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Kappo Miyabi
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Kappo Miyabi
8.5
Since 2019, this kappo-style restaurant showcases the art of knife and fire cooking with an extensive menu spanning sushi, robata, and hot pots. The lunch omakase special provides exceptional value with its chef's selection of premium cuts and traditional preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miyabi Omakase Lunch, Wagyu Dumplings, Aburi Shime Saba
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Traditional kappo cooking style rarely found outside Japan
Who should go: Teams seeking authentic Japanese beyond sushi
When to visit: Weekday lunch for special omakase pricing
What to order: Lunch omakase, wagyu gyoza, grilled lamb
Insider tip: Outdoor seating available with heaters for comfort
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot fills quickly, valet $15 during dinner, metered street parking usually available within 2 blocks
Dress code: Business casual recommended, collared shirts common at lunch, smart casual for dinner
Noise level: Moderate to lively - business conversations possible but gets energetic during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, Saturday books out days ahead
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 min except 12:30-1:30pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable robata, agedashi tofu, vegetable rolls, multiple appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modified dishes, inform server for oil substitutions
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, robata without sauce, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for dinner - intimate lighting, shareable plates encourage conversation, outdoor seating adds romance. Lunch is more business-focused.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually yes if you avoid 12:30-1:30pm. Dinner walk-ins best before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm, bar seating often available.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children (10+) who enjoy Japanese food. No kids menu, but kitchen can modify dishes. Early dinner timing recommended.
Best For
Better for: Authentic kappo experience with live fire cooking you won't find at typical sushi spots, lunch omakase value beats comparable restaurants by 30%
Skip if: You want quick casual sushi rolls or prefer traditional sushi bar experience - this is about the full Japanese dining journey
Kappo Miyabi
8.4
This kaiseki-influenced restaurant presents Japanese specialties with artful presentation and seasonal ingredients. The traditional multi-course experiences and extensive sake selection create an authentic journey through regional Japanese cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Kaiseki Set, Chirashi Bowl, Grilled Black Cod
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Authentic kaiseki-style presentation and technique
Who should go: Diners seeking refined Japanese beyond sushi
When to visit: Lunch for best value kaiseki sets
What to order: Chef's kaiseki course, seasonal sashimi, sake pairing
Insider tip: Ask for seasonal specials not on regular menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, public garage 2 blocks away ($3/hr), street parking very limited after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to business - avoid athletic wear, nice jeans acceptable
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate conversations easy, traditional serene atmosphere
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely seated
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait typical, faster with kaiseki lunch pre-order
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable kaiseki available with 24hr advance notice
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead for special preparation
Gluten-free options: Partial - can modify some dishes, bring your own tamari suggested
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if your date appreciates fine dining - intimate lighting, quiet atmosphere, and kaiseki pacing creates natural conversation flow. Skip if they're picky eaters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins, but dining room requires reservations, especially Thursday-Saturday. Best bet: weekday lunch or late dinner after 9pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 12+ who can appreciate the experience. No kids menu, courses take 2+ hours. They accommodate but it's not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: True kaiseki experience with seasonal menu changes, superior sake selection, and more authentic preparation than typical sushi-focused Japanese restaurants
Skip if: You want quick casual sushi, large group celebrations (max table is 6), or need extensive vegetarian options - try Erewhon's sushi bar or KazuNori instead
Kappo Miyabi
8.3
Authentic Japanese speciality cuisine where presentation becomes art, offering both traditional kaiseki elements and creative modern interpretations. The intimate space showcases seasonal ingredients through the kappo counter dining tradition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Course, A5 Wagyu Nigiri, Seasonal Sashimi Platter
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Kappo-style counter dining brings chef interaction to sushi
Who should go: Instagram foodies seeking photogenic presentations
When to visit: Tuesday-Thursday for quieter chef interaction
What to order: Chef's selection, seasonal specials, premium sake
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal preparations from Japan
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking until 9pm, usually spots within 2 blocks. Small lot behind building fills by 6:30pm
Dress code: Smart casual recommended - nice jeans acceptable but lean toward business casual for dinner
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation, counter seats slightly livelier with chef interaction
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, often fully booked Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min max during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 vegetable-forward options including inari and vegetable rolls
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, advance notice helps chef prepare more
Gluten-free options: Accommodating with notice - tamari substitution available, some dishes naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, not too loud, impressive without being intimidating. Counter seats create natural conversation with chef
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknight bar seating usually available, but weekend tables book 3-5 days out. Try Tuesday-Wednesday for best walk-in luck
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate food. No kids menu, but chef can make simple rolls. Early dinner (5:30-6:30) more accommodating
Best For
Better for: More authentic and intimate than Sugarfish, better chef interaction than Nobu, seasonal menu changes keep it fresh unlike standard sushi bars
Skip if: You want quick casual sushi, large group dining (max 6 people), or extensive cooked options - try Katsuya or Sushi Roku instead
Kappo Miyabi
7.8
Traditional kappo-style dining combines sushi bar with kushiyaki grilled skewers and hot pot options. The presentation emphasizes elegance with artistic plating that photographs beautifully, while the intimate atmosphere and traditional Japanese aesthetic create authentic backdrops for social media content.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Wagyu Crispy Rice, Miso Black Cod, Omakase Lunch Special
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Combines sushi with kushiyaki skewers for varied Instagram content
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking beyond traditional sushi
When to visit: Lunch omakase offers best value
What to order: Wagyu crispy rice, lamb kushiyaki, omakase set
Insider tip: Private tatami rooms available for intimate gatherings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico, metered until 8pm, small lot behind restaurant fills quickly after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual recommended, Instagram crowd tends dressy, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation, traditional ambiance
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, often fully booked Fri/Sat
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, best time for walk-ins
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable kushiyaki, inari sushi, veggie hot pot options
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly vegetable skewers without sauce modifications
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - tamari available, avoid tempura items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, unique shared plates encourage conversation, tatami rooms add romance
Can I get a table without a reservation? Lunch yes, dinner unlikely on weekends. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - quiet atmosphere, adventurous menu, no kids menu. Better for teens interested in food
Best For
Better for: More interactive and varied than standard sushi bars - kushiyaki grilling adds theater, multiple cooking styles in one meal
Skip if: You want quick casual sushi or California rolls - this is for leisurely, adventurous dining with Japanese authenticity