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Absolutely loved my time at Kodo on Christmas Eve!!!!! Every single dish was so thoughtfully done and packed with flavor. you can really taste the care and intention behind the food. From the freshness to the execution, everything we ordered was a total hit. What truly made the experience EXTRA special though was the owner, Brad. He was incredibly kind, welcoming, and generous with his time. It was such a pleasure talking to him and learning about his journey and the heart behind the restaurant. You can tell he's deeply passionate about what he does, and that energy carries through the entire space. Ahhhmazing food, great atmosphere, and genuine hospitality. I would 10000% come back with my family and honestly can't wait to return. Kodo is something special.
This place is beautiful, with modern ambiance, perfect for both a casual meetup or for a special occasion. Initially they mentioned they didn't have uni available, but the attentive manager came to us and shared that he wasn't completely satisfied with the quality of the uni that day, though he was still willing to serve it to me. I really appreciated the honesty and passion for quality. I came here eyeing on the uni pasta, so I had to go for it. Maybe he was right, it was just OK. It wasn't necessarily the uni itself, but the pasta and cream sauce felt slightly overcooked and a bit dry. It could've used more sauce to bring everything together. Still, no ragrets (iykyk). It's something you should try here . We also ordered the hand roll trio and toro, which was yummy. The fish was fresh, beautifully cut, and served in generous pieces. They're partnering with Death & Co, known for their craft cocktails which explains why the drinks here are so uniquely curated and well mixed. Definitely worth exploring their cocktail menu.
The ambiance was great! It's great for Valentine's day or anyone celebrating a special occasion. The food was also amazing, the steak was melt in your mouth and the toro hand rolls were just as good as the ones in japan and I recommend both. The bad lol: excess upselling and the uni pasta they are famous for was out on a Sunday. Also the chefs were arguing and everyone could hear lol
Came for dine la. Caesar salad: why r the leaves so large? I'm stuffing my mouth but taste is there. Spicy tuna crispy rice: fish was good, crispy rice was surprisingly good as someone who doesn't like crispy rice bc it gets stuck in my teeth and this wasn't too crispy--teeth were still pretty :P Kodo trio: uni is super creamy, Wagyu was good and salty, toro is fresh. Sea bass: I burned my tongue and throat but that's my fault anyway this was fye...actually, I digress after eating this all the way thru. Lowkey got sick of it. Fatty and saucy. Wagyu ribeye: seasoned v well. Also why was my dessert so tiny? Service wasn't too bad but not as refined compared to when I first came last year in June. Felt a little messier than before
Love the food Love the ambience Stellar service . Period . Need to repeat several more times .
Ambiance is very perfect for a date night, but we felt the food can be better. We came here for Dine LA, so didn't try their regular menu. Staff and service is amazing. They handed me a little basket for my handbag without me having to ask. The bartender at the bar was also very friendly and we got to learn a lot about what makes their drinks unique. Now for the food, we really enjoyed the Uni Toro Handroll and Chocolate Torte. We will definitely be ordering these again if we come back. They were so flavorful and left us wanting more. Everything else on the menu was just okay: Bonito Caesar Salad, Brussel Sprouts, and Wagyu Steak. The steak was so fatty and came out cold, so it was hard to finish. Maybe if it was warm or hot, it would've been better. Overall, it was an okay experience and we may come back on a regular night for the things we did enjoy. We loved chatting here because it was so calm and dimly lit.
Not often does a restaurant absolutely nail every detail, but Kodo did exactly that. We arrived a little early for our reservation and were seated right away, great start. The cocktail menu alone nearly derailed the evening. So many great options that narrowing it down felt like a personal challenge. Spoiler: every choice was the right one. We ordered the ponzu oysters, eggplant (I didn't like the skin but that was easily fixed, I removed skin from all the eggplant), Brussels sprouts, broccolini (we asked for it without the usual char because I don't like cancer and they executed it perfectly, no awkward back-and-forth, just done), miso sea bass hand roll, toro sampler, toro carpaccio, chocolate torte, and the Basque cheesecake. Finished with two cappuccinos. Every single dish landed. No misses, no "this one's fine" moments, just consistently excellent food and flawless execution. The cocktails were equally impressive: Son of Kyushu - 10/10 Fuji Haze - 10/10 (that coconut foam is unreal) Beni Negroni - 10/10 The Kitsune - 10/10 Rating these cocktails felt like watching a perfect Olympic gymnastics routine: no stumbles, no deductions, just flawless execution across the board. The space itself deserves a mention. Minimalist, chic, and effortlessly classy. The photos online honestly don't do it justice, it feels even better in person. Kodo is the kind of place that reminds you why dining out can still be exciting. Thoughtful service, beautiful food, and a vibe that feels special without trying too hard. Highly recommend!! Great date spot
The service bumps Kodo up to a 5/5 star! We had a great server to begin with, but we noticed the server at the table behind us was so passionate about the dishes, and we said amongst ourselves that he could sell us anything he was so good at describing the dishes. Lo and behold, he came over to our table about halfway through our meal, and he was equally as enthusiastic with us - turns out, he's the owner! Our meal was great! We started with the ume martini which was very interesting, you could taste the plum, and the Negroni which my friend said tasted like a solid version of a regular Negroni. To eat, we shared the following: -Brussels sprouts which had a great char on the outside, we loved the sauce at the bottom 8/10 -Chicken karaage - juicy chicken with the perfect crunch. The dipping sauce was the perfect complement 9/10 -uni pasta - I personally love uni pasta, but this could have used a little more sauce or something to kick up the flavor profile a little bit. 7.5 or 8/10 -Chilean sea bass - absolutely divine. Do not come to this restaurant and not order this dish. Beautiful texture on the fish and the sauce was delectable. 9.5 possible 10 out of 10. Truly. -basque cheesecake - I actually just went on a trip to visit my family in Spain so I have had a lot of basque cheesecake recently. I wish this cheesecake had the creamier texture/center that I'm used to for a Basque cheesecake, but the flavors were fantastic. 8/10 -miso chocolate torte - WOW! This is something very special. If you're like me and like desserts that are a bit more savory, you will love this umami bomb. It is such a unique dessert. I don't even normally order desserts but I will come back again and again for this one. 9.5/10 Kodo has a very modern feel, it is a great place for a nice dinner for any occasion. The valet parking is a little questionable, it really bottle necked at one point, but it's great that it's an option. And $13 is reasonable for parking in that area. I would definitely come back to Kodo in the future!
