I came here with a group of four for my boyfriend's birthday and had such an amazing experience. The service was exceptional from beginning to end, and we even got to meet Chef Niki afterwards, which made the night even more special. I still think about so many of the dishes we had. Everything was beautifully executed, thoughtful, and incredibly memorable. One of those meals that really stays with you long after it's over. You can tell they place great precision and detail into every dish. Would highly recommend watching Chef's Table beforehand as it highlights Chef Niki's work and journey. read more

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After five years of living in LA, and trying an undetermined amount of times, I was able to secure a reservation at N/Naka. The reservation times open at 10 am every Sunday on Tock, and I set an alarm to remind me to book it. I missed the alarm by 30 minutes, and when I went to book, the coveted Friday and Saturday reservations were gone, but I was able to score a 5:15 pm reservation on a Wednesday night. If a weekend reservation is imperative, I recommend being at your computer at 10 am on the dot on a Sunday morning. We arrived early and parked in the neighborhood, street parking was easy to find at this time on a weekday afternoon. We were welcomed into the restaurant at a few minutes before our reservation time by a member of staff wearing a suit. We were seated at our table, in the second room. We were asked about our water preference and then immediately brought said water and an alcoholic beverage menu. We were not brought a food menu as the restaurant is kaiseki course and all options are decided by the chef. I believe that they accommodate some dietary restrictions, but I am unsure of which specific ones they can accommodate and which they can't. N/Naka serves 13 courses in their kaiseki, and each course was plated beautifully and with a lot of detail. While everything was superb, a couple of standouts for me personally were the truffle pasta (which the staff informed us, chef had been cooking and serving every day for many years), the wagyu steak and the sushi. The ambiance felt upscale and elegant without being over the top or gaudy. Service was lovely. The staff were friendly and focused on providing the perfect experience for us. Everyone was kind and attentive without being overly formal, like some fine dining restaurants. Chef Nakayama came out at the end of the meal to greet us and thank us for dining, which was a nice touch. The staff also took a Polaroid of us to commemmorate our evening, which was the perfect ending. We were sent home with some madeleines and tea. This was an 11/10 dining experience, however, I will say that it was probably the priciest dinner I've ever had in LA. read more

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8/2026 - It was extremely difficult to secure a reservation, as bookings filled up within minutes each month. When reservations opened online, we had to quickly copy and paste our credit card information to complete the booking before it sold out. A deposit was also required to confirm the reservation. It goes without saying that this 10-course fine-dining omakase is a truly memorable culinary experience. It is also worth noting that the sushi quality is fresh, very good with a nice prestation, but they are not the best in comparison to some of Japanese Sushi eateries at DTLA. It goes without saying that this 10-course omakase delivers a memorable dining experience from start to finish. The sushi is undeniably fresh, beautifully presented, and expertly prepared. While the overall quality is excellent, I would rank it just below some of the top-tier Japanese sushi restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles. Nevertheless, the combination of attentive service, elegant presentation, and the overall dining experience makes it well worth the visit. On the other hand, the high price point may have been one of the factors behind Michelin's decision to downgrade n/naka from two stars to one star a few years ago. read more

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Japanese Kaiseki which has been on my list for months and finally the universe answered with an invite! The venue is small and does not have a bar or indoor waiting area so plan to arrive right on time. The guest waited outdoors until our exact time of seating (and they are right on time). N/Naka is a very intimate 28 course seasonal modern kaiseki that serves a combination of both fresh sashimi and warm courses to satiate your palate (heavier on the warm dishes). Seasonal ingredients from Japan and California are used to curate the finest delicacies. Therefore you're likely to try various specials with the changing seasons. I loved the Zensai which presented 7 small palate warming appetizer bites. Comes in a cute bento box like format. The creamy potato puree and tempura bites were my favorites. For the main course, I absolutely loved the Uni and Dungeness crab....so exceptional. Served in an actual Uni shell and filled with warm Dungeness crab meat and broth, egg white soufflé, and topped with a whole Uni. This should be their top dish. Another phenomenal course was the Rockfish. The fish complimented very well with the snap peas and kelp which brought out the flavor of the rockfish. Perfect!!! Shiizakana is their signature dish which made its debut on chef's table and served year round. An abalone truffle pasta. This was good but for me personally wasn't a highlight. Overall a good experience. At dinners end, chef Niki Nakayama came out personally to share our experiences. We got to meet the artist that curated this amazing dinner. Thank you Chef! Loved the experience. Get on that wait list ASAP! read more

