So amazing, recommend the tasting menu! Be sure to make reservations!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
e ong
**5 Stars - An Unforgettable Culinary Experience**
From the moment we stepped through the door, the warm welcome set the tone for an extraordinary evening. The attentive service struck the perfect balance—present when needed, yet never intrusive.
The tasting menu was nothing short of exceptional. Each course showcased the chef’s masterful understanding of flavor harmony, presenting unexpected combinations of ingredients. What impressed us most was the restraint and precision—every element served a purpose, creating dishes that were both sophisticated and approachable.
The pacing was flawless. As we savored the final bite of each course, we could hear the gentle sizzle from the kitchen as our next dish began its journey to the table. Every plate arrived at the perfect temperature, seasoned with remarkable finesse. Nothing competed for attention; instead, each flavor complemented the others in beautiful harmony.
Having dined at numerous Michelin-starred establishments, we were genuinely surprised this gem isn’t booked solid every evening. The quality rivals the finest restaurants we’ve experienced, yet maintains an intimate, unpretentious atmosphere that makes the experience feel personal and special.
After reading the glowing reviews that led us here, we arrived with high expectations—and CharcoalNiku exceeded every one of them. This is precisely the kind of restaurant that deserves community support and recognition.
We’ll absolutely return on our next visit to town. CharcoalNiku has earned a permanent place on our must-visit list.
e o
**5 Stars - An Unforgettable Culinary Experience**
From the moment we stepped through the door, the warm welcome set the tone for an extraordinary evening. The attentive service struck the perfect balance—present when needed, yet never intrusive.
The tasting menu was nothing short of exceptional. Each course showcased the chef’s masterful understanding of flavor harmony, presenting unexpected combinations of ingredients. What impressed us most was the restraint and precision—every element served a purpose, creating dishes that were both sophisticated and approachable.
The pacing was flawless. As we savored the final bite of each course, we could hear the gentle sizzle from the kitchen as our next dish began its journey to the table. Every plate arrived at the perfect temperature, seasoned with remarkable finesse. Nothing competed for attention; instead, each flavor complemented the others in beautiful harmony.
Having dined at numerous Michelin-starred establishments, we were genuinely surprised this gem isn’t booked solid every evening. The quality rivals the finest restaurants we’ve experienced, yet maintains an intimate, unpretentious atmosphere that makes the experience feel personal and special.
After reading the glowing reviews that led us here, we arrived with high expectations—and CharcoalNiku exceeded every one of them. This is precisely the kind of restaurant that deserves community support and recognition.
We’ll absolutely return on our next visit to town. CharcoalNiku has earned a permanent place on our must-visit list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nini L.
Every dish on the tasting menu was excellent, and the service impeccable. Would definitely return for my fav dishes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Rabbit
Got tasting menu & short rib. Everything was delicious. Short rib litteraly tasted like it melts in your mouth.
Nikyra Washington
If I could give this restaurant 20 million stars I would. The service, food, and atmosphere was extraordinary and it’s rare a restaurant hits all 3 of the above. I left feeling completely euphoric!
Aaron M. Brill
Walking into this relatively high end restaurant, I was immediately struck by how empty it was. Only one table was occupied, and they were finishing up as we arrived. It gave me pause, but I decided to keep an open mind. The ambiance is appealing. The space has a trendy, upscale design with comfortable seating and a welcoming vibe. Service was friendly and professional throughout, though it's hard to truly evaluate hospitality when you're the only party in the dining room.
Unfortunately, the real issue lies with the food, and it is a significant one. The menu reads well and offers enticing options, but the execution falls far short of expectations.
The A5 Wagyu amuse bouche was disappointing. Served far too cold, the flavors were muted, and the accompanying ponzu jelly tasted more like sweet jiggly gelatin than anything resembling ponzu. It lacked balance and any depth of flavor. The crab wontons were no better. Texturally and flavor-wise, they wouldn't stand out at a strip mall fast casual Chinese spot.
The shrimp pasta, described as “rich and creamy,” arrived as something altogether different. It was pasta tossed in butter with a sprinkle of salt and a scattering medium/small frozen tasting shrimp. There was no richness, no creaminess, and no presentation to speak of. It looked like a rushed attempt at a weeknight dinner.