A delicious hidden gem in the arts district that will satisfy your craving for drinks and raw bar bites. The aesthetics are Japanese Kyoto inspired with a modern twist so you know the vibe is live. Indoor and outdoor dining available along with a killer playlist that will keep the mood. We ordered their recommended favorites which were the Uni Pasta and Wagyu Cheeseburger. The pasta was really tasty but I felt it lacked a little bit more sauce but that's just me. The burger was really good and flavorful but it came out looking like a hot mess. For dessert we had the Basque Cheesecake and that was Hella good. Service was attentive and the pacing was good. For those who like to get their Pre Game on! They have a gorgeous bar for you. Private dining area available for large groups and reservations recommended. Overall it was a good dining experience and I'm coming back for the mocktails. That's my take, Peace.
Came here for a special dinner and we enjoyed our time here. They serve fancy Asian fusion! Service was extremely nice and helpful. The place itself was nice but I think we were seated in a simple booth so it was alright. The food was good! This is how I rate the items we ordered: Ceviche 3/5 Omakase platter 5/5 Unipasta 2/5 Croquette 5/5 (my personal favorite) I think next time we want to check out their matcha drinks at another time! All in all this was a nice place to go to! There's valet parking but we also found street parking not too far.
I came here for dinner, via Uber, with a friend on a Sunday in mid-October 2025. We had made reservations a month before, not because we had to but, because that was the only time we'd both be free. We were a few minutes late but they sat us down right away. I was really excited about all the yuzu and ponzu on their menu but when our food came out I was so disappointed that I couldn't taste any of it. The food was shockingly mild and way too subtle for my taste. We ordered the Yuzu Ceviche, Wagyu Tataki, Toro Carpaccio, Chimichurri Prawns, and the Charred Broccolini. I think out of all of them I liked the Wagyu the most but that's not saying much. I also got their Yuzu mocktail which was, disappointingly, the best item out of all the dishes I had that night. Would have definitely preferred my meal to be better/just as good as the drink. The Ceviche was spicy but it needed a little more yuzu. The Wagyu and Toro both needed more ponzu. The Prawns did not have enough Chimichurri and definitely needed more yuzu - there was barely any flavor and quite bland I'm afraid. The Broccolini had a nice dipping sauce so it wasn't too bad. It ended up being $110 per person - not too bad, but man was I disappointed in the food. Was going to bring my partner here but I think we'll save our money for food with actual flavor. Service was great though. If we do come back here, we'd probably ask for extra ponzu and yuzu on the side.
DineLA 2025 kodo was where I had dinner to close out this summer's DineLA run. Loved it. Opted for valet parking. $12 or might have been $13. I don't remember. It's cash or Zelle. Just know, pull up onto the curb next to the valet stand. I went by it once because there were cars in lane turning right. You'll see what I mean if you aren't lucky with street parking. Service was excellent. I sat at the bar so service was on point. The team made sure I was taken well care of. I'd definitely go back to the bar for drinks and snacks for happy hour. The food runners were great too - communicated the dishes and making sure I had everything I needed. This is another one of those instances where I'll say see pics, but toss in that the pics won't do the food any justice. Especially the Wagyu Ribeye served exactly like I ordered it - Rare! No sauces or any condiments needed. Mixed in with the other dishes I had as well as the drinks, I enjoyed every single bite from the oyster appetizers to the closing dessert. I'll definitely be back to try more items on the menu. Depending on the weather, I wouldn't mind sitting outdoors on the patio.
I hosted my own birthday party of 14 here. We were in the private room. It's REALLY a great setting for an intimate dinner with your closest friends and family. The wait staff was impeccable, they literally catered to my every need. I went through the menu and ordered a smattering of approximately half the offering listed. There were something's that I enjoyed more than others BUT there was NOTHING that I didn't enjoy. Go on and wade through those double negatives. I highly recommend everyone try this place out. Next experience up, stay at the hotel AND eat at the restaurant!