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Best meal I have ever had (so far). Each course (13 total) just kept getting better and better. The textured and flavors are epic! Top notch. If you are fortunate enough to secure a reservation, even if on a weekday, be sure to go and enjoy!! Highly recommend! Excellent customer service! Everyone is so friendly. Parking can be difficult. Valet parking is $12 read more

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N/Naka is incredible. Chef Niki and her staff have honestly given my partner and I the best fine dining experience we have ever had and we have had many omakases/kaisekis including some in Japan. I've been eyeing n/naka for 4 years and each year we would try to snatch up a reservation but they would disappear within minutes and when we finally were so lucky to get a reservation (I literally cheered) I could absolutely see why eating at this establishment is highly desired. There was parking down the street toward the neighborhood and upon showing up at the front doors there was a line of people waiting for their time slot, we were checked in one by one and seated. This restaurant is pretty small but it has a great calming ambience and feels intimate. The staff is very attentive and friendly and I loved learning about n/naka's history since we came during their anniversary and got to taste some of their creations throughout the years. We loved that with each dish there was a meaning behind each one, and honestly most course meal places we've been to are very similar but n/naka's courses were unique and we tasted a good amount of items that were very new to us. It's so hard to describe each dish that we had, because we were so pleasantly surprised by their unique flavors and techniques. Plating of the food was so pleasing to the eye and done with meticulous care. All the food was cooked perfectly and even the simplest dishes such as clam soup warmed the heart. Some standouts I noted was the fish dish on if I remember correctly a bed of Kambu (seaweed) and these home grown peas, supremely the best peas I've ever had in my life. The ice cream/sorbet with the side crumble was so so good. The opening dish (the one with the flower cracker laid on top) and the carrot cake looking item was very unique and tasty. I also was very impressed by their I believe it was some sort of freeze dried soy sauce if I can remember, that was so unique to the palate. This may sound silly, but my partner and I were absolutely amazed by the palate cleanser halfway through the meal, we have had many palate cleansers at fine dining restaurants, but none like this one. Generally palate cleansers are tart and I would say help reset the palate at 50-60%. But this tapioca and fruit palate cleanser was the best we've ever had. It was light, crisp, refreshing and it literally eliminated the taste of everything we had previously eaten at a 100% efficacy rate. I've never felt my mouth feel that clean and pure--it was astounding. We both were truly in awe. The staff were really so polite and attentive. At the end of the meal we saw Chef Niki walking around to the tables and felt so special when she dropped by. Our conversation was short but wow, you can tell Chef Niki is a very genuine and humble person. She makes you feel so comfortable in conversation and with her extraordinary gesture, she just makes you feel so special and appreciated. It was hard to explain this experience because the euphoria just lasted for days, weeks, if not months. We told all our friends about n/naka and I hope they'll one day be able to have that experience as well. We thank Chef Niki and her team so much for making our 4th anniversary the best one! And hopes she can take breaks when she can, she deserves it and more! read more

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I lived in Culver City for 20 years and never tried n/naka. Every attempt making online reservations exactly at 10am Sunday regularly got sold out dates. Finally it happened. After you select the reservation date, you'll fill out a questionnaire and submit a $100 deposit per person. Email confirmation was set for 5:15pm on a Wednesday. There's valet parking if you can't find street parking. Don't be fooled by the boring grey corner structure that looks like a law office. Once inside, it's a whole other story... Beautiful. Calm. Inviting. Multiple servers greet you with impeccable service. A 13 course dinner awaits. Each plate is a work of art. The taste is priceless... a delicious sensation I hadn't had before. The pairing of liquor for each exhibit is a study in perfection. I could go into in-depth hyperbole and stretch this review 9 ways to Sunday. I simply left with this thought: less is more and it's the quality, not quantity that matters. You can go to other places and order big steaks and whole lobsters. But then you have to eat it. Sometimes, a single, concentrated magical bite can be powerful and unforgettable. read more

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Dining here was such an amazing moment for me. I've tried for YEARS to get a reservation here... at first it was to celebrate a special occasion but as the years went on I just tried to get any spot I could to no avail. I'm blessed to have friends who were able to book reservations and invite me and my wife to join them. And it was worth the wait. The restaurant was celebrating their 15 year anniversary and the menu was honoring that legacy by revisiting and reimagining favorite dishes from its history alongside new seasonal creations; for us it was their spring menu. Dining with such good friends and having the opportunity of meeting Chef Niki and telling her what an honor it was to dine at her restaurant was the core highlight of the evening. Did I go to celebrate a special occasion? No, but it was a special occasion in itself. Thank you Chef Niki for sharing your vision, dreams, and hard work with us. read more