The lamb rack was a mixed bag. The meat quality was decent, but the chops were cut with glaring inconsistency. Some were thin and overcooked, others thicker and closer to the intended preparation. This kind of fundamental misstep simply should not happen at a restaurant, let alone one presenting itself as a fine dining establishment.
The truffle scallops were arguably the lowest point of the meal. Poorly cooked and rubbery, they were nearly inedible. Ironically, the best item on the plate was not the scallops, but the garlic cheese toast served alongside them, which was flavorful and well prepared.
And then there were the green beans, the one bright spot of the evening. Perfectly seasoned and cooked, they were the only dish that brought genuine enjoyment.
All in, we spent just over two hundred sixty dollars for two adults. For that price, the experience was shockingly poor. As someone who works in the industry and has a deep appreciation for good food, I do not take writing reviews like this lightly. But in this case, I feel compelled to be candid. The quality of the cuisine was, in most cases, unacceptable. I visited based on 5 star reviews and was left perplexed. Perhaps it was an off night?
To the restaurant owner, if you are not the chef, I strongly recommend a change in your kitchen leadership. There is real potential here. A stylish space, a solid service team, and a menu with promise. But without a skilled and experienced chef executing the vision, this restaurant will struggle to survive.
If you are the chef, I say this with respect. Invest in someone who can help bring your vision to life. Your guests and your business deserve better.
Mark Siegel
From the time you walk into to the restaurant till the time you pay the check you feel completely treated like they truly care about your dining experience. The highlights were the crab cake, delicious lamb rack and the sea bass. Each dish accompanied by the perfect sauces. Thanks for a wonderful evening.
leandro gentini
An outstanding Japanese steakhouse in California, offering top-tier beef selections ranging from USDA Prime to A5 Miyazaki Wagyu—one of Japan’s finest. Their course is exceptional, with the chef expertly selecting cuts and crafting sophisticated dishes.
Service is impeccable, embodying true Japanese hospitality. The ambiance is decent, though it feels like the space was repurposed from a former bar. While it could be cozier, the real focus here is the food, not the decor. As the restaurant evolves, they’ll likely invest more in creating a more authentic Japanese atmosphere.
Definitely a must-visit spot for Japanese style steak lovers!
Rojda Nezhadian
All the food had exceptional quality and the guy serving us was very kind and helpful. We started off with lychee drinks (one was a mocktail) and the beef pasta which had tender cuts of beef with umami mushrooms in a cream sauce. We also enjoyed the duck breast which was cooked to perfection. Then we got a complimentary dessert! Lemon crème brûlée cheesecake with matcha and strawberry crumbles. I ate this in under 2 minutes. It wasn’t too sweet and all the elements of the dish shined. I hope more people can experience this restaurant!
The finest dining in the area by far- adventurous menu, excellent preparation and presentation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Skirt Steak
Jarrett Berl
Wonderful wonderful experience. This place is a hidden gem - the inside ambiance is great, service is the best in Westlake area, and the food was terrific. Wonderful flavors, perfect prime steak and the sauce that came with it was incredible. Shrimped fried rice and veggies was perfect. I was blown away how good this experience was. Even the crème brûlée cheesecake was incredible. Not a full bar but they do have wine, sake and soju cocktails. 10/10. Our server David went above and beyond. We need this in the neighborhood go check it out.
Vegetarian options: Fried rice and vegetables and other dishes.
Dietary restrictions: Accommodated all allergies and preferences.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Jones
My husband and I went here for our 10th anniversary and were so blown away by how amazing Charcoal Niku is, we vowed to make it our anniversary spot every year. Edward served us and has set the standard for exceptional service. He is beyond friendly and very passionate about the restaurant. He had many recommendations, all of which were as good as he promised. My husband and I were actually so impressed with the quality and flavors of every dish (especially the short rib!), we absolutely had to order from the menu a second time. 5 stars do not do justice for this hidden gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eunice Cuevas
This is a perfect date night locale. The food was impeccably cooked and seasoned from start to finish, and the meticulous atmosphere was only heightened by their service. We ate every last bit and left exquisitely satiated. The lamb was absolutely delicious, I haven't had such wonderful sear and char on precisely seasoned meat in too long, I highly recommend giving them a try. My hubby loved his short rib and was impressed with comparing their green beans to Din Tai. So glad to have this spot in the neighborhood, we'll definitely have to come back and try the rest of the menu.
