30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Yamakase
8.2
A 10-seat kaiseki-meets-omakase counter where Chef Kiyoshiro Yamamoto runs a four-hour, 20+ course progression blending traditional nigiri with cooked dishes featuring premium ingredients like frozen toro and seasonal Japanese seafood. The invitation-only format and single nightly seating create an unhurried, interactive experience where guests engage directly with the chef. Often cited as delivering luxury omakase quality at roughly half the price point of LA's top-tier competitors, with a BYOB policy that further tilts the economics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Frozen Toro Toast with Uni, Blue Crab & White Truffle, Japanese Hairy Crab, Wagyu Beef with Black Truffle
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Invitation-only 10-seat omakase counter where Chef Kiyoshiro Yamamoto serves 20+ kaiseki-meets-sushi courses over four hours
Who should go: Serious omakase devotees seeking a lavish, intimate experience
When to visit: One seating nightly; book via email weeks ahead
What to order: It's omakase-only—surrender to the 20+ course progression and bring your own wine (no corkage)
Insider tip: BYOB with no corkage fee; bring a special bottle to pair with the truffle-heavy courses
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Located in a shopping center on Santa Monica Blvd near Bundy Dr—shopping center lot parking available
Noise level: Quiet and intimate—10-15 seat counter with one seating per night allows easy conversation with chef and guests
Weekend wait: Reservation-only, one seating at 7pm—no walk-ins; weekend seats are hard to get, book well in advance
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options available—contact when requesting reservation to confirm accommodations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but only for a very special first date - this is a 4-hour, 20+ course omakase experience at $300-400+ per person. The intimate 11-15 seat setting, quiet atmosphere, and shared culinary journey create genuine connection opportunities. However, the marathon length and adventurous menu (expect exotic ingredients like sea urchin, raw fish, and foie gras) require a date who appreciates fine dining. Best for impressing someone special rather than casual getting-to-know-you vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No - Yamakase is strictly reservation-only with no walk-ins possible. The chef orders all ingredients in advance for a set number of guests. Despite the 'invitation-only' branding, anyone can request an invite through their website. Weeknight seats are relatively easy to secure; weekends book up quickly and may require booking several weeks out. One seating per night at 7 PM, Monday through Saturday.
Is it kid-friendly? No - this is not appropriate for children. The 4-hour multi-course omakase format requires sitting through 20+ courses of adventurous cuisine including raw fish, sea urchin, and exotic preparations. There's no kids menu, no à la carte options, and the intimate 11-15 seat setting demands quiet appreciation. The $300-400+ per person price point applies to all guests. Teens with sophisticated palates and patience for extended fine dining could potentially enjoy it.
Is it good for groups? No - Yamakase seats only 11-15 people total for the entire evening's single seating. The space includes two booths and counter seating, making it impractical for groups larger than 4-6. There's no private dining room. The intimate, communal nature of the experience means your group would essentially be sharing the room with other diners. For omakase group experiences in LA, consider larger-format restaurants instead.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating. Yamakase is located inside an unassuming shopping center with all seating indoors at the intimate sushi counter and booths. The unmarked entrance and hidden-gem nature of the restaurant means there's no patio, sidewalk, or rooftop option.
Best For
Better for: Special occasion splurges, 4-hour immersive omakase theater, couples who want to BYOB wine with no corkage fee
Skip if: You want a quick meal, prefer traditional fine-dining polish over casual-intimate vibes, or can't commit to 20+ courses over 4 hours
Hours
Monday6pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday6pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday6pm - 9:30pm
ThursdayClosed
Friday6pm - 9:30pm
Saturday6pm - 9:30pm
SundayClosed