This post-COVID review focuses on the inside and staff of N/Naka. The wait staff are consistent and provide details of the thoughts in preparation. The entire menu reflects 15 years in operation and respective Michelin stars early in its establishment. At first, I thought I would still be hungry, but the tastes, quality and presentation really added to my dining experience, which was wonderful. I was celebrating an early Mother's Day on this occasion and appreciated the artful creations from each dish. My favorite was the steak, which has the rich taste of a quality A5 beef, which melts in your mouth. Next was the quality of the fish served, which each having its own story to be told. If ever you have the desire to dine here, be sure to make your reservation on Sundays a few weeks before your celebration. read more

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n/naka is a restaurant that needs no introduction. It remains at the top of many lists--some being "Best Japanese" and "LA Staples," while others are "Must-Visit California Restaurants" and "Memorable Places to Go to Forget." I am one of the people who watched Chef's Table in its early days, which was also in my early days of being interested in food as an art form. I had enjoyed watching Chef Niki Nakayama talk about n/naka and her cooking philosophy, but at that time, I didn't really know what it meant to put in the level of work and dedication she and her partner Carole Iida have put into n/naka. I thought, "This food looks beautiful," and "I hope I get to go here someday," but not much more beyond that at the time (I was living in San Jose, didn't ever think I'd live in LA). As time went on, I began to understand what must go into establishments like n/naka. It had been ten years and hundreds of restaurants since I'd seen the Chef's Table episode, and n/naka was still a place I knew I would feel honored to be able to experience. My partner and I were preparing for our upcoming Japan trip, and I proposed we maybe try to snag a reservation here as a close to our 30th birthdays celebration. I had to try three times, but I finally got a spot in June this year. At the time, I had no idea how truly special and exceptional this night would be. So we made LA weekend plans around this dinner, a couple weeks after returning from Japan. It had been a wonderful trip overall, with plenty of delicious food, and not only did we get to celebrate turning 30 there, my partner also proposed to me at the top of a mountain. It was really an unforgettable experience. We were still on a high from it when we came to n/naka. Despite still clinging to the memories of all the fresh food we tried in Japan, we were still wowed by how good this food was. Their kaiseki-style tasting menu is a delightful blend of Japanese and Californian, and even without the surprises that they slipped in here and there for our combined birthday dinner, we were feeling pleasantly full from the amount of food. The lighting was smooth, the ambiance was relaxing, the pacing was perfect, every person we interacted with was so professional and personable, our sake paired extremely well with every dish we were served, the presentation was stellar, and everything was prepared impeccably well and tasted delicious. Delicate and bold at the same time. The highlight of the night was when Chef Nakayama came out to our table to thank us for dining at n/naka. She had brought up several topics we had discussed with different employees throughout the night, and wished us happy birthdays and congratulated us on our engagement. As our dinner continued, we saw her go to every table around us throughout the evening. It seems that this is a popular place both for people to celebrate huge milestones in their lives, as well as for regulars to have a weekend dinner. A final and lovely touch was the parting gifts they give their guests. A poppyseed pastry, a bag of tea, and a thoughtful, handwritten thank you card. I can't recommend a visit to n/naka enough! We left feeling so complete. Such a wholly remarkable experience. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in LA. read more

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Dining at n/naka feels like stepping into a world where every detail is cared for, but nothing is pretentious. It's refined without trying too hard, and that's what makes it special. The kaiseki experience is thoughtful from start to finish, each course arrives looking like art, yet the flavors are comforting, balanced, and never overly fussy. You can really feel the intention behind every element on the plate. The pacing is calm and unhurried, and the staff makes you feel genuinely welcome. They're knowledgeable in a way that feels friendly rather than formal, and you can tell they're proud of what they're serving. What stood out most to me was how the entire meal flowed, one beautiful bite after another, building in flavor and texture, but staying true to that understated elegance n/naka is known for. It's the kind of dining experience that stays with you, not just because the food is incredible, but because it feels sincere. If you want a meal that's both unforgettable and grounded, n/naka definitely delivers. read more