So amazing, recommend the tasting menu! Be sure to make reservations!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
**5 Stars - An Unforgettable Culinary Experience**
From the moment we stepped through the door, the warm welcome set the tone for an extraordinary evening. The attentive service struck the perfect balance—present when needed, yet never intrusive.
The tasting menu was nothing short of exceptional. Each course showcased the chef’s masterful understanding of flavor harmony, presenting unexpected combinations of ingredients. What impressed us most was the restraint and precision—every element served a purpose, creating dishes that were both sophisticated and approachable.
The pacing was flawless. As we savored the final bite of each course, we could hear the gentle sizzle from the kitchen as our next dish began its journey to the table. Every plate arrived at the perfect temperature, seasoned with remarkable finesse. Nothing competed for attention; instead, each flavor complemented the others in beautiful harmony.
Having dined at numerous Michelin-starred establishments, we were genuinely surprised this gem isn’t booked solid every evening. The quality rivals the finest restaurants we’ve experienced, yet maintains an intimate, unpretentious atmosphere that makes the experience feel personal and special.
After reading the glowing reviews that led us here, we arrived with high expectations—and CharcoalNiku exceeded every one of them. This is precisely the kind of restaurant that deserves community support and recognition.
We’ll absolutely return on our next visit to town. CharcoalNiku has earned a permanent place on our must-visit list.
**5 Stars - An Unforgettable Culinary Experience**
From the moment we stepped through the door, the warm welcome set the tone for an extraordinary evening. The attentive service struck the perfect balance—present when needed, yet never intrusive.
The tasting menu was nothing short of exceptional. Each course showcased the chef’s masterful understanding of flavor harmony, presenting unexpected combinations of ingredients. What impressed us most was the restraint and precision—every element served a purpose, creating dishes that were both sophisticated and approachable.
The pacing was flawless. As we savored the final bite of each course, we could hear the gentle sizzle from the kitchen as our next dish began its journey to the table. Every plate arrived at the perfect temperature, seasoned with remarkable finesse. Nothing competed for attention; instead, each flavor complemented the others in beautiful harmony.
Having dined at numerous Michelin-starred establishments, we were genuinely surprised this gem isn’t booked solid every evening. The quality rivals the finest restaurants we’ve experienced, yet maintains an intimate, unpretentious atmosphere that makes the experience feel personal and special.
After reading the glowing reviews that led us here, we arrived with high expectations—and CharcoalNiku exceeded every one of them. This is precisely the kind of restaurant that deserves community support and recognition.
We’ll absolutely return on our next visit to town. CharcoalNiku has earned a permanent place on our must-visit list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every dish on the tasting menu was excellent, and the service impeccable. Would definitely return for my fav dishes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Got tasting menu & short rib. Everything was delicious. Short rib litteraly tasted like it melts in your mouth.
If I could give this restaurant 20 million stars I would. The service, food, and atmosphere was extraordinary and it’s rare a restaurant hits all 3 of the above. I left feeling completely euphoric!
Walking into this relatively high end restaurant, I was immediately struck by how empty it was. Only one table was occupied, and they were finishing up as we arrived. It gave me pause, but I decided to keep an open mind. The ambiance is appealing. The space has a trendy, upscale design with comfortable seating and a welcoming vibe. Service was friendly and professional throughout, though it's hard to truly evaluate hospitality when you're the only party in the dining room.
Unfortunately, the real issue lies with the food, and it is a significant one. The menu reads well and offers enticing options, but the execution falls far short of expectations.
The A5 Wagyu amuse bouche was disappointing. Served far too cold, the flavors were muted, and the accompanying ponzu jelly tasted more like sweet jiggly gelatin than anything resembling ponzu. It lacked balance and any depth of flavor. The crab wontons were no better. Texturally and flavor-wise, they wouldn't stand out at a strip mall fast casual Chinese spot.
The shrimp pasta, described as “rich and creamy,” arrived as something altogether different. It was pasta tossed in butter with a sprinkle of salt and a scattering medium/small frozen tasting shrimp. There was no richness, no creaminess, and no presentation to speak of. It looked like a rushed attempt at a weeknight dinner.
