Umaya LA - Kaiseki & Sushi

We ordered the preset Japanese dinner, which we had never done before. It was interesting and delicious. And kind of fun trying something new! Next time, we'd like to try the sushi bar. The fish was very good!

A superior sushi restaurant with a fantastic happy hour selection from 530p-7p, and again from 9p-close. The sushi is fresh and high quality. The dishes and dessert were beautifully and artistically presented. Highly recommend their appetizers and drinks. Meals were larger than expected! So much fresh fish to enjoy.

The restaurant was very nice, the bathrooms were very clean. The server was very nice and made great recommendations. The food was really good, there was a huge variety of different textures. The soy sauce, taro, and uni was the best I've ever had and mixed drinks were super good. I would definitely recommend trying it at least once.

It was both our first time having the omasake. Chef Nao was amazing explained every course we had. The food was amazing and cooked perfectly.

The food was high quality though a little pricy, and service was a bit slow. The main issue is that the restaurant charged my credit card the day after I dined with them. I went to Umaya since they are within the Resy network and I had a $100 Resy credit that I had to use before it expired at the end of the quarter. By charging my card the next day rather than the actual date, they effectively invalidated the credit. Lesson learned - don't go on the last day of the quarter if you're looking to use some sort of expiring credit. It might not be the restaurant's fault (some blame could certainly go to me for procrastinating and bank processing), but it left a bad enough taste in my mouth that I probably wouldn't go back.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

First time visiting this restaurant and very disappointed. Went in, waiter seated us, ordered the food, waiter was very nice, good till here. The salad was on salty side so didn’t finish them. Then we waited for our food for an hour. We had to ask the food to be packed to go as we had other prior engagement to run to. So for an hour wait, all I had was 2 bites of salad and that was it. Very disappointed with extremely slow service. Don’t think I will come back.

Great experience always, one of the best Japanese places in LA and great prices, great happy hour! Service is impeccable as well.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came here for DineLA and the food was great. The service was also great. The waiter explained all the dishes as they came in and what item to end as a palate cleanser. The sukiyaki was a little salty so having the rice made it better. The only reason why I'm giving this place such a bad rating is because of parking. There was no street parking but the restaurant had valet. I used the valet that the restaurant offered and I would expect valet to know where to park the car. Apparently not because the valet definitely did not read any street signs during the weekday during dinner rush and parked my car on the street. I ended up getting a ticket in the mail because valet parked my car on the street when it was supposed to be BUSES ONLY. I highly do not recommend using their valet as they do not pay attention to any signs and just park wherever there's an opening.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

The food was amazing, flavor, presentation, and portion size was perfect. The service staff was friendly, attentive, and answered all our questions.

I luv this place♡ Tuna n Unni Sashimi is a good taste. I want to say, here is the best Japanese restaurant!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: 오마카세 에피타이져

Great spot for a date, went with 2 of the omakases and the variety blew us away

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best meal I've had a in a very long time! I've been here several times and every time, the service and food do not disappoint. Chef Nao is talented and dedicated.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Umaya LA: Elevated Japanese Cuisine by a Legendary Chef!!!

Chef NaO Sugiyama, known for his 50 +years of culinary mastery, specializes in kaiseki – the traditional Japanese multi-course dining experience that focuses on seasonality, balance, and artistry. While there are other talented chefs at Umaya, Chef Sugiyama’s expertise truly sets the tone for the restaurant’s elevated approach to Japanese cuisine.

Umaya LA – an upscale Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles – offers an ambiance that perfectly blends elegance and comfort, making it the ideal setting for a memorable meal.

We enjoyed a beautifully curated 6-course kaiseki, featuring mostly exquisite seafood dishes. Each plate was not only delicious but presented with impeccable attention to detail. Highlights included the fresh uni, the melt-in-your-mouth black cod, delicious wagyu, lobster tail with uni and Chef Sugiyama’s signature dashi seafood broth, layered with deep umami flavors. The dining ended on a high note with delicious desserts, transformed into flavorful and refreshing masterpieces.

Service was impeccable and attentive, adding to the overall experience.

This is a must-visit for anyone in LA or OC looking for authentic, refined Japanese dining.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a great date night restaurant that is sort of a hidden gem. It easy to miss this place when walking by, but once you step inside you notice the chic decor.
The service is very attentive and all the dishes are explained by the wait staff as they arrive at the table. The three course tasting menu is a bargain with a just right portion size that will fill you up but not overstuff you.
The appetizer is a collection of different stuff, but the wagyu with noodles main is delicious.
Definitely worth coming to this place for the tasting menus.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good quality, good service. Thank you .

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5