Best Special Occasions Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)
6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
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
What makes it special: A rare Westside kaiseki experience led by the La Bombance team from Tokyo.
#2
The Mulberry
8.6
A new-school Korean American bistro on Sawtelle that pairs fine-dining technique with comforting, soulful flavors. The room feels like a warm Westside dinner party, and the kitchen leans into polished versions of favorites like fried chicken and jjigae with premium ingredients. Come for a date or celebratory night when you want Korean food with a contemporary LA edge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy-garlic fried chicken, Char-grilled short rib ssam, Wagyu jjigae tasting set
What makes it special: Korean bistro cooking from a fine-dining pedigree in a Westside setting.
#3
Hide Sushi
8.5
A Sawtelle institution that feels low-key until the first bite—clean rice, bright cuts, and a deep roster of daily specials. It’s the kind of place where regulars sit at the bar, point at the fish, and let the chef take it from there.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted nigiri special, Seared albacore with ponzu, Daily sashimi plate
What makes it special: High-skill sushi bar in a casual Sawtelle setting.
8.2
A Westside Persian institution serving refined, saffron-perfumed stews and expertly grilled kebabs in a comfortable, traditional dining room. Portions are generous, and execution stays reliably high year after year.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh platter, Fesenjan stew, Tahdig with khoresh
What makes it special: A long-running Persian dining room with consistently polished grilling.
#5
Casa Modena
8.1
A refined, family-run Italian dining room where handmade pastas and classic Tuscan technique are the draw. The room feels old-school Westside in a comforting way, making it an easy pick for anniversaries or reunions. Expect warm hospitality and a menu that rewards regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade pappardelle, Osso buco, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Handmade pastas and a cozy, celebratory Westside trattoria vibe.
Worthy Picks
7.7
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki cooked to order on hot griddles, perfect for a fun, informal celebration. The experience is interactive and hearty, with savory pancakes layered with noodles, pork, and cabbage. Not a white-tablecloth pick, but a memorable ‘we’re celebrating’ dinner with friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, Squid and scallion okonomiyaki, Yakisoba add-on
What makes it special: One of LA’s few dedicated Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki spots.