The lamb rack was a mixed bag. The meat quality was decent, but the chops were cut with glaring inconsistency. Some were thin and overcooked, others thicker and closer to the intended preparation. This kind of fundamental misstep simply should not happen at a restaurant, let alone one presenting itself as a fine dining establishment.
The truffle scallops were arguably the lowest point of the meal. Poorly cooked and rubbery, they were nearly inedible. Ironically, the best item on the plate was not the scallops, but the garlic cheese toast served alongside them, which was flavorful and well prepared.
And then there were the green beans, the one bright spot of the evening. Perfectly seasoned and cooked, they were the only dish that brought genuine enjoyment.
All in, we spent just over two hundred sixty dollars for two adults. For that price, the experience was shockingly poor. As someone who works in the industry and has a deep appreciation for good food, I do not take writing reviews like this lightly. But in this case, I feel compelled to be candid. The quality of the cuisine was, in most cases, unacceptable. I visited based on 5 star reviews and was left perplexed. Perhaps it was an off night?
To the restaurant owner, if you are not the chef, I strongly recommend a change in your kitchen leadership. There is real potential here. A stylish space, a solid service team, and a menu with promise. But without a skilled and experienced chef executing the vision, this restaurant will struggle to survive.
If you are the chef, I say this with respect. Invest in someone who can help bring your vision to life. Your guests and your business deserve better.
From the time you walk into to the restaurant till the time you pay the check you feel completely treated like they truly care about your dining experience. The highlights were the crab cake, delicious lamb rack and the sea bass. Each dish accompanied by the perfect sauces. Thanks for a wonderful evening.
An outstanding Japanese steakhouse in California, offering top-tier beef selections ranging from USDA Prime to A5 Miyazaki Wagyu—one of Japan’s finest. Their course is exceptional, with the chef expertly selecting cuts and crafting sophisticated dishes.
Service is impeccable, embodying true Japanese hospitality. The ambiance is decent, though it feels like the space was repurposed from a former bar. While it could be cozier, the real focus here is the food, not the decor. As the restaurant evolves, they’ll likely invest more in creating a more authentic Japanese atmosphere.
Definitely a must-visit spot for Japanese style steak lovers!
All the food had exceptional quality and the guy serving us was very kind and helpful. We started off with lychee drinks (one was a mocktail) and the beef pasta which had tender cuts of beef with umami mushrooms in a cream sauce. We also enjoyed the duck breast which was cooked to perfection. Then we got a complimentary dessert! Lemon crème brûlée cheesecake with matcha and strawberry crumbles. I ate this in under 2 minutes. It wasn’t too sweet and all the elements of the dish shined. I hope more people can experience this restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing service and food. Top notch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The finest dining in the area by far- adventurous menu, excellent preparation and presentation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Skirt Steak
Wonderful wonderful experience. This place is a hidden gem - the inside ambiance is great, service is the best in Westlake area, and the food was terrific. Wonderful flavors, perfect prime steak and the sauce that came with it was incredible. Shrimped fried rice and veggies was perfect. I was blown away how good this experience was. Even the crème brûlée cheesecake was incredible. Not a full bar but they do have wine, sake and soju cocktails. 10/10. Our server David went above and beyond. We need this in the neighborhood go check it out.
Vegetarian options: Fried rice and vegetables and other dishes.
Dietary restrictions: Accommodated all allergies and preferences.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I went here for our 10th anniversary and were so blown away by how amazing Charcoal Niku is, we vowed to make it our anniversary spot every year. Edward served us and has set the standard for exceptional service. He is beyond friendly and very passionate about the restaurant. He had many recommendations, all of which were as good as he promised. My husband and I were actually so impressed with the quality and flavors of every dish (especially the short rib!), we absolutely had to order from the menu a second time. 5 stars do not do justice for this hidden gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a perfect date night locale. The food was impeccably cooked and seasoned from start to finish, and the meticulous atmosphere was only heightened by their service. We ate every last bit and left exquisitely satiated. The lamb was absolutely delicious, I haven't had such wonderful sear and char on precisely seasoned meat in too long, I highly recommend giving them a try. My hubby loved his short rib and was impressed with comparing their green beans to Din Tai. So glad to have this spot in the neighborhood, we'll definitely have to come back and try the rest of the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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