The inside is low lit & gives an elevated ambiance. Service was fantastic and very attentive. We started with the pacific oysters & spicy tuna crispy rice. The pacific oysters are a good size and I really enjoyed the yuzu-kosho ponzu sauce on it. The spicy tuna crispy rice have a good amount of spicy tuna on top & I loved how crispy they made the rice underneath. The Kodo trio comes with uni, toro, & wagyu and the Toro sampler comes with o-toro, chu-toro, akami. All of these handrolls were phenomenal & just left you wanting more. The Wagyu katsu you cook on a hot stone at the table which I liked as an interactive dish. The Wagyu cheeseburger was dripping with juice but still had those crunchy edges. The Uni pasta was beautiful & delicious. The Chimichurri prawns I could eat multiple plates of- the shell comes sliced down the middle so you just have to peel it off. For dessert we ordered the Kodo basque cheesecake & Miso chocolate torte. I love a basque cheesecake & the sesame crumble added great texture. The miso chocolate torte made me wish I ordered my own. Everything from start to finish was amazing, it's hard to pick favorites. Parking- valet $13 read more
I really enjoy eating here because service is fast and friendly. You get a lovely meal and every staff member you meet is always so friendly. Food is delicious, drinks are good, and parking isn't hard to find if you're willing to walk a little. The design kinda dark inside, but the patio is always nice. The best part? I can be in and out in less than an hour if I wanted! read more
What a fabulous place for a gno date!! The decor and the vibes are on point. Beautiful dining room and bar. Everything on the menu was also amazing. Highly recommend the Toro handrolls, the uni pasta, and the Wagyu steak. The steak comes with 3 types of salt and a chimichurri sauce. The cocktails were just ok so next time I'd probably just grab wine instead. We had son of Kyushu and Fuji haze (with the purple coconut foam on top). The basque cheesecake was amazing!!!!! Very spongy and delicious!!! The service was also great, they have coat check and the waitress helped lead me to the bathroom when I asked for directions. Parking is valet or random street parking but the area looks kinda unsafe so I'd highly recommend just valet instead of walking around at night lol read more
Absolutely loved my time at Kodo on Christmas Eve!!!!! Every single dish was so thoughtfully done and packed with flavor. you can really taste the care and intention behind the food. From the freshness to the execution, everything we ordered was a total hit. What truly made the experience EXTRA special though was the owner, Brad. He was incredibly kind, welcoming, and generous with his time. It was such a pleasure talking to him and learning about his journey and the heart behind the restaurant. You can tell he's deeply passionate about what he does, and that energy carries through the entire space. Ahhhmazing food, great atmosphere, and genuine hospitality. I would 10000% come back with my family and honestly can't wait to return. Kodo is something special. read more
This place is beautiful, with modern ambiance, perfect for both a casual meetup or for a special occasion. Initially they mentioned they didn't have uni available, but the attentive manager came to us and shared that he wasn't completely satisfied with the quality of the uni that day, though he was still willing to serve it to me. I really appreciated the honesty and passion for quality. I came here eyeing on the uni pasta, so I had to go for it. Maybe he was right, it was just OK. It wasn't necessarily the uni itself, but the pasta and cream sauce felt slightly overcooked and a bit dry. It could've used more sauce to bring everything together. Still, no ragrets (iykyk). It's something you should try here . We also ordered the hand roll trio and toro, which was yummy. The fish was fresh, beautifully cut, and served in generous pieces. They're partnering with Death & Co, known for their craft cocktails which explains why the drinks here are so uniquely curated and well mixed. Definitely worth exploring their cocktail menu. read more
7 months ago
The ambiance was great! It's great for Valentine's day or anyone celebrating a special occasion. The food was also amazing, the steak was melt in your mouth and the toro hand rolls were just as good as the ones in japan and I recommend both. The bad lol: excess upselling and the uni pasta they are famous for was out on a Sunday. Also the chefs were arguing and everyone could hear lol read more
8 months ago
Came for dine la. Caesar salad: why r the leaves so large? I'm stuffing my mouth but taste is there. Spicy tuna crispy rice: fish was good, crispy rice was surprisingly good as someone who doesn't like crispy rice bc it gets stuck in my teeth and this wasn't too crispy--teeth were still pretty :P Kodo trio: uni is super creamy, Wagyu was good and salty, toro is fresh. Sea bass: I burned my tongue and throat but that's my fault anyway this was fye...actually, I digress after eating this all the way thru. Lowkey got sick of it. Fatty and saucy. Wagyu ribeye: seasoned v well. Also why was my dessert so tiny? Service wasn't too bad but not as refined compared to when I first came last year in June. Felt a little messier than before read more
Ambiance is very perfect for a date night, but we felt the food can be better. We came here for Dine LA, so didn't try their regular menu. Staff and service is amazing. They handed me a little basket for my handbag without me having to ask. The bartender at the bar was also very friendly and we got to learn a lot about what makes their drinks unique. Now for the food, we really enjoyed the Uni Toro Handroll and Chocolate Torte. We will definitely be ordering these again if we come back. They were so flavorful and left us wanting more. Everything else on the menu was just okay: Bonito Caesar Salad, Brussel Sprouts, and Wagyu Steak. The steak was so fatty and came out cold, so it was hard to finish. Maybe if it was warm or hot, it would've been better. Overall, it was an okay experience and we may come back on a regular night for the things we did enjoy. We loved chatting here because it was so calm and dimly lit. read more