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Ok if you have no budget for food and want the best of the best of just about anything and everything you can imagine you come here.. the staff is so warm and friendly and knowledgeable and treats guests like they are queens and kings.. The presentation of the food is spectacular but the taste and the layers of flavors is what stands out .. the omakase based menu is thoughtfully prepared and thought out every slice every taste every palate .. I wish I could afford to go again but if ever I win the lottery or .. I will this place is outstanding if you need To Experience the ultimate this is it! read more

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Best dining experience I have ever had! Never felt more blown away by the food, service and kindness of the head chef at a Michelin starred restaurant. My husband has been talking about wanting to try n/naka since I first met him 6 years ago and his past birthday was the first time we were able to get reservations. From even before you walk in the door, you are treated with such personable service - with a short form you fill out with your details and text confirming your allergy details, to your meal itself, which is in a realm of its own, to the Polaroid/Instax picture they take of your party at the end of the meal, to Chef Niki personally thanking every table and wishing my starstruck husband a happy birthday to receiving a handwritten note in the mail a few weeks later from Chef Niki wishing my husband a happy birthday and thanking us for celebrating with them. We have been lucky enough to dine at 1,2 & 3 Star Michelin restaurants around the world and none ever felt close to this level of service. On to the food - while I can't describe every dish because my memory does not serve me, I remember each bite was absolutely delicious. Most of the time in multi-course meals, there's one or two dishes that make me scratch my head and wonder if my palate is just basic and unrefined if I don't enjoy it, but I didn't feel that in any way here. I enjoyed every single course and walked away satisfied and wanting to return to n/naka for the next season's course. read more

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I've been trying to get into n/naka on every visit I've made to LA for the last 10 years. So it was gratifying to finally be able to snag a reservation this time. The restaurant did not disappoint. It is clearly one of the best in Los Angeles. Everything from the vibe to the quality of the food to the friendliness of the servers was exceptional. With a meal this wonderful, it's difficult to name a favorite course, but I would have to say that the pasta dish surprisingly was right up there with the very best that I've had. Of course, the fish quality, the sushi, the sashimi were all also wonderful. The other thing that sticks in my memory was the quality of all of the soups from the first little taste during the amuse-bouche to the final course. Each one brought a complexity that you rarely find in a supposedly simple bowl of soup. If you can get into n/naka, I highly recommend it. read more

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Kaiseki style dining experience with fresh, high quality ingredients sourced mostly across Japan and California. Probably one of the more famous LA fine dining destinations for almost fifteen years now. The service from the greeter to the servers was wonderful. Definitely expected at a spot like this and they delivered. The vibe was intimate and elegant and the renovated space was simple, yet beautiful. Think darker wood and grey stone tones. Towards the end of the meal, Chef Niki Nakayama came out and greeted us as well! Truly a wonderful and memorable meal! With my socio-economic background, this place for me is definitely one of those 'special occasions/treat yourself' type places. Which despite me living within walking distance for years, kept me from going sooner. I was either waiting for a good time to attempt to go, but then came the notoriously hard reservations. Luckily, I never attempted to make a reservation myself, so I was able to bypass the frustration many others go through. I was very fortunate in how I got to experience this place. A buddy of mine hit me up out of the blue and told me that someone from their party had to drop out so they had a extra spot. It so happened I ate a lot of PB&J sandwiches that month so my budget could absorb the cost. I didn't have a special occasion to celebrate, but decided to take the plunge because this would be the easiest reservation to get here and I get to experience it with a small group. Was it expensive? Definitely. Was it worth it for me? Most definitely. As of early 7/2025 the cost of the menu was $365 with the wine/sake pairing being $195 I've been told that the menu changes up often, so here's what I had on my visit (I opted for the wine/sake pairing): Sakizuke - candy cap mushroom, caviar, roasted shiitake, carrot cream, kurozu Zensai - homemade steamed tofu, ume somen, watermelon raindrop, wagyu tsukune, totate kakiage, opo squash, burrata tartlet Modern Zukuri - scallop, dill, tomato, myoga, goma tosazu Owan - hamo, opo squash, yuzu Otsukuri - traditional sashimi Yakimono - tachiuo, baby cucumber, bainiku ponzu Mushimono - kinmedai, artichoke manju Shiizakana - spaghetti, abalone, mentaiko, truffle, kaiware Niku - A5 wagyu, green garlic, black garlic tomatillo Sunomono - watermelon, aka tosaka, wakamomo, junsai Shokuji - nigiri Mizumono - melon sorbet, sansho WINE/SAKE pairings - Nanbu Bijin - sparkling sake (dry, delicious, and a great pairing with seafood or pretty much anything we had) Le Chene Marchand - sauvignon blanc Ohmine "3grain Summer's Arrival" Matsunotsukasa "Azolla 50" Junmai Daiginjo Gruner Veltliner "Ried Stein" 1oTW Izumibashi 'Rakufumai' Junmai Daiginjo Cabernet Sauvignon "China Blue Vineyard" "Catskills" Junmai Daiginjo Riesling "Morstein" Spatlese read more

