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Hayato
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Hayato
9.3
Hayato is an intimate, Michelin-starred kaiseki counter at ROW DTLA where chef Brandon Hayato Go serves an elaborate seafood- and sushi-focused tasting menu for just seven guests per night. Courses move from pristine sashimi and delicately seasoned rice dishes to meticulously grilled and simmered plates, all paced with quiet precision. It’s one of downtown’s most serious Japanese dining experiences and a true special-occasion destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Cod Saikyo Yaki, Steamed Abalone with Daikon, Seasonal Sashimi Course
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Seven-seat Michelin-starred kaiseki counter focused on exquisite seasonal seafood and sushi courses.
Who should go: Serious diners seeking a once-in-a-year Japanese experience
When to visit: Evenings for the full omakase at the single seating
What to order: Full omakase, black cod saikyo yaki, seasonal sashimi
Insider tip: Bookings open far in advance and vanish quickly, so set alerts and be flexible with dates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: ROW DTLA’s onsite garages offer abundant self-parking; most guests use the Market Garage (approx. $5–$8 after validation). Street parking is limited and unreliable at night.
Dress code: Elevated smart casual. Jackets not required, but most guests lean dressy (button-downs, refined dresses, polished footwear).
Noise level: Very quiet. The seven-seat counter is nearly silent, allowing effortless conversation at a hushed, intimate tone.
Weekend wait: No waiting—seating is fixed and reservation-only for a single nightly service.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; Hayato does not serve lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended—kaiseki progression is heavily seafood-driven with limited substitutions.
Vegan options: No—vegan accommodations are not available due to the nature of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; staff can adjust certain courses, but soy-based elements cannot be fully avoided.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if both people appreciate quiet, ceremonial dining experiences. The setting is intimate and elegant, but the structured kaiseki format leaves little room for spontaneity.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. All seats are pre-booked far in advance, and there is no walk-in list. Planning weeks or months ahead is essential.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The meal is lengthy, precise, and silent—best suited for adults who appreciate formal tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched precision, rare seafood, and traditional kaiseki sequencing—ideal for diners seeking a ceremonial, Michelin-caliber experience.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer flexible pacing, à la carte choices, louder social settings, or if you need extensive dietary accommodations.
Hayato
9.3
Tucked inside ROW DTLA, Hayato is an intimate, seven-seat kaiseki counter where chef Brandon Go serves a long, highly detailed tasting menu built around Japanese technique and California ingredients. Two MICHELIN stars and World’s 50 Best Discovery recognition reflect how precisely the kitchen executes each course, from seasonal vegetables to seafood and rice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki omakase progression, Kakiage of local sea scallops and corn, Seasonal rice course with pickles and miso soup
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A two-MICHELIN-star kaiseki counter where every course is choreographed and deeply seasonal.
Who should go: Serious diners seeking benchmark Japanese kaiseki.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the full omakase unfolds.
What to order: Trust the full kaiseki, from opening sakizuke to rice course.
Insider tip: Book as far ahead as possible and note any must-avoid ingredients when you reserve.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: ROW DTLA has a large onsite garage with ample evening availability; expect paid self-parking around $6–$9. Street parking is limited and not recommended for later seatings.
Dress code: Elegant smart casual. Jackets not required, but most guests lean polished—think elevated date-night attire.
Noise level: Very quiet and intimate; conversation is easy but spoken softly due to the seven-seat counter format.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; all seats are pre-booked and release in limited drops.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Hayato only serves dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Possible with advance notice, though the experience is seafood-forward. Modifications require pre-approval.
Vegan options: Not recommended; the menu structure relies on dashi, seafood, and traditional Japanese preparations.
Gluten-free options: Accommodated with advance notice. Some substitutions are made, but the integrity of the menu remains intact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a very serious, high-commitment first date—intimate, quiet, and meticulous. Not ideal if you want a playful or casual vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. All seven seats are reservation-only and book out weeks to months ahead. Join cancellation lists if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The multi-hour kaiseki format, quiet environment, and counter seating are not suited for young children.
Best For
Better for: Benchmark-level kaiseki, seasonal precision, and extremely personalized chef interaction in a serene, minimalist setting.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte menus, louder atmospheres, flexibility in pacing, or need substantial dietary substitutions.
Hayato
9.3
Hayato is a seven-seat kaiseki counter from chef Brandon Hayato Go inside ROW DTLA, serving a meticulous multi-course Japanese seafood menu that unfolds like a quiet ceremony. Two Michelin stars, hyper-seasonal sourcing, and intimate service make it one of Los Angeles’s most prized reservations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed Abalone with Daikon, Dashi Ikura with Yuzu, Charcoal-Grilled Aka Mutsu
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: One of LA’s most intimate, precise kaiseki counters.
Who should go: Serious diners chasing peak Japanese omakase experiences.
When to visit: Lingering evening seatings for the full kaiseki progression.
What to order: Seasonal kaiseki, abalone course, charcoal-grilled fish.
Insider tip: Book the counter early; there are only a handful of seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: ROW DTLA’s structured garage offers plentiful parking; the best access is via Dock Street with direct elevator service. Expect roughly $5–$8 with validation. Street parking is limited and unreliable at night.
Dress code: Elegant, understated attire fits the room—think smart casual leaning dressy. Jackets are optional but common; avoid overly casual outfits like shorts or athletic wear.
Noise level: Very quiet. With only seven seats and a ceremonial kaiseki flow, conversation is soft but effortless.
Weekend wait: No walk-ins accepted. All seating is pre-booked; weekend reservations often fill weeks to months out.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not offered; all service operates as fixed-time evening seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended—kaiseki here is seafood-forward, and a true vegetarian sequence cannot be reliably accommodated.
Vegan options: No—vegan accommodations are not feasible due to the menu’s reliance on seafood, dashi, and traditional Japanese preparations.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice. Several courses can be adapted, but substitutions may adjust the intended progression.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a quiet, ultra-intimate date with someone who appreciates high-end Japanese dining. The ceremony-like pacing and six-seat counter make it ideal for deep conversation, not casual getting-to-know-you energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. Hayato operates exclusively on pre-booked seatings with no walk-in list. Reservations open in advance and disappear quickly—monitor releases and book immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The multi-hour, ultra-quiet kaiseki format is best suited for adults; no children’s menu or accommodations are offered.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched intimacy, seasonality, and traditional kaiseki technique. Perfect for diners who value precision, ceremony, and a chef-led progression over flashier omakase formats.
Skip if: You prefer faster pacing, à la carte flexibility, louder dining rooms, or heavy meat courses. Consider alternatives if you need dietary flexibility or want a more casual Japanese experience.