Not often does a restaurant absolutely nail every detail, but Kodo did exactly that. We arrived a little early for our reservation and were seated right away, great start. The cocktail menu alone nearly derailed the evening. So many great options that narrowing it down felt like a personal challenge. Spoiler: every choice was the right one. We ordered the ponzu oysters, eggplant (I didn't like the skin but that was easily fixed, I removed skin from all the eggplant), Brussels sprouts, broccolini (we asked for it without the usual char because I don't like cancer and they executed it perfectly, no awkward back-and-forth, just done), miso sea bass hand roll, toro sampler, toro carpaccio, chocolate torte, and the Basque cheesecake. Finished with two cappuccinos. Every single dish landed. No misses, no "this one's fine" moments, just consistently excellent food and flawless execution. The cocktails were equally impressive: Son of Kyushu - 10/10 Fuji Haze - 10/10 (that coconut foam is unreal) Beni Negroni - 10/10 The Kitsune - 10/10 Rating these cocktails felt like watching a perfect Olympic gymnastics routine: no stumbles, no deductions, just flawless execution across the board. The space itself deserves a mention. Minimalist, chic, and effortlessly classy. The photos online honestly don't do it justice, it feels even better in person. Kodo is the kind of place that reminds you why dining out can still be exciting. Thoughtful service, beautiful food, and a vibe that feels special without trying too hard. Highly recommend!! Great date spot read more
9 months ago
The service bumps Kodo up to a 5/5 star! We had a great server to begin with, but we noticed the server at the table behind us was so passionate about the dishes, and we said amongst ourselves that he could sell us anything he was so good at describing the dishes. Lo and behold, he came over to our table about halfway through our meal, and he was equally as enthusiastic with us - turns out, he's the owner! Our meal was great! We started with the ume martini which was very interesting, you could taste the plum, and the Negroni which my friend said tasted like a solid version of a regular Negroni. To eat, we shared the following: -Brussels sprouts which had a great char on the outside, we loved the sauce at the bottom 8/10 -Chicken karaage - juicy chicken with the perfect crunch. The dipping sauce was the perfect complement 9/10 -uni pasta - I personally love uni pasta, but this could have used a little more sauce or something to kick up the flavor profile a little bit. 7.5 or 8/10 -Chilean sea bass - absolutely divine. Do not come to this restaurant and not order this dish. Beautiful texture on the fish and the sauce was delectable. 9.5 possible 10 out of 10. Truly. -basque cheesecake - I actually just went on a trip to visit my family in Spain so I have had a lot of basque cheesecake recently. I wish this cheesecake had the creamier texture/center that I'm used to for a Basque cheesecake, but the flavors were fantastic. 8/10 -miso chocolate torte - WOW! This is something very special. If you're like me and like desserts that are a bit more savory, you will love this umami bomb. It is such a unique dessert. I don't even normally order desserts but I will come back again and again for this one. 9.5/10 Kodo has a very modern feel, it is a great place for a nice dinner for any occasion. The valet parking is a little questionable, it really bottle necked at one point, but it's great that it's an option. And $13 is reasonable for parking in that area. I would definitely come back to Kodo in the future! read more
6 months ago
A delicious hidden gem in the arts district that will satisfy your craving for drinks and raw bar bites. The aesthetics are Japanese Kyoto inspired with a modern twist so you know the vibe is live. Indoor and outdoor dining available along with a killer playlist that will keep the mood. We ordered their recommended favorites which were the Uni Pasta and Wagyu Cheeseburger. The pasta was really tasty but I felt it lacked a little bit more sauce but that's just me. The burger was really good and flavorful but it came out looking like a hot mess. For dessert we had the Basque Cheesecake and that was Hella good. Service was attentive and the pacing was good. For those who like to get their Pre Game on! They have a gorgeous bar for you. Private dining area available for large groups and reservations recommended. Overall it was a good dining experience and I'm coming back for the mocktails. That's my take, Peace. read more
Came here for a special dinner and we enjoyed our time here. They serve fancy Asian fusion! Service was extremely nice and helpful. The place itself was nice but I think we were seated in a simple booth so it was alright. The food was good! This is how I rate the items we ordered: Ceviche 3/5 Omakase platter 5/5 Unipasta 2/5 Croquette 5/5 (my personal favorite) I think next time we want to check out their matcha drinks at another time! All in all this was a nice place to go to! There's valet parking but we also found street parking not too far. read more
I came here for dinner, via Uber, with a friend on a Sunday in mid-October 2025. We had made reservations a month before, not because we had to but, because that was the only time we'd both be free. We were a few minutes late but they sat us down right away. I was really excited about all the yuzu and ponzu on their menu but when our food came out I was so disappointed that I couldn't taste any of it. The food was shockingly mild and way too subtle for my taste. We ordered the Yuzu Ceviche, Wagyu Tataki, Toro Carpaccio, Chimichurri Prawns, and the Charred Broccolini. I think out of all of them I liked the Wagyu the most but that's not saying much. I also got their Yuzu mocktail which was, disappointingly, the best item out of all the dishes I had that night. Would have definitely preferred my meal to be better/just as good as the drink. The Ceviche was spicy but it needed a little more yuzu. The Wagyu and Toro both needed more ponzu. The Prawns did not have enough Chimichurri and definitely needed more yuzu - there was barely any flavor and quite bland I'm afraid. The Broccolini had a nice dipping sauce so it wasn't too bad. It ended up being $110 per person - not too bad, but man was I disappointed in the food. Was going to bring my partner here but I think we'll save our money for food with actual flavor. Service was great though. If we do come back here, we'd probably ask for extra ponzu and yuzu on the side. read more