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Some bites literally gave me goosebumps. Every dish was elegant, playful, and executed with incredible precision. read more

n/naka - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The service here is phenomenal and is truly one of those things to experience at least once in your life. I was fortunate to have dined here at least twice. Don't let those portions fool you--you'll need space for each dish. I appreciate Chef Niki's attention to detail and artistry. At the end of the night, she stepped out to talk to us and included certain details that she learned about us during our dining experience. read more

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Simply amazing. n/naka was everything I had hoped it would be, plus more: the dishes were masterfully crafted, the bites and flavors were absolutely perfect, and the service was as good as it gets. Devin, our server, was extremely attentive and fun to talk to through the 3 hour service. Niki personally went to each table to say thank you and our night ended with a Polaroid photo to take home! read more

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Probably the best meal I've ever had in my life! Definitely in the top three. We went to celebrate my son getting into a masters program for grad school and to celebrate his 21st birthday. At $400 pp I felt we needed some reason, haha. It was a special menu to celebrate n/naka's 15th anniversary. The food was exquisite. My favorite was probably the spring ocean trout in a miso brown butter snow. They gave us a special dessert with a birthday candle. And then after the meal Chef Niki came out to say happy birthday to my son. It was a very special meal and I look for forward to my next excuse to go back! read more

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This is a long over due review. I wish yelp would just let me post reviews with images only. It is probably my 6th or 7th times at n/naka. And they are still my Top 3 restaurants in LA ever since the first time I went. Consistency matters, and Chef Niki does it EVERYTIME!!! I will let the images speaks for itself! read more

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It has been 3 years since our last visit and unbelievably, I loved our meal even more! The staff were so friendly and made us all feel so comfortable throughout the evening. It was easy to see how much thought and effort went into each course of this amazing meal! So many favorite dishes from the Bafun Uni Joyu to the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Sukiyaki. YAKIMONO with Live Scallop, Broccoli, Shiitake, in a Brown Butter Ponzu was delicious! A big thank you to chef and the entire n/naka staff for making my birthday meal so special. read more

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One of the best meals I've ever had. Service impeccable, food spectacular fantastic in every way. It took a while to get the reservation but we cannot wait to return. 100 stars. read more

We recently had an opportunity to return for a second time to n/naka for another incredible experience! Absolutely loved the new look of the restaurant after the renovation. It truly feels as though you have been transported to another place entirely. The service staff were wonderful and I did also notice improvements from my first visit there as far as service flow. The food was of course impeccable and the attention to detail was incredible even going so far as to plate my dishes in the opposite order of everyone else's because I'm left handed so the the dish's description would make sense for me too! I truly believe that this restaurant will not only reclaim its second star but also has a legitimate chance to make it all the way to the coveted three star rating. Thank you to Chef Nakayama and all the wonderful staff at n/naka for another perfect experience! read more

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Two years ago my husband and I lived in LA for six months. We were excited because after watching the Chef's Table episode about Chef Niki Nakayama we said we have to eat here. Snagging a reservation took some time but was worth the effort. Our meal was an incredible experience--the service, the way each course was presented in such beautiful dishware--the meal was a well-planned journey and one of the best dining experiences we've had. We dined here again in January and it's taken me some time to process this experience and put it in words. The dining room interior has been remodeled since our last visit. The atmosphere helps you focus on being present, being in the moment, being still when each course comes. With excited anticipation you take the lid off of the soup bowl or the staff unveils a dish, so your focus is seeing, smelling, feeling, tasting and enjoying the first bite and all the flavors in the dish before you. What a fun experience! Chef Niki is so creative, thoughtful, deliberate in how she plans her guests' meals. We enjoyed meeting her at the end of our meal and having the opportunity to thank her for the care and attention she gives to all. We look forward to coming here again when we're able to get to L.A. read more

I don't know if it's because of the female chef, but every dish seemed so delicate and made with such care. One tomato soup that left a particularly deep impression was... read more

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EVERYTHING was incredibly wonderful. Clean restaurant, friendly staff, food was delicious. One of my all time favorite restaurants.

