Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Asakura

    Japanese Restaurant

    4.9 (25 reviews)
    Closed • 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Asakura Photos

    ASAKURA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Asakura

    Recommended Reviews - Asakura

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Manager Ishiba presents us with choice of Ochoko/Traditional Japanese Sakè cup
    Gary I.

    Asakura takes over the old Yamakasè space with a cleaner, more organized look decorated with auspicious, Japanese symbols discreetly displayed. Very limited seating with 3 tables and 6 high chairs at the Chef's counter so reservations are de rigueur. Executive Chef Yoshida and General Manager Ishiba set the pace in friendly, warm service. There is a short course Kaisèki-Omakasè (oh mah kah seh) seating at 5pm and a full course at 7pm. The Kaisèki-Omakasè start on time so make sure to arrive on time or be left behind. As is typical of high-end Japanese restaurants, the seasons are recognized in terms of ingredients as well as touches of seasonal motif on ceramic accoutrements. So wonderful that DineLA on occasion brings to attention a restaurant so finely tuned in exquisite, understated, elegant cuisine. Our limited menu was full of revelatory morsels that really hit the mark. 1) Basket of Appetizers: A) Gindara/Sable fish marinated, sweet Kasu Zukè lightly grilled that was flakey, buttery, fatty. Bit of finely grated Daikon radish to add "spiciness". B) Tamago Yaki: Moist, eggy, egg omelet, whisper of sweetness. C) Compressed chicken thigh "torchon". Like a baked sausage with some parts plush and other parts more meaty and firm. Good Jidori chicken flavour. Fatty, chewy, thin skin acts as the casing. D) Panko bread crumb encrusted Kazu no Ko Kombu/cod roe on kelp leaf cube fried in oil. Exercise in popping, crunchy texture with faint sea vegetable scent. E) Poached dried apricot, touch of creamy Tōfu purée topped with a sweet black bean symbolizing good health. F) Dashi/broth braised ice berg lettuce, scattering of Shirasu/salted micro baby fish fry & Katsuo Bushi/shaved, dried Bonito flakes adds more sea Umami. G) Goma Dōfu: Not made from soy bean but made from Kuzu. Texture is smooth, gooey, plush, touch sticky in sweet Shōyu/soy sauce, Mirin/sweet Sakè, Dashi. Touch of freshly ground Wasabi root adds an aromatically pungent counterpoint. 2) Chawan Mushi/egg custard soup: Complex construction. Silky, Dashi infused ultra soft, savory custard hides velvety sea scallops along with crunchy toasted rice. An Kakè (ah kah keh) Sauce Velouté that is also silky, velvet is poured on top. We opted for Truffe Noir de Périgord/French black truffle hand shaved over the Chawan Mushi for nutty, earthy, nubby textural effect. This may be Asakura's chef-d'oeuvre, signature dish. 3) Osetra Caviar comes out of a smoke box for a magical, dramatic effect performed by Chef Yoshida. The capelli d'angelo/angel hair wheat pasta is al dente in a soupçon of rich meaty Dashi. The Osetra is creamy, sweet, cherry wood smoked with a touch of sea saltiness. Another must get. 4) A5 Wagyū from Kyōto is a tenderloin cut with less fat and more plush beefiness in a Sauce demi-glace made with earthy, black garlic and beef bouillon on a bed of sweet parsnips purée. Coming down to earth, steamed rice, Miso soup, salt brined pickles round out and conclude the main meal. 1-4a) When I asked for a good bottle of Sakè (sah keh) to pair with the Omakasè, General Manager Ishiba suggested Hakurakusèi Tokubetsu Junmai class, Shinshu/new Sakè. Neutral bouquet, subtle taste of apples, subliminal bitterness, minerality. Finish was ephemeral as well to clear the palate without a strong, lingering echo. The Japanese term Jōhin comes to mind connoting well mannered, high class. 5) Coffee scented Blancmange which is a light pudding. Simple, refreshing dessert to end this well modulated, complex meal. The Omotènashi/Japanese style hospitality and sensibilities is very evident. Food here is right on target as to what Asakura aims to accomplish. Finely honed cuisine rooted in tradition yet napped by more modern concepts informed by diverse, international influences. Definitely a 5 star experience catering to discerning palates that appreciate nuanced, well thought out cuisine often clothed in sybaritic ingredients. Perhaps an Étoile is on the way. .

    Smoked caviar
    Tim H.