DineLA 2025 kodo was where I had dinner to close out this summer's DineLA run. Loved it. Opted for valet parking. $12 or might have been $13. I don't remember. It's cash or Zelle. Just know, pull up onto the curb next to the valet stand. I went by it once because there were cars in lane turning right. You'll see what I mean if you aren't lucky with street parking. Service was excellent. I sat at the bar so service was on point. The team made sure I was taken well care of. I'd definitely go back to the bar for drinks and snacks for happy hour. The food runners were great too - communicated the dishes and making sure I had everything I needed. This is another one of those instances where I'll say see pics, but toss in that the pics won't do the food any justice. Especially the Wagyu Ribeye served exactly like I ordered it - Rare! No sauces or any condiments needed. Mixed in with the other dishes I had as well as the drinks, I enjoyed every single bite from the oyster appetizers to the closing dessert. I'll definitely be back to try more items on the menu. Depending on the weather, I wouldn't mind sitting outdoors on the patio. read more
1 year ago
I hosted my own birthday party of 14 here. We were in the private room. It's REALLY a great setting for an intimate dinner with your closest friends and family. The wait staff was impeccable, they literally catered to my every need. I went through the menu and ordered a smattering of approximately half the offering listed. There were something's that I enjoyed more than others BUT there was NOTHING that I didn't enjoy. Go on and wade through those double negatives. I highly recommend everyone try this place out. Next experience up, stay at the hotel AND eat at the restaurant! read more
Mid and overpriced :( We visited for my friends bday on a Friday night. We had a reservation for 6. We found street parking easily. Cute clean lobby/hotel situation but lots of bugs. Our server was sweet but they/the chef forgot about 1 of our drinks and one of our entrees. We ordered the ahi carpaccio, spicy tuna crispy rice and ceviche bites to share among the 6 of us... itty bitty bites for everyone LOL. Each app was around $30 so... I got the toro rolls as my entree and they are very generous with the fish. I found a scale in one of them but the quality is good. My matcha tonic was the best drink of the night. My portion of the check was $100 which I don't think was worth it. I don't think I'd return. read more
There was not a single dish that disappointed me, everything exceeded my expectations!! Ambiance: Beautiful interior and design, every single corner of the restaurant was super aesthetically pleasing. All the staff was super nice and accommodating. Service: They had an incredible list of alcohol selection, I was surprised to see a craft sale menu. read more
A friend recently hosted an event here & my husband and I arrived early to try dinner at Kodo. I'm so glad we did, because the food completely took us by surprise. We ordered the toro handroll trio and loved every bite. The seaweed was crisp and we honestly couldn't decide which one was our favorite. The wagyu carpaccio with wasabi mayo, parmesan, and cilantro was velvety and buttery; probably my top pick of the night. The broccolini had a great char with a slight tang from the vinegar. We also tried the miso marinated grilled sea bass which was good but didn't stand out as much compared to the other dishes. For drinks, we went through two rounds each of the Lychee Martini and the White Lotus. Both were tasty and came out quickly. The interior is stunning! Modern, moody, and minimalistic. Lots of concrete, texture, and dim lighting that makes every corner feel stylish. Whether you're at a table or at the bar, it's a beautiful setting. Service was friendly and attentive. Water refills came without asking, plates were cleared quickly, and we didn't experience any delays with the food or drinks. Overall, Kodo turned out to be much more impressive than I expected, and I'd happily come back for the toro handrolls and wagyu carpaccio alone. read more
4 stars for cocktails . 5 stars for service ! My bartenders name was Felix and he was lovely. I started off with yuzu margarita which wasn't bad but wasn't as complex as I'd hope . Same thing with the lychee martini, which was refreshing, but fell a little flat. Although the white Lotus was a little bit on the sweeter side, this was my favorite drink of the night due to its complexity. Really loved the combination of the lime coconut with mezcal . Also, it's a very unique offering as far as cocktail go as I haven't seen this anywhere else. Another favorite of the night was something that I was able to sample, which was the espresso martini . Very strong vanilla and chamomile notes !Definitely the most interesting espresso martini I've ever had and unlike the first two, which I actually ordered very, very memorable. All in all, I got what I had hoped for which was either an introduction to a new favorite cocktail or a new interesting take on an old favorite ... in which case I got both during my stay and visit to the cafe/restaurant! Can be a little bit busy on Sunday, but highly recommend if you're in the neighborhood . read more
I went for the valentines 5 course meal and it was $95. everything was very fresh and good. the service was also good, they offered to put my bag in a bin and hang up my jacket. the ambiance was really nice with a patio in the back. the lighting inside was not the best for instagram photos though! i took the sea bass leftover home and it didn't taste that good. it tasted super oily and weird in flavor. so try to finish the food there read more
1 year ago
