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n/soto
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
n/soto
8.6
A moody West Adams izakaya from the n/naka team that delivers careful knife work on sashimi and nigiri alongside standout hot plates. The best bites lean pristine and subtly seasoned, with a deep sake and shochu program to match. Service is polished and pacing feels like a special-occasion night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Sashimi Selection, Hokkaido Scallop Sashimi, Miso Baked Bone Marrow
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-level sashimi and izakaya cooking from top LA chefs.
Who should go: Sushi lovers craving a luxe night.
When to visit: Thursday–Sunday evenings.
What to order: Chef’s sashimi, scallop sashimi, bone marrow.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the best sushi pacing and specials.
n/soto
8.6
A West Adams izakaya from n/naka’s Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama, built around seasonal small plates and pristine sashimi. The cooking leans modern but grounded—charcoal-kissed, umami-forward, and meant for sharing—backed by a serious sake and cocktail program. Come for a slow, coursed night out rather than a quick sushi fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso-baked bone marrow, Hokkaido scallop sashimi salad, Maitake tempura
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A chef-driven izakaya from the n/naka team, with seasonal precision.
Who should go: Food-focused date nights and celebratory dinners.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and calmer pacing.
What to order: Scallop sashimi salad, bone marrow, chef’s sashimi.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for off-menu bites and sake guidance.
n/soto
8.7
An izakaya-forward offshoot from the n/naka team, n/soto layers refined technique onto a relaxed share-plate format, with excellent seafood and a thoughtful sake-and-cocktail program. It’s not a roll-only spot, but the sushi and raw-bar side of the menu is consistently one of the biggest draws for locals in West Adams.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido scallop sashimi salad, Miso baked bone marrow, Maitake tempura
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Premium izakaya dining with standout seafood from the n/naka lineage.
Who should go: Food-forward diners who want sushi plus a full izakaya spread.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and a calmer room.
What to order: Scallop sashimi salad, bone marrow, a few nigiri/rolls.
Insider tip: Start with cold dishes first—then go hot and fried to finish.
n/soto
8.3
This intimate Mid‑City spot by Chef Andrew Chang offers contemporary California‑Mexican small plates and a refined cocktail list, making it an appealing date‑night choice in the 90016 area. With warm lighting and a cozy dining room, the ambiance suits a relaxed romantic evening. Locals appreciate the creative dishes and the neighborhood‑centric feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chipotle‑honey glazed duck breast, Charred octopus with mole negro, Coconut‑lime tres leches cake
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef Andrew Chang’s inventive California‑Mexican plates in a tucked‑away dining room.
Who should go: Couples seeking creative cuisine and quiet ambiance.
When to visit: Weeknight after 6 pm for fewer crowds.
What to order: Duck breast, charred octopus, tres leches cake.
Insider tip: Ask for a table near the back banquette for a more intimate feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be challenging after 6pm. There is a small parking lot nearby, but it fills up quickly. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are acceptable, but leaning dressy is recommended to match the ambiance.
Noise level: Moderate – quiet enough for intimate conversation, but expect some background chatter in the cozy dining room.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without a reservation, especially on busy evenings.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, as it's quieter during lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a few creative vegetarian options are available on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited – around 2-3 vegan options, but not an entirely vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination, offering a variety of gluten-free dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, absolutely! The intimate ambiance, romantic vibe, and creative dishes make it a perfect spot for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but not recommended on weekends or during peak dinner hours. For a guaranteed seat, especially on busy evenings, make a reservation in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? While the atmosphere is ideal for adults, the menu and setting may not be the best for younger kids. It's more suited for adults, especially couples or groups of friends.
Best For
Better for: This place excels at providing a cozy, romantic atmosphere with creative California-Mexican dishes, making it a top choice for date nights in the area.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a lively, family-oriented atmosphere or a quick bite, there are other options in the area that might suit your needs better.
n/soto
8.4
From chefs Niki Nakayama & Carole Iida‑Nakayama of n/naka, this Mid‑City spot offers a refined Japanese izakaya experience with seasonal ingredients and elegant plating. Locals visit for the charcoal‐grilled skewers and inventive small plates in a minimalist setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcoal‑grilled Wagyu skewer, Hokkaido scallop sashimi ume vinaigrette, Miso baked bone marrow
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Chef Nakayama’s fine‑dining pedigree meets relaxed izakaya sharing plates.
Who should go: Food‑savvy couples and Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.
When to visit: Dinner service Wednesday through Sunday evenings.
What to order: Wagyu skewer, scallop sashimi, bone marrow.
Insider tip: Go early for the patio seating and check for sake flights off‑menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $12, but street parking can be challenging, especially after 6 pm. Arrive early to find a spot nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are fine but lean towards dressy for a refined experience.
Noise level: Moderate - ideal for intimate conversation, but can get lively during peak times.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, reservations highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but it's still best to call ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are a few creative vegetarian options, though the menu is meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited - there are 2-3 vegan-friendly options, though the choices may vary by season.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options are available, and they have a separate prep area for these dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely! The intimate, minimalist ambiance paired with flavorful, shareable dishes makes it a perfect spot for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but the wait can be long, especially on weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Is it kid-friendly? While the atmosphere is more suited to adults, children are welcome. However, the menu is better suited for food-savvy diners, and there aren’t dedicated kid’s options.
Best For
Better for: n/soto excels in offering a refined izakaya dining experience with a minimalist vibe and inventive dishes. The focus on high-end charcoal-grilled skewers and delicate seafood makes it stand out.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual or family-friendly dining experience, this might not be the best choice. For more traditional, less experimental Japanese cuisine, consider alternatives.
n/soto
8.7
A chef-driven, modern izakaya from Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama that mixes kaiseki-level technique with a relaxed small-plates format. Expect precise grilling, pristine seafood, and donabe rice dishes that reward lingering over multiple courses. The room is minimalist-warm and feels built for long, shareable meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agedashi mochi, Sakamushi clams, Donabe rice with seasonal toppings
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Kaiseki-trained chefs applying fine-dining precision to izakaya plates.
Who should go: Food-forward diners chasing a special West Adams night out.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and a calmer room.
What to order: Agedashi mochi, grilled skewers, a donabe rice finale.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to watch the hearth and sashimi work.
n/soto
8.4
A dim, wood-and-oak izakaya from the n/naka team that leans into pristine sashimi, thoughtful nigiri, and shareable small plates. The room feels quietly romantic with a tucked-away patio, making it ideal for a slow, sake-forward date night. Expect a modern Japanese menu with seasonal seafood highlights and polished hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Sashimi Selection, Hokkaido Scallop Sashimi Salad, Salmon Skin Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Pandemic-era offshoot of n/naka offering refined sushi and izakaya plates in a romantic setting.
Who should go: Couples who want intimate modern Japanese dining.
When to visit: Weeknights for quieter patio seating.
What to order: Chef’s sashimi, scallop sashimi salad, seasonal nigiri.
Insider tip: Grab a patio table and start with cocktails before ordering sushi.