    A gem in Santa Monica, if you're interested in experiencing something different versus your normal sushi omakase. Overall experience was amazing and absolutely overfilling! Kaiseki * Definition: A traditional, ceremonial, and highly precise multi-course Japanese meal.  * Structure: Follows a fixed, meticulous sequence of dishes, each designed to showcase a particular cooking method and presentation style.  FOOD 4/5 Can't remember all the names, so I'll have the pictures do the talking for me. Haha! I believe the chef said 80% comes direct from Japan and the additional 20% is carefully sourced locally. PARKING 4/5 Easy underground parking esp. since the plaza is not busy during Asakura operating hours SERVICE x AMBIENCE 4/5 (based on chef) 6 total seats via bar and the chef was super kind and friendly. The service details matter when paying such a high price and I was a little disappointed they didn't consistently fill up the tea/water nor clean the eating area better. Ambience / interior build out is average, but I wouldn't say mind-blowing. Questionable - The manager tried to upsell us on the sake/wine pairing which I thought was super disrespectful. He asked "you don't drink or like alcohol" and tried to really push the pairing.....

    Masa and Keigo  - the amazing chefs.
    Brian C.

    Had a great experience with Masaki & Keigo (they are the chefs and only two employees); brilliant execution of unique and creative dishes, and the service was top notch. I can't say enough good things about this place and will definitely be back as the menu changes every two months or so. Highly recommend.

    Julia H.

    Wanted to try since I went to their sister restaurant, La Bombance in Tokyo years ago. Atmosphere is more casual, meaning shorts and tennis shoes were okay. There were only 9 of us at the restaurant with a combination of counter and table seating. There was only one waiter and he was rushing around a bit in the beginning. The server did come by frequently and asked how we were doing but was a little bit slow with refilling drinks. Water was an individual sized Voss left next to you which you can refil on your own. FYI. Whether you get water or tea, the cost is $8. I think I was charged for the refill of the ice green tea as well, so keep that in mind if you are asking for more. 1. Yellowtail with seaweed and uni on top diced lotus root: yellowtail was a bit overcooked and dry 2. Eggplant mousse with abalone with dashi gelee and curry flavor: not a fan of the curry flavor but more interesting than the first dish 3. Tray of different appetizers: the best was the sushi but overall everything was good-average 4. Radish soup with sea bream: fish was tender but a bit dry. The soup itself was very light and little bit on the bland side. 5. Chawanmushi with lobster and truffle: surprisingly the truffle went better with the egg custard than expected. 6. Sesame tofu: perfect combination of sweet and savory. yum! 7. Caviar cappellini with cucumber: refreshing and nice smoky flavor with the caviar 8. Wagyu beef with steamed spinach and truffle: tender but the sukiyaki flavor-like sweetness takes over the taste of the beef 9. Octopus shrimp rice and side of ikura: the rice needs the ikura to enhance the flavor, otherwise the rice and shrimp/octopus were a bit bland. 10. Panna cotta with coffee and Brown Sugar ice cream: both of the desserts were great and ended the dinner on a high note. I had the same panna cotta at La Bombance and it was memorable there as well Food came out fairly quickly one after another. They gave us the extra rice as nigiri to take home which was nice. We were done in a little less than 2 hours. Overall I would rate it at 3.5 stars for the price and a few misses with the dishes. It would be interesting to see how the menu evolve with the season.

    Nick C.

    There aren't many kaiseki-type omakases in Los Angeles so when I discovered Asakura, I knew I had to try it out. They are the first US branch of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Japan (La Bombance) so the bar is going to be set pretty high. Surprisingly, reservations for our party of 3 was available a week out, there is a 6-course or 8-course option and chef's counter or table seating to pick from. We ended up getting the 8-course counter seating. As soon as we entered the restaurant, we were greeted and brought to our seats. We were asked if we wanted hot tea or water, but I do want to let everyone know that each option was $8/person. The hot tea was made fresh all night and they kept our glasses constantly full, the water was billed as VOSS too. We also ordered some bottles of sake to enjoy. We asked for recommendations and they were a perfect pairing to the meal. Now to the food, every dish was meticulously made, and right in front of us. Black truffles, caviar, a5 wagyu was everywhere and each course was done so perfectly. I don't think there was a course that I didn't enjoy, all highlights. At the end of the meal, they also made fresh rice balls for us to take home to enjoy. An excellent meal from start to finish, we had such a great experience interacting with the chefs. We will definitely be back again!

    Athena H.