I went to a farewell meet up here after work. (See photos and video for visibility) A group of us work across the street from this place. So you know I've been here multiples times lol and it always feels like a safe pleasant space with an upscale and quiet feel to it. We've hosted work events and gatherings here and the staff always makes us feel welcomed and provides excellent service to our needs and accommodations. In the mornings you can find their coffee vibes hours at the front and their intimate dinner hours at the back. A place to check out indeed. read more
*Note: TDLR at the end of review Kaisen Chirashi Bowl: 6/10 Presentation is on point! Flavor..... still searching for it LMFAO. Let me take a step back tho. It's not necessarily a bad thing. I can definitely taste the quality of the ingredients and the preparation it took to make it taste that way. Just in my opinion, I'm expecting a little more flavor from something so expensive. It could have been subtle too. Nothing stands out and it doesn't make me want to reach back for more. The portion is small if you have a big appetite. I'm pretty sure I could have ate like 2-3 bowls of this lol. I'd honestly have to try it again and then critic, but my memory, maybe adding some sort of sauces on the side would make this dish more enjoyable. Some sort of citrus sauce (yuzu would be the popular option) to brighten up the dish. I think also some sort of wasabi sauce or a light wasabi mayo for the spice lovers would also be a great addition. That way you can still taste the quality of the ingredients while meeting the flavor profiles for a variety of clientele. Ribeye Yakiniku Don Buri: 6.5/10 Better than the poke bowl but still bland af. Again, the quality of the ingredients are very very good. Does it make me reach back for more? NAURRR. Periodt. Meat was cooked really well and can't really go wrong with a poached egg. I think the saffron on top is a beautiful touch. Does it add to the dish in terms of flavor? Honestly, I'd have to try it again to remember, but if I can't remember now, what does that tell you? lol. Portion also kinda mucho small for people with a big appetite. I'd have to try the dish again for detailed critics. Do what you will with this info. Matcha: 3/10 Mid. Subtle matcha flavor. Expensive. Coconuts Matcha: 3.5/10 0.5 higher because I freakin love coconut. But also mid and expensive. Ambiance: 10/10 Super super aesthetic and pretty!! Didn't get to see much of the inside area, but the outside patio area was beautiful! It wasn't too loud and it wasn't too quiet. Super instagram-able. I think this place is really nice for special occasions/celebrations. Service: 9.5/10 Sometimes it was hard to get someone's attention, but service was great! Nothing stood out to me in particular, but all the staff were very nice and pretty attentive. TDLR: Trendy. Great place for pictures. Come here for a special occasion with friends. Quality of ingredients for food is good, but dishes can be bland. Pricier side with small portions, but expected. read more
Kodo sets the bar for excellence time and again all in a beautifully designed space. From the service of their front of house to their their skilled chefs, they deliver each dish with masterly crafted perfection. Will definitely be back to try more of their menu! read more
11 months ago
If you want a minimal and authentic experience, come to Kodo. The omakase lunch special ($30) is such a great deal, and if you add extra fish as I did ($36 total), it's well worth it! The quality and presentation are top-tier. The space itself is calm, modern, and aesthetically pleasing -- perfect for a quiet lunch or date night. I've also been for dinner, and it was just as wonderful. Definitely one of my favorite spots in the area for fresh, beautifully prepared sushi. read more
8 months ago
I came here for Dine LA and read a lot of reviews talking this place up, and it didn't disappoint! The wagyu is American wagyu for anyone wondering and it's amazing! The Ceaser salad didn't look like much but was incredible. The service was also emasculate. Did you leave for the bathroom? Well a knew napkin that's nicely folded is waiting for you on return. Just great food and great service. read more
1 year ago
I came to Kodo to celebrate my half-year anniversary with my girlfriend, and let me just say -- this place made the night unforgettable. From the ambiance to the food, everything was perfectly orchestrated to give us not just a meal, but a truly memorable experience. Kodo offers a refined, authentic Japanese-centered dining experience, and it's clear that every detail, from plating to service, is thoughtfully executed. To start, we ordered the chef's nigiri plate, which came with six carefully selected pieces of nigiri -- sea bass, eel, and other tropical delicacies I hadn't tried before. Each piece had a distinct personality -- some buttery, others smoky, one with a citrus finish -- and yet they all came together like a harmonious symphony. It was the kind of dish that slows you down; you want to savor every bite and admire the craftsmanship behind it. We followed it with the salmon crispy rice, which was easily one of our favorites. Served in a sushi-style fashion, the rice was pan-seared to golden perfection -- crunchy on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside. The smoked salmon on top was fresh, flavorful, and had just the right amount of richness without being too heavy. It was a perfect contrast of texture and taste -- every bite was satisfying. Then came the uni pasta... and wow. 10/10. If you're an uni lover, this is your holy grail. The uni flavor was bold and unapologetic -- that briny, ocean-forward taste really shined. It practically enveloped the pasta in a pungent yet delicious embrace that was both addictive and comforting. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you're into strong flavors and umami depth, this one delivers. To end on a sweet note, we shared the cheesecake crumble, and honestly, it exceeded expectations. The cheesecake itself was soft and creamy, but what made it stand out was the delicate balance of honey, crunchy nuts, and a cherry-strawberry sauce drizzled on top. The texture contrast -- creamy, crispy, fruity -- made each bite feel like a full experience. It was one of those desserts where you scrape the plate clean and still wish there was more. The final bill came out to around $150-$160, which felt very fair for the quality, portions, and overall atmosphere. For a special night like ours, it was absolutely worth it. Kodo helped make our half-year anniversary feel significant, intimate, and just a little magical. Whether you're celebrating something meaningful or just want to treat yourself to exceptional Japanese cuisine, Kodo is 100% worth the visit. Can't wait to come back. read more
