Best Tasting Menus Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
9.1
A 10-seat, basement hideaway serving a meticulous Edomae omakase built around deeply seasonal fish and handmade details. The meal feels like a tightly composed progression from delicate tsumami to perfectly temperature-tuned nigiri, with a calm, ceremonial pace. Reservations are tough, but the craftsmanship is the draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Edomae omakase, Aged kohada nigiri, Uni course with warm rice
What makes it special: Michelin-level Edomae omakase in an ultra-intimate setting.
Notable Picks
#2
Baroo
8.9
A fermentation-driven modern Korean tasting menu from chefs Kwang Uh and Mina Park, served in an intimate Arts District room. The meal is layered and precise, with bold umami built from house-made jang and seasonal produce. Expect a slow, chef-led night that feels both experimental and rooted in tradition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saeng (seasonal opening courses), Kimchi fried rice with house ferments, Bingsu-inspired dessert with grains and fruit
What makes it special: A chef’s-counter tasting menu centered on deep Korean fermentation technique.
#3
Bar Sawa
8.7
An eight-seat omakase bar that blends precise nigiri with Japanese cocktails and hi-fi bar ambiance. The sushi leans Edomae with clean, confident seasoning, while drinks are integrated as a true pairing. It’s a lively alternative to more hushed counters without sacrificing technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
17-course omakase, Botan ebi nigiri, Highball pairing set
What makes it special: Omakase and cocktail bar executed at equal altitude.
#4
Eigikutei
8.1
A polished Little Tokyo dining room pairing omakase sushi with wagyu shabu-shabu and kaiseki-style courses. Fish quality is strong, and the hot-pot sequence adds a special-occasion arc beyond standard sushi bars. The experience feels refined without being stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase sushi course, A5 wagyu shabu-shabu kaiseki, Seasonal sashimi trio
What makes it special: Kaiseki-leaning sushi plus wagyu shabu-shabu in one menu.