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Hilo Beverly Hills
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hilo Beverly Hills
8.9
Chef Hilo creates a multi-sensory omakase experience with orchestral music matched to each course and entertaining storytelling that transforms dinner into theater. The intimate 16-seat counter provides front-row seats to masterful knife work and passionate presentations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase A, Kama (Tuna Collar), Santa Barbara Amaebi
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef's theatrical presentation with music pairings
Who should go: Couples seeking memorable culinary experiences
When to visit: Tuesday-Saturday dinner for full omakase
What to order: Premium Omakase A, paired sake, chef's special amaebi
Insider tip: Book the 6pm seating for more intimate chef interaction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Pico after 7pm, nearby garage on Beverly Dr ($8 flat evening rate)
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - no shorts or flip-flops, many guests dress up for the experience
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation between courses, chef's presentations require attention
Weekend wait: Reservation required - fully booked 2-3 weeks out
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - advance notice required, chef can modify 3-4 courses
Vegan options: Not recommended - omakase format makes substitutions extremely difficult
Gluten-free options: Yes with 48hr notice - chef uses tamari and can adjust preparations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for foodies who appreciate experiences, but the 2.5-hour commitment and intimate setting might feel intense for a very first meeting. Better for 3rd+ dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Nearly impossible - only 16 seats and books weeks ahead. Try calling day-of for cancellations, best luck Tuesday/Wednesday.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12. The theatrical presentation requires attention and quiet appreciation, no kids menu available.
Best For
Better for: The theatrical music-paired experience is unmatched in LA - more entertaining than Nobu or Matsuhisa, more intimate than large omakase venues
Skip if: You want quick sushi, have dietary restrictions, or prefer à la carte ordering. Try Sugarfish for quality without commitment
Hilo Beverly Hills
8.2
Chef Hilo brings over 30 years of expertise to this intimate eight-seat counter, where wild-caught fish is transformed into artistic omakase presentations. The personalized service creates a dining experience that feels like eating at a friend's private sushi bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase, Wild Bluefin Tuna, Seasonal Uni Selection
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef Hilo personally crafts each piece while conversing with guests.
Who should go: Omakase enthusiasts seeking intimate chef interaction
When to visit: Weekday lunch for one-on-one chef experience
What to order: Premium omakase with sake pairing
Insider tip: Call directly for reservations as online booking fills quickly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at adjacent hotels, metered street parking limited after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - collared shirts preferred, nice jeans acceptable
Noise level: Very quiet - intimate conversations only at the counter
Weekend wait: No walk-ins accepted - reservation required weeks in advance
Weekday lunch: Reservation still required but may have same-day availability
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - chef can prepare 3-4 vegetable nigiri upon advance request
Vegan options: Not recommended - omakase format doesn't accommodate vegan diet well
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice - tamari substitution and modified preparations available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you're both food enthusiasts who enjoy intimate settings - the 8-seat counter means you'll be sitting close and engaging with the chef creates natural conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? Nearly impossible - with only 8 seats and two seatings per night, advance booking is essential. Try calling directly 2-3 weeks ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - the intimate counter setting and 2-hour omakase experience requires sustained quiet attention
Best For
Better for: Unmatched personal attention and customization compared to larger omakase venues like Nobu or Matsuhisa - Chef Hilo remembers preferences and adjusts courses accordingly
Skip if: You want variety beyond sushi, need space for groups larger than 4, or prefer anonymous dining without chef interaction