then this type of dining is a special treat. First, the service is impeccable. The staff couldn't have been more friendly and attentive. I can understand why it takes three months in advance to get in. But the food here is great and very tasty and fresh tasting. Our wine pairings are a real treat. The only thing I don't like is if you have to go to the wine pairing and wait longer to bring the portions between them. I would have also enjoyed having more red wine pairings and not too many whites. The owner himself came out and took pictures with us. It was an honor and a real treat. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone. The chef did a great job!
There are so many places in LA to have a great Kaiseki experience but N/Naka really stands out and is absolutely worth it.The restaurant sits inside a nondescript grey building on the corner of Overland and Lawler in Culver City. The interior environment is small but not cramped and is traditional Japanese modern. The narrow color pallete helps to make the colorful dishes really pop.The tasting menu offers 13 impeccably created courses. From sashimi to pasta to wagyu each one is beautifully plated, art in and of itself.Service is attentive but not overbearing and does a great job of making you feel comfortable. Many other restaurants go for a more stoic experience but N/Naka keeps it somehow fun and light.We opted for the wine and sake pairing and thought it was definitely worth it. It added another element to the tasting experience and was actually a decent value with the opportunity to try 9 different wine and sake.Overall a fantastic experience that definitely lived up to it's reputation.And don't forget there is valet parking in back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Modern Kaiseki
Excellent food and great menu. Be prepared to have your taste buds explode with so much flavor. Small dishes but they all are so unique and delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Wonderful service and even better food. I'm so happy we scored this reservation for my birthday because it was easily one of the top 3 meals of my life!!! I hope we get the opportunity to dine again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One star for service, the other for presentation.Two empty stars - because of the taste.With most dishes - I was relieved that they were small so I don't have to endure another bite.The flavors and textures were not interesting or complex.Just a blast of Dashi and Miso.The last of the stars is empty because of one of the dishes they served to my wife mid meal, that was extremely lazy.Cut fruit with smoked gouda - nothing short of pathetic.I did not enjoy the wine and sake pairing - as there was no synergy between the drinks and the food.The atmosphere was completely sterile, and the lighting was fine tuned for taking images for social rather than enjoying the moment.This meal cost more than 800$ for two people.I had the regular menu, and my wife had the vegetarian menu.We both disliked 90% of the meal, and were barely tolerant to the other 10%.The presentation was amazing - and it make sense why this Restaurant gets such rave reviews in a city where facades are more important than substance.Yes, the food is very instagramable.The service was also excellent. Our waiter was very tentative.I did not enjoy hearing his presentations to the other tables - because that spoiled all the surprises. when he came to our table - we already knew what he was going to say, as we heard him say it 30 seconds earlier to the table next to us. This is not his fault, this is the fault of the restaurant's prep strategy.If you live for instagram - this restaurant is for you.Me personally - I would avoid.
N/Naka is an extraordinary dining establishment that offers an exquisite culinary experience. Led by Chef Niki Nakayama, the restaurant showcases an impressive blend of Japanese and Californian cuisine.
We saw N/Naka on chefs table season 1 and was intrigued. The 6 of us not only thought that the food was epic and up to the 2 Michelin stars but the waiter was amazing! It’s a very small space and it felt like he was there just for us. And the unique sake’s was really different and interesting. The easiest way to score a table is get a group of 6 together. These places have to figure out a way yo stop people from scoring a 2 top and selling on those bid for a table web sites. Go if you can it will blow your mind.
Do yourself a favor and dine here if you get the chance. Thought-provoking food that felt like a journey. The attention to detail is everywhere in every aspect of the dining experience. Definitely lives up to the hype and deserving of 2 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5