    Every bite was a masterpiece: fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. I truly appreciated the creativity and attention to texture and detail in each course. Highlights included the tender A5 wagyu with black garlic sauce, the black truffle chawanmushi with prawns, stunning appetizer plate featuring fried monkfish liver, smoked caviar ramen, and the black truffle rice with pickled vegetables and miso soup. The chef was incredibly kind and took time to explain each dish, even making onigiri from the leftover truffle rice to take home, such a thoughtful touch! This was a special culinary journey from start to finish, perfect for celebrations or an unforgettable treat. As a big foodie, I'd say it's better than 2-star Michelin N/Naka and 1-star UKA, and truly on par with 2-star kaiseki experiences in Kyoto. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back!

    Rice dish just before dessert
    Joseph C.

    Ok- gotta lead with this - if you come here expect to drop a lot of coin. If that's not ok, definitely don't come. This place is part of a small chain that's mostly in Japan. The dishes I had were unique (a couple might even be more western- tasting which I found a bit odd for a Japanese restaurant but still excellent). I really appreciated the fantastic dishes which were also different than any others I've had in other Kaiseki places. That said it didn't feel completely like a traditional Kaiseki meal- probably because a couple dishes were so western-like.

    Each course was a beautiful surprise. Every dish felt carefully crafted, balancing delicate flavors, seasonal ingredients, and artistic detail. I loved not knowing what was coming next -- it made the meal feel like a journey rather than just dinner. Overall, it was a memorable experience that combined wonderful ambiance with exceptional food. Perfect for a special occasion or anyone who appreciates refined Japanese cuisine.

    Simona S.

    ABSOLUTELY delicious and wonderful omakase kaiseki dinner! A super intimate and memorable experience with my family of 4 seated at the chef's counter. I highly recommend splurging on the 8 course, as you don't want to miss the truffle caviar noodles. Perfectly portioned and spectacularly delicious / unique flavors.

    Caviar noodles made with Japanese ramen!
    Linda C.

    Wow!!! The omakase from start to finish was impeccable. There wasn't a single dish that didn't hit. Their sister restaurants in Japan are all Michelin star restaurants and their concept is hidden gem which it truly is.

    Randy D.

    Not just a dining experience, Asakura is a journey. In the Kaiseki style, this is not a sushi restaurant; rather, it is an exploration of taste and elegance, rendered in an eight-course, two-and-a-half-hour unique dining experience. Nestled in a strip mall, the small restaurant features a six-seat counter, creating an intimate, fun, and friendly atmosphere. It is also, to a degree, a learning experience, as the staff and head chef prepare each dish and explain its ingredients. In an orchestrated procession of little moments, each chef contributes to the creation: one shaves the truffles, another sears the lobster. An example: Japanese A5 wagyu beef wrapped with enoki, onion, leek, and chrysanthemum, accompanied by summer truffle in sukiyaki style. From start to finish, it is a rare and unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant opened in February 2025, bringing a refined version of Japanese multi-course dining to a neighborhood already rich in sushi and izakaya culture. It was founded by Makoto Okamoto, owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Bombance in Tokyo. Okamoto is known for "new Japanese cuisine": dishes rooted in Japanese tradition but open to cross-genre influences, including French techniques, whenever they enhance seasonal flavor, presentation, and texture.

    5 stars! Amazing japanese restaurant. fresh sashimi, tasty grilled fish, beautiful plates. Quiet, fancy vibe. Super nice staff. Great for a special night!"

    See all

    26 days ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 7
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 4
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 6
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 5
    Love this 17
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Brian C.
    126
    161
    157

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Nick C.
    710
    705
    1518

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 4
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David L.
    416
    29
    21

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Simona S.
    1233
    23
    55

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linda C.
    59
    42
    20

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris C.
    135
    33
    32

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Asakura Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Asakura

    You might also consider

    Auld Fella

    Auld Fella

    4.4(95 reviews)
    0.4 mi•Brentwood

    Yes - we loved this place. The vibe on a Friday at about 5.30pm was warm and welcoming, there was a…read moreTV showing silently a baseball game, but everywhere there was a buzz of friends jibber jabbering and having fun in groups inside and outside m, at tables and at the bar. A few Irish accents completed the mood. Our server (who was very busy) was another highlight of fun and great service. NOTE the service is crazy quick. So if you want to order drinks and appetizer as we did - don't order your mains at the same time!! Wait until you have enjoyed your appetizers and then order your mains!! The food (especially the fried chicken appetizers with whisky aioli) was good. The cod and chips was acceptable but (having just returned from the UK) we would pick something else next time. Also parking is tough to find - BUT allow me to suggest about 0.2 miles down the street there is a large multi level shopping complex with stores like Fat Burger and Total Wine and many more - LOTS of parking - and it is free!!!

    Oh, what a "hidden spot" we found while waiting for passports today. We decided to grab a bite, and…read moreI honestly think this is the coolest bar I have been to in all of Los Angeles. Between the service, ambiance, and food, you really have to see it for yourself. My dad had the lamb stew, which tasted just like how we make it at home. I would give this place 200 stars if I could.

