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Asakura
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Asakura
8.6
An intimate 12-seat kaiseki counter bringing Tokyo-style seasonality to a discreet West LA strip-mall setting. Courses lean precise and luxurious, with wagyu, uni, and market produce presented in a calm, ceremonial flow that feels built for milestones. Service is quietly meticulous and well-paced for a two-hour celebration meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki tasting menu, Wagyu course with shaved truffle, Uni-and-caviar small dish
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A rare Westside kaiseki experience led by the La Bombance team from Tokyo.
Who should go: Japanese fine-dining fans and milestone celebrators.
When to visit: Weeknight seatings for the quietest pacing.
What to order: Six- or eight-course kaiseki, wagyu course, seasonal sashimi.
Insider tip: Snag chef’s counter seats for the full plated-to-hand ritual.
Asakura
8.4
A low-key strip-mall kaiseki counter that feels like stepping into a focused Tokyo dining room. Seasonal courses move from delicate to luxurious—think pristine seafood, wagyu, and farmer’s-market produce arranged with quiet precision. It’s intimate, paced well, and built for people who love the craft.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki tasting, Lobster chawanmushi, Wagyu course with truffle accents
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A rare, modern kaiseki experience hidden in plain sight.
Who should go: Japanese fine-dining nerds and special-occasion couples.
When to visit: Early seating for a calmer, more chef-interactive meal.
What to order: Eight-course kaiseki, sake pairing, seasonal dessert.
Insider tip: Book counter seats for the best view of plating and pacing.
Asakura
8.6
An intimate 12-seat kaiseki counter that frames Santa Monica farmers market produce through precise Tokyo technique. The seasonal courses feel quietly theatrical—think meticulous knife work, pristine seafood, and warm, deeply savory broths—served in a calm strip-mall hideaway. Pricey, but built for diners who want a tasting menu rooted in seasonality and craft.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki tasting menu (6–8 courses), Farmers-market vegetable preparations, Dry-aged wagyu course
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Tokyo-level kaiseki using peak-season SoCal market produce.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans who love seasonal Japanese cuisine.
When to visit: Early seating for maximum quiet and chef interaction.
What to order: 6-course menu, wagyu course, market vegetables.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to watch the knife work and plating.
Asakura
8.7
A tiny kaiseki counter from Tokyo’s La Bombance orbit, Asakura runs an intimate, high-precision seasonal tasting that leans luxurious without feeling showy. Expect meticulous knife work, farmers-market produce, and a calm, nearly transportive rhythm to the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki tasting (6-course or 8-course), Lobster chawanmushi with black truffle, Wagyu course with uni and truffle accents
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Tokyo-rooted kaiseki with premium ingredients in a 12-seat setting.
Who should go: Japanese fine-dining devotees and special-occasion diners.
When to visit: Weeknights for the quietest, most focused experience.
What to order: Six-course kaiseki, eight-course kaiseki, sake pairing.
Insider tip: Book early on Tock—seatings are limited and sell out fast.
Asakura
8.3
A tiny kaiseki counter that threads luxurious wagyu courses through a meticulous Tokyo-style tasting menu. It’s quiet, chef-driven, and ideal for couples who want a special-occasion steak experience without a traditional steakhouse template.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-Aged Wagyu with Truffle, Lobster Chawanmushi, Seasonal Kaiseki Chef’s Course
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Intimate kaiseki with standout wagyu cooked in multiple styles.
Who should go: Food-nerd couples celebrating something big.
When to visit: Early seating for maximum chef interaction.
What to order: Six- or eight-course menu, add wagyu course.
Insider tip: Book counter seats to watch the full tasting unfold.