10 months ago
The hand roll trio of toro, uni, and wagyu offered a great mix of textures and flavors. The toro was rich and buttery, the uni had a clean ocean sweetness, and the wagyu added a savory depth that rounded out the set nicely. The only drawback was that the seaweed softened a little faster than expected, which took away some of the crunch I look for in a hand roll. Service was polished and professional. The staff explained each roll clearly and timed the courses well. They checked in at the right moments without interrupting the flow of the meal. The ambience leans modern and refined, with thoughtful lighting and a relaxed pace. It feels upscale without being stiff, and the space stays comfortable even when it gets busier. Kodo delivers high quality ingredients and skilled preparation. A bit more crispness in the seaweed would have made the trio perfect, but the flavors themselves were excellent. read more
Kodo is located in Art district downtown LA and they provide valet parking with zelle payment $13 You can also park at the street The vibe of the lobby looks very zen and artsy The food is good portion to share with friends The toro trio is my favorite also the spicy tuna crispy rice Cocktails is with many varieties and we ordered 4 different cocktails and all tasted good Service is very good The severs are so kind and hospitable and checking upon our table very frequently and adding water and remove empty plates It is a good restaurant with group of friends gathering and also good for a date read more
11 months ago
From the moment you step into Kodō, you're transported. In a sleek former firehouse in the Arts District, the space is a masterclass in minimalism--light slate, pale wood, clean lines and a breeze-caught patio that feels as inviting as a modern speakeasy. The ambiance whispers "NYC under cover" with Los Angeles gloss. I started with a perfectly stirred Negroni, then dove into the oysters -- fresh, briny, and pure perfection. The tuna carpaccio was melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and the Kodo Trio -- uni, toro, and wagyu -- was a true standout. Each bite was its own little world of flavor. The Chilean seabass was the final masterpiece -- rich, buttery, and unforgettable. Every cocktail felt handcrafted with care, the service was impeccable, and Brad, the general manager, made the night even better -- attentive, genuine, and funny in the best way. Kodo isn't just dinner -- it's an experience. One that you'll want to relive again and again. Can't wait to go back! read more
I came to Kodo since it's been on my list for a while and sad to say as of two months ago they changed ownership. The staff let us know they were going towards a steakhouse direction but they have more seafood options. The ambiance was great. I think I would definitely come to get a drink at the bar. My friend and I got the uni pasta ($38), spicy tuna crispy rice ($28) 6 pieces , and chimichurri prawns ($32). For the price of the dishes and how they said they pride themselves on quality it was disappointing. The uni pasta was good but the uni that was plated on top was bitter. They changed their signature squid ink pasta for a different pasta. There's better uni pastas out there that cost less. The spicy tuna crispy rice was okay. The tuna quality was good but the crispy rice was disappointing. There's a difference between crispy and hard and the rice was hard. The chimichurri prawns were good quality but not 38 dollars good. The dish is called chimichurri prawns but I could barely taste any chimichurri flavors. Overall it was a disappointing experience after hearing all the good reviews about it. read more
BEST MATCHA I've tried IN TOWN so far. kodo is a Japanese restaurant open for dinner that opened a coffee shop at the front during the day and is now also a hotel. This achingly beautiful space serves the best ICHIGO MATCHA I've had. Barista was fast. Street metered parking. read more
10 months ago
Decided to come to Kodo for my fiancée's birthday and I'm glad we did! The ambiance of the restaurant is moody and the atmosphere of the staff was light hearted and fun. We sat at the bar while we waited for our table and had good conversations with the bartenders while he suggested which foods were a must try. Over all the food was great, staff were attentive and welcoming and I would definitely come here again. I will say that the intervals of when the dishes came out took a bit longer than expected. Highlights: omakase handrolls (not pictured), Uni pasta, shrimp ceviche and the wagyu ribeye. - The handrolls were delicious. The fish was fresh, seaweed super crispy and were a good size. - The uni pasta was creamy and the uni was smooth. I'm not much of a uni lover because I haven't had good uni before but this pasta has definitely changed my mind! - The shrimp ceviche was bright and fresh. I will say it could've used a bit more acidity. - The wagyu ribeye was melt in your mouth deliciousness and came with various salts and a chimichurri at no extra cost. read more
9 months ago
Came here on a Thursday night pre-dinner before a show at the LA Philharmonic and had a divine time as always. Food - this is my 2nd time at Kodō and was impressed again. Went here opening week which are some of the pictures of food posted here which may no longer be in the menu but also shows the level of quality they proceed to perform. The Omakase hand rolls were incredible that me and my friend went half on each. The uni and wagyu were a standout. The chimichurri prawns were hefty and delicious. Very well seasoned. The Bonita Caesar salad was delicious. I'm a sucked for gem lettuce. Espresso Tini - this was okay. I expected better. Felt a bit watered down. Carpaccio - soft like butter and good paired with cucumber. Always good for a starter. Service - the servers are always attentive and kind and know the menu really well. Also love the uniforms. Aesthetic is on point. Ambience - dark and moody. Perfect for date night or a cute friend catch up. Parking - downtown is a mess. I recommend valet-ing. $13. It is what it is but worth. read more