Truly an experience; n/naka delivers a fantastic Japanese kaiseki course with modern LA-influence. With more than a decade of notoriety, they are still at the top of everyone's hype list. With a recent interior refresh, this place brings a contemporary and genuine intimacy to your dining experience. Fantastic service coupled with mind-blowing execution, it's no wonder they haven't fallen out of favor. I don't think the food needs to be described in detail, as the menu changes a few times a year depending on seasonal ingredients, but I will say everything was beautiful, tasty, you can tell how much care goes into each dish. Chef Niki is a sweetheart and came to greet us afterward. She's so very down-to-earth and it was so lovely to meet her after seeing her on so many features. read more

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What can someone say about N/Naka that has not been said before? So without sounding repetitive, my wife and I truly enjoyed our experience at N/Naka. We made the last seating at 9pm for our 34th wedding anniversary and the modern kaiseki dinner was appropriately gorgeous. Each course was a work of culinary art and carefully and patiently served by our evening's server Devin. The presentation of the food was fun and a bit over-the-top but in a good "Los Angeles" way. Devin was very helpful in pairing our courses with wine and sakes. Later after our meal, Chef Nakayama came to our table (as she does for every guest amazingly) to thank us for coming. And she knew why we were there specifically. My wife and I would have loved to have asked her a few things but frankly we were so star-stuck that our tongues were tied. We know that Chef Nakayama changes the menu seasonally so we would love to go back again if we are able to secure a reservation but since a meal at N/Naka is a dinner experience extraordinaire, it will have to be to celebrate something important. Fortunately, Chef Nakayama and the team at N/Naka will be up to the task. read more

Was very fortunate that a friend managed to get a table for two on her actual birthday. The service is impeccable and the renovated restaurant has a very simple and modern yet warm atmosphere. The food lives up to all of the accolades. The one dish that stays on the menu, the spaghetti was indeed one of the best bites I've ever had. As was the a5 wagyu with seasonal vegetables. Definitely a special occasion dining experience that isn't easily forgotten. read more

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I made this reservation a month in advance for my 10-year wedding anniversary because this was my husband's number one bucket list restaurant. We were so excited to come and eat here. I planned an entire vacation around dining at this restaurant I booked a stay at the Beverly hills hotel spending over $10,000 to come. 2 days before my reservation I get a phone call from the restaurant stating that they could not accommodate my food allergy (egg) and in his words "in all the 15 years we've been open I've never been able to accommodate this allergy" I did get a text message later in the day explaining to me that they could make me some of the food without eggs and wanted to know if I still wanted the reservation. To be completely honest, even though the person who contacted me was very nice and they were accommodating enough to tell me that they could make some things work, notifying someone 2 days before a reservation When you know that for 15 years you haven't been able to accommodate anyone with my allergy would probably be something that you should State under the allergen section of the reservation sign up. I feel completely gutted. I am now out of a reservation for my 10-year anniversary and I am spending major money to be in an area that I don't need to be in for what purpose. I'm not sure. I couldn't take the reservation at the point that they offered it to me with the modifications because I was so angry at how I was treated in this process. I want to be totally clear; It is totally acceptable for a restaurant to be unable to accommodate my allergy. However, if I make a reservation a month in advance and you tell me 2 days before that you can't accommodate me then there something wrong with the way that you are processing your guest experience and for a restaurant that prides itself on guest experience. I feel like you could do better. read more

