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Kato
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Kato
9.2
Kato is a Michelin-starred Taiwanese tasting-menu restaurant at ROW DTLA where chef Jon Yao builds seafood-focused courses around immaculate fish, shellfish, and seasonal produce. Long, carefully paced dinners, an ambitious beverage program, and precise plating make it one of downtown’s most serious fine-dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni youtiao / uni doughnut, Santa Barbara spiny lobster course, Vermilion rock cod in bouillabaisse-style broth
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.4
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: A Taiwanese tasting menu that treats seafood with fine-dining precision and deep flavor layering.
Who should go: Guests marking big nights with long, seafood-driven tasting menus
When to visit: Prime dinner reservations for full menu and room energy
What to order: Uni youtiao, seasonal lobster course, rock cod fish course
Insider tip: Consider the bar tasting menu if you want a shorter, slightly more approachable version of the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: ROW DTLA has a large paid parking structure with easy evening availability; expect standard garage rates and minimal street parking nearby.
Dress code: Upscale and polished; smart casual at minimum, but many guests lean business-casual or cocktail attire for the tasting menu.
Noise level: Low to moderate; conversation is easy at two-tops, and the room generally stays calm even at peak hours.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; tasting menu requires advance reservations.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not typically offered; all dining is reservation-based.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; Kato can sometimes adjust courses with advance notice, but the menu is seafood-forward by design.
Vegan options: Very limited; the tasting format is not well suited for vegan modifications.
Gluten-free options: Accommodated with advance notice; many seafood courses can be adapted, though some substitutions may occur.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a high-stakes, special-occasion first date. The calm room, polished service, and long tasting format create a focused, intimate experience, though it may feel too formal for casual chemistry-testing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Kato books out well ahead, and the tasting menu structure means they rarely accommodate walk-ins. Check for last-minute cancellations online.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal; the multi-course tasting menu, quiet dining room, and long meal duration are best suited for adults. No child-specific amenities or quick-serve options.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest choices in DTLA for seafood-driven fine dining with Taiwanese influences, exceptional pacing, and highly polished service.
Skip if: Skip if you want à la carte ordering, a casual environment, or need broad dietary flexibility—especially vegan or heavily restricted diets.
Kato
8.9
Kato offers a meticulous Taiwanese-influenced tasting menu that unfolds over multiple courses, pairing luxury ingredients with personal, nostalgic touches. The dark, quietly glamorous dining room and highly choreographed service make it one of the most cinematic date-night experiences in the ZIP.
Must-Try Dishes:
Warm Milk Bread with Cultured Butter, Caviar and Dungeness Crab, Spiny Lobster with Citrus
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: A polished Taiwanese-inspired tasting menu with near-theatrical pacing.
Who should go: Serious diners seeking a splurge-worthy tasting menu date.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings to experience the full progression.
What to order: Tasting menu with milk bread, caviar course, lobster course.
Insider tip: Consider bar tasting seats for closer kitchen views and interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at ROW DTLA ($12–$15) and is the most reliable option; structure parking is plentiful but can require a 5–10 minute walk. Street parking is limited after 6pm and not recommended on weekends.
Dress code: Elevated smart casual. Dark denim is acceptable, but most guests lean dressy—think jackets, dresses, or polished separates.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The dining room is intentionally quiet and cinematic, allowing easy, intimate conversation throughout the tasting menu.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability. Tastings are reservation-only and typically booked 2–4 weeks out.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not offered; tastings are dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Accommodations are possible with advance notice, but the tasting format may require substitutions and will not mirror the standard progression exactly.
Vegan options: Very limited. The kitchen can adjust certain components, but a full vegan tasting experience is not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Good support with prior notice; many dishes already minimize gluten, and the team can tailor substitutions while maintaining course integrity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a cinematic, high-commitment experience. The multi-course progression creates plenty to talk about, but the length and formality make it best suited for a first date where both people already know they want a long evening together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Kato rarely accepts walk-ins due to its tasting-only format. If you’re flexible, the bar tasting seats occasionally open up last-minute on reservation platforms.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The multi-course tasting runs long, the room is quiet, and there are no kid-specific menu options. Best for adults or teens already comfortable with fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-refined Taiwanese-influenced tasting menus with deeply personal storytelling, highly choreographed pacing, and a dramatic atmosphere ideal for special-occasion dates.
Skip if: You're looking for a quick meal, à la carte flexibility, a lively social scene, or a more budget-friendly night out—ROW DTLA and the Arts District offer better casual alternatives.
Kato
9.1
Kato is chef Jon Yao’s Michelin-starred Taiwanese-inspired tasting menu inside ROW DTLA, blending Asian American nostalgia with polished, modern plating. A long, choreographed progression and one of the city’s most decorated kitchen teams make it a destination for fine dining obsessives.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness Crab with Caviar, Cumin Lamb Course, Air-Dried and Smoked Quail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: High-concept Taiwanese tasting menus that feel personal, not fussy.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans who love storytelling through courses.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the full menu is offered.
What to order: Full tasting, crab with caviar, signature lamb, quail.
Insider tip: Consider the bar tasting for a shorter but still luxe experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: ROW DTLA’s structured parking is the safest bet (validated with restaurant; typically $6–$8). Street parking on Alameda and surrounding blocks is limited and competitive during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual. Most guests lean dressy—button-downs, elevated knits, blouses, and statement pieces fit the room’s polished aesthetic.
Noise level: Moderate. The dining room hums with conversation, but you can comfortably talk through the progression without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Without a booking, expect no availability.
Weekday lunch: Kato does not serve lunch service; all seatings are dinner-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Available with advance notice; the kitchen can adapt the tasting menu with thoughtful substitutions.
Vegan options: Not recommended; the format relies heavily on seafood and dairy components with limited vegan replacements.
Gluten-free options: Accommodated with advance notice; many courses can be adjusted without compromising the progression.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for an elevated, attention-to-detail experience. The pacing and quiet refinement create an intimate setting, though the multi-course format may feel long for very early-stage dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Kato books out well in advance and has a controlled seating capacity. Your best bet is to monitor last-minute cancellations or ask about bar tasting availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The long, choreographed tasting and subdued atmosphere cater to adults. Older teens familiar with fine dining may appreciate it, but younger children will likely struggle with the format.
Best For
Better for: Narrative-style tasting menus that weave Taiwanese and Asian American flavors into a polished, Michelin-level progression. Exceptional for guests who appreciate quiet precision and seafood-driven courses.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte flexibility, shorter meals, heartier portions, or casual energy. The experience is structured, refined, and best enjoyed by diners open to extended tasting formats.