1 year ago
Amazing ambiance. Def on the pricey side so good for a special occasion. If it's still available, get the tuna sashimi sampler on the specials part of the menu. Lychee martini was strong & yummy but their cocktails weren't anything special. Personal standouts were the Uni pasta, sea bass & eggplant! read more
Ambiance, service and food all top notch! I traveled here from OC from a reccomendation and it was well worth it. Keep in mind that parking is a little difficult since they do not have their own lot. There is a valet service for $13, not including the tip. We had a prior reservation for Sunday evening, but it didn't look like we would have any trouble getting seated. The menu is a little pricey but everything on it was within reason for a date night. Everything is also meant to be shared so portion size can be a litttle on the smaller side. Our server gave us some great reccomendations, which I will be passing on to you. 100% go for the chicken karaage, it was our servers favorite and now it is mine. Combine this with the salad and you have a winning combination. For our mains, we ordered the uni-mentaiko cream pasta and the umami prime ribeye. The pasta was rich with umami and the pasta was cooked really well. The prime ribeye was seasoned and cooked really well. I loved the yakiniku sauce that made it taste like a really expensive beef bowl. The meat was a little on the rare side, but thats how it should be eaten. Overall great dinner, and would come back! read more
Went to Kodo for me and wife's anniversary meal (and a late Valentine's dinner) and had a great time! Our server, Julia, was fantastic and we were surprised to hear she had only recently started there! We got great recommendations on food, sake pairings, and were attended to very well. The ambience was very appealing, and had a clean, contemporary look that bordered somewhere between high-end casual and formal (at least by my standards). Expect outdoor seating for larger groups, while indoor seating seems to only be for couples or bar top guests. At least for me, the quality of the cocktails and sake were exceptional, and I appreciated that the drinks weren't overly sweet compared to a lot of other restaurants of similar quality. Our favorite cocktails was the Cha (tea based cocktail I believe) and for me, the old fashioned as it had a woody, but not smokey or overly-earthy aroma. Our favorite sake of the night was the recommended sake, the somahare. It had a very clean flavor profile that paired well with the rich flavors. Of all the items we ordered (and we ordered almost the whole menu), the chilean sea bass was our favorite in both the ceviche and cooked form. The temp and texture was perfect, and the sauce was very well-balanced, something we have a hard time coming by as for us a lot of sauces and dressings for contemporary asian cuisines tend to be overly sweet. The ceviche had a firmer, chewier texture than a lot of other fish, which we appreciated as it reminded us of halibut sashimi, which is more popular in Korea than other countries and is a texture and flavor we had been missing. The other dishes were fantastic as well and though it was still tasty, the wagyu tataki was not something we would order again, as we felt we were paying a lot for the saffron topping and it didn't pop out as much as other dishes like the Uni Pasta or the sea bass dishes mentioned above. Overall, a fantastic experience for those in the mood for contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine. We honestly had hoped for the omakase course but apparently they are getting rid of that aspect of their business in lieu of more playful, elevated izakaya-like fare. If the owners are reading this, I do think it would be helpful to put a PDF menu on the site/yelp, even if theres a disclaimer about it being potential outdated as dishes flow in and out of the menu. Although it did not bother me personally, I could see the lack of a visible online menu (and the presence of nigiri images on the site despite it being removed from the offerings) being something that deters people from trying Kodo out, or being disappointed of the lack of an omakase set if that is why they were trying to go there. read more
2 months ago
The ambiance is cool because it's very clean and geometric. Reminds me of restaurants in Japan. Service was incredibly fast, they brought out our food in less than 5 minutes! We got the uni pasta and wagyu burger. Both were ok, nothing that memorable. However, the white lotus drink with mezcal was delicious! We found street parking nearby, or you can valet. read more
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More info about kodo
710 S Santa Fe Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Downtown
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(213) 471-1932
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http://www.kodo.la
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Ask the Community - kodo
Do they still have sushi?
We do not offer traditional sushi, although we have premium quality fish, rice, and nori for our hand rolls:)
Do you take walk-ins for brunch/lunch during the weekends?? I can't seem to make a reservation for lunch online. Thanks.
hello! we don't do reservations for lunch service. we have plenty of seating and we will take your order over the counter at the cafe:)
Can we bring our own sake? How much is the corkage fee?
Absolutely! Corkage fee is $30 / 750ml
I just made a reservation through Resy but there's no omakase option. How can I reserve that menu?
Do they offer parking or valet?
They have valet there is also street parking but it's hard to find
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