given n/naka's incredible feature on chef's table, michelin star record, stellar reviews, steeeeeeeep pricing, and notoriously difficult-to-book process, my parter and i had our expectations set rather high. yet, n/naka exceeded those expectations. in fact, we agreed that this three-hour multi-course dinner is easily a contender for the BEST DINING EXPERIENCE we ever enjoyed. FOOD & BEVERAGE every dish was a delight. i appreciated how chef nakayama really focused on the seasonality of ingredients because every component of every dish was fresh and pronounced in its flavor!!! the play on temperatures and textures was a wonderful element as well. while all dishes on the menu were subject to change with the seasons, the shiizakana/"chef's choice" remained a constant for 14 consecutive years. chef nakayama's signature is spaghetti elevated with abalone, mentaiko (cod roe), truffle, and kaiware. this radical addition to an otherwise fairly traditional kaiseki menu was incredibly clever. it was rich and decadent thanks to the creaminess and savoriness of the mentaiko. the abalone imitated the texture of mushroom, while the black truffle lent it its actual taste. other memorable dishes include the yakimono (live scallop, snap peas, brown butter ponzu) and niku (A5 miyazaki wagyu, green garlic, black garlic tomatillo). the 12 items on the dinner menu (and 3 compliments from the chef) were a feast for the stomach AND the eyes. everything was gorgeously plated. the plates and bowls used for each dish were thoughtfully curated. even the ceramics and glassware used for the wine pairings were carefully considered and unique to each table. SERVICE the staff were subdued, well-mannered, and highly observant. they were also very witty but never imposing. multiple parties (including our own) were celebrating a birthday, but the staff did not make a scene. instead, they quietly offered a complimentary dessert and took a polaroid of the party to commemorate the moment. we ended up dining past midnight since we reserved a table for 8:45pm and were not seated until closer to 9pm. still, chef nakayama took the time to come to our table at the end of our meal and thank us for dining at her restaurant! she was incredibly personable and gracious. AMBIANCE the interior was cozy, intimate, and warmly lit. my partner and i felt like we were dining in a little museum. none of their decor felt excessive. the two restrooms in the restaurant were hidden away by a sliding wooden door. PARKING nearby street parking is quite limited, so you may need to resort to valet ($20 as of april 2025)! read more

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Loved the experience! Each plate was so well presented and so delicious. The decor of the restaurant was so calming. The servers were very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. read more

N/Naka every time you go is an experience which will delight your every sense a haven the moment you step in with the bamboo ,stone color arrangements reflecting the serenity of Kyoto in Los Angeles itself . The staff greeting you so hospitable and kind . Devin had such a lovely sense of humor and explained each course while we wait in anticipation. Unlike other Michelin restaurants there is a comradari and grace amongst all . Chef Nikki's passion for her craft and pursuit for perfection complements her humility grace leaving an imprint in your heart. We were so happy to celebrate a birthday and we congratulate the 15 years that La has been privileged to have this restaurant in our midst . Thank you read more

We have been wanting to come to N/Naka for the past 10 years. Finally we made it in January 2026! This is the best dining experience we have ever had. The restaurant ambience is very cozy and comfortable, the decor is minimalistic and Zen. Our server John was very attentive and friendly. The food at N/Naka was superb! The appetizer plater was packed with delicious little dishes, everyone of them was so elegantly tasty. The black cod fish grilled in pine needles was so delicately tender, juicy and tasted like from another world. The sea urchins from Santa Barbara tasted so fresh and sweet, the fatty tuna melted in our mouth. The pasta with Mentaiko and black truffle tasted heavenly, the flavor just exploded in the mouth. In addition to the nigiri sushi sets, The chef also gave each customer a hand rolled blue crab sushi roll - so good! At end of the meal, Chef Niki Nakayama actually came over and greeted us. We felt so privileged to meet her in person. Chef Niki Nakayama was so graceful and warm and let us take a picture with her. Our entire dining experience was so wonderful and memorable that we kept thinking and talking about it even after we left LA. Comparing to the other one star Michelin restaurants that we had been to, we totally believe that N/Naka deserve Two Michelin stars! There are NO doubts about it. We can't wait to go back to N/Naka again! read more

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This 2-stars Michelin experience was on par with the 2,3-stars experiences I had in Europe and South America. Ambience was relaxed and cozy. Like, dining at friends home. John, our server was warm & humorous. The current Fall menu paid homage to Japan's classics in the Fall with an LA twist. Many courses had wow factor surprises, and perfectly executed creativity. No flops. Chef Niki paid attention to the tiniest details. Price is high, but then we are in LA. Many restaurants charge as much if not more for tasting menus. It is worth the resy trouble & saving for an experience. The pairing price though has a slightly lower QPR. The use of a distinctive Albariño to pair with the nigiri dish was unexpectedly good. Also loved the complimentary welcome tea & sake which were not part of the "sake & wine pairing"). The take home gift bag cookies and tea bag was nice touch. Also, really can't compared to the kaiseki in Japan, this isn't the most traditional kaiseki but LA kaiseki at its finest. Well deserved the 2-stars. I am honestly curious about their winter menu come January. Better start saving up. read more