    Photos
    Auld Fella - The vibe

    The vibe

    Auld Fella
    Auld Fella - Sauce boss

    See all

    Sauce boss

    Cosetta - guanciale pizza

    Cosetta

    4.2(225 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    I didn't realize how close this spot was to me since it is buried in a business center with a bunch…read moreof office buildings. The restaurant has access to the parking lot so there is plenty of parking. There is a lunch and dinner menu, we arrived on a Friday during lunch time. We ordered the Cosetta Ceaser Salad, Chx Buffalo Wings, the Margarita Pizza and the Hawaiian pizza- I don't like pineapple on my pizza but the waiter was adamant that this is version doesn't have an overwhelming size of pineapple very thinly sliced with small thin slices of Canadian bacon too- so good I was actually pleasantly surprised. Drinks were also tasty- I had an Aperol spritz the yimmiest spritz I've had by far in LA. Waiter was very friendly and attentive, invited us to come back and try their dinner menu so I'll be back soon. The restaurant overall has a nice vibe where you can also get a nice secluded space if you need to work remotely. Thi spot is definitely up there for best pizzas in LA, but for west LA #1 spot so far for me.

    I dined here again for another company outing and the food was better. I generally enjoyed the…read moremozzarella sticks, pizzas, chicken milenesa, shrimp scampi, and the margarita cocktail. However, I did not enjoy our snappy and rude server who pretty much ruined the experience for me and I was in an anxious mood for the rest of the dinner. I understand that it is stressful for the servers to deal with a last minute party of 15 guests, but that isn't an excuse to treat people unkindly. I saw other people grabbing a menu from the host stand, so I grabbed one too. However, that sever yanked it out of my hand and annoyingly told me that I don't grab menus from there and if I want a menu, I would need to ask him. He also said that's the happy hour menu which is closed for the day. They way the whole interaction played out seemed very passive aggressive on his end and I was pretty uncomfortable. That was my mistake and I didn't know we weren't allowed to grab menus from there, but he didn't have to treat me like that. He was also rude and snappy with another one of my co-workers who had a dog with her and was trying to explain her situation which he didn't seem to care about. However, he was selectively nice to other people in my party. My other co-workers felt his rude energy towards certain people in our party too. Overall, I wouldn't dine here again. The food improved from my last visit, but the staff have mean energy that I do not appreciate.

    Photos
    Cosetta - Cosetta inside.

    Cosetta inside.

    Cosetta - Caesar salad 10/10

    Caesar salad 10/10

    Cosetta - Half stuffed lobster

    See all

    Half stuffed lobster

    Stoa Wine Bar & Market - Tomato Goddess

    Stoa Wine Bar & Market

    4.0(83 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    My husband and I live in the area and frequent the marina and surrounding restaurants often. After…read morea long week, we decided to stop in for a glass of wine--would have just been one but Mollie was the reason we decide to stay for another rosé for me and a Cab Sauv for him--and Mollie absolutely made our afternoon. She was warm, personable, attentive, genuinely friendly, and took the time to actually connect with us. That kind of service matters. There are plenty of places to grab a glass of wine or something to eat, especially in this area, but the way you're treated is what makes you choose to come back. Mollie has that natural ability to make people feel welcome rather than simply waited on, and that is something that should be recognized and encouraged. In hospitality, being personable, engaging with your guests, and creating an experience is just as important as what's being served--and she completely understands that. We came in for a couple glasses of wine and left saying we would absolutely come back because of her. Regardless of the ambience or even the food and drinks of your service isn't top notch we wouldn't return, because our service with her was amazing we would come back. Mollie, thank you for being so kind, fun, and welcoming. You made what could have been a quick stop after a long week such an enjoyable afternoon. We'll definitely be asking for you next time!

    What a wonderful place…read more We came after a busy workday to chill and hang out with friends. We were a large group, so we were seated bar-style around a tree -- such a wonderful setting. As first-timers, we ordered quite a few things from the menu, and everything was finger-licking good. The cheeses, in particular, were among the best I've ever had in LA. Service: wonderful. Design: great. Market: a must-go. Even the bathrooms are worth bragging about. Would I make a 30+ minute detour just to dine here -- mandatory in my personal rating scheme to earn five stars? Oh yes. Can't wait to go again.

    Photos
    Stoa Wine Bar & Market - Interior

    Interior

    Stoa Wine Bar & Market
    Stoa Wine Bar & Market

    See all

    Asakura - japanese - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...