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FINALLY got a reservation at nnaka. As a huge foodie, getting the reservation itself felt like a million bucks. It had been on my list since the chef was featured on chefs table and dining here was truly a dream. Service is amazing from the second you check in for your reservation. We arrived a little early because we were so excited and the table was already set and ready for us. The space is newly renovated and sets such an amazing vibe. Each dish is so perfectly plated and the flavors all work so well. There wasn't a single dish that I felt did not belong to the experience. I normally don't enjoy coursed meals because I usually have to tap out closer to the end but everything was perfectly timed and portioned. Truly a perfect experience from beginning to end. Can't wait to come back for their summer menu change. read more

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Came back to n/naka after 6 years. Years ago I was disappointed. Warm food came out cold with dinner at 945. This time around we came again at 9. Overall, slightly better than the first time. Enjoyed the spiny lobster and the usual signature noodles with truffle and abalone. However the remainder of the meal was equally disappointing. The sashimi was similar to the Nigerian with 1 cut differing. The wagyu med well instead of med rare. I also felt there were cost cutting moves like cutting the uni in half for both the sashimi and nigiri course. The amadai and matsutake mushroom were solid and standard. As a whole, kaiseki wise I would say it was an average experience but is in a different league from hayato and other kaisekis from Japan. For it's price it is a bit steep. If you are just looking to try n/naka once for a general kaiseki, it's worth a visit however do not expect anything life changing. read more

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I don't know where to begin. Just when I thought I've tried it all and knew what top notch Japanese tasted like - Chef Nakayama proved me entirely wrong!! I'm no food critic or anything like that, but I'm 100% a foodie for sure. Best. Sushi. I've. Ever. Had. Hands. Down. Having the chance to dine at a 2 star Michelin Japanese restaurant was a bucket list memory I'll never forget. Just like you may have read, reserving here is surely a pain to do. Wish there was a simpler way to ensure reservations way ahead of time, but after dining here I'm very certain N/Naka has its reasons! Finding this place was simple enough and parking was easy too, as long as you use their valet service adjacent to the restaurant. The outside isn't flashy at all - that's when my wife and I knew we were in for a delicate treat! Ambiance was prestige and so authentic that it felt as if I was back in Japan dining in a hole in the wall "diamond in the rough" kind of gem. Bathrooms even looked cleaner and classier than my cleanest room. Service was spectacular and lives up to its 2 Michelin star rating! We selected pairing of drinks that went with the omakase meal. Extremely glad we did! Every bite, every sip, and every savory moment was to die for. Flavors blasted, meats melted in our mouths, and the Toro sushi.... omg the Toro... best I've ever had and afraid to say will never experience such sushi like that again. The A5 wagyu nigiri was another delicacy that simply took our breaths away. There were so many high points in every dish and drink pairing we were generously served that I can't remember it all. Just look at the photos - pics are worth 1000 words. If you are fortunate to make a reservation and can afford this once in a lifetime experience, then go for it. Worth every penny! Extremely recommended and should definitely be on your bucket list! Don't be so quick to leave! Chef Nakayama insists on customers not leaving hungry. You will be offered extra food at the end. Take the offer humbly, believe me you won't regret it. P.S. Best part of the night? Chef Nakayama herself may come out to greet you for a brief moment. This is not the time to be shy!! Take a photo with her - she's a legend and worth so much more than any Hollywood star (in my eyes)! A lifelong memory to brag about! read more

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I wondered if this place would be overhyped after having seen it featured on Chef's Table nearly a decade ago. It absolutely lived up to the hype. The service, attention to detail, and care is apparent from the moment you book a reservation. They followed up with us a few times to go over dietary restrictions and the day of, we were greeted with the most personable crew. The restaurant itself is minimalist and discreet - you'd easily miss it driving by. And I think in many ways it speaks to how underrated Chef Niki's vision for her work is. The ambiance really makes room for the stunning dishes she and her team make. The playfulness, creativity, and honoring of ingredients is so wonderfully done. She never repeats a dish - that must be maddening! And we went for their 15th anniversary where she brought back old dishes reimagined...we were blown away. She came out to say hi to each table and was so humble and thoughtful...uncharacteristic of so many chefs of this caliber of genius. Worth it. read more

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Truly an incredible experience!!! Every plate was delicious and so well crafted. Service was impeccable and it was such an amazing dinner. We left feeling full and in awe. read more

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