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kodo
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
kodo
8.8
Housed in a converted firehouse in the Arts District, kodō pairs Kyoto-inspired robata cooking with a serious sushi and sashimi program in a sculptural indoor–outdoor space. The menu leans into premium nigiri, handrolls, and raw bar platters alongside charcoal-grilled dishes and a strong sake and cocktail list. It’s a polished choice when you want sushi wrapped in design-forward ambiance and see-and-be-seen energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Platter, Bluefin Tuna ‘Wagiri’ Sashimi Platter, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Design-driven Kyoto-style izakaya and sushi spot recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Who should go: Din ers wanting buzzy sushi with serious cocktails and design
When to visit: Prime-time dinner hours Wednesday through Saturday evenings
What to order: Omakase platter, bluefin tuna sashimi, spicy tuna crispy rice
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu specials at the sushi counter; they often feature limited seasonal fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Arts District is limited after 6pm; nearby paid lots along Mateo and 4th typically run $8–$15.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean; elevated jeans are fine but most guests dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours—conversation is doable but expect a buzzy, social vibe.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio or counter seating.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though the sushi counter fills first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable handrolls, grilled seasonal vegetables, and select appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-focused dishes can be adapted, but the menu leans heavily seafood-forward.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — many sashimi and nigiri options qualify, though sauces and marinades may require substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the design-forward space, warm lighting, and outdoor seating create an effortless date-night atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are possible early in the evening or late-night, but prime slots typically require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the crowd skews adult and the menu suits more adventurous eaters; older teens who enjoy sushi will be comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambiance, seamless indoor–outdoor dining, and a mix of sushi plus robata dishes that cater to groups wanting variety.
Skip if: You want a traditional, quiet omakase experience or strictly classic sushi without the scene-driven energy.
kodo
8.6
Set in a converted firehouse in the Arts District, kodo couples a serene, design-forward space with a menu that moves between Kyoto-style robata, sushi, and izakaya plates. It’s a MICHELIN-listed restaurant where sake, cocktails, and wood-kissed seafood and meats draw a stylish crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s selection nigiri omakase, Robata-grilled sea bream or octopus, Little neck clams with garlic and butter
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A MICHELIN-recognized izakaya and sushi bar in a beautifully reimagined firehouse.
Who should go: Design-conscious diners who care as much about sake as sushi.
When to visit: Later evenings when the patio and bar feel most alive.
What to order: Nigiri omakase, robata-grilled seafood, clam garlic-butter pot.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu specials; sea snails and other limited items can be standouts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the ROW/Arts District corridor, but most guests rely on nearby paid lots ($8–$15) or metered street parking, which fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; dark denim is fine, but most diners dress fashion-forward to match the space.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable at two-tops, but the bar and patio get energetic as the night progresses.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes for walk-ins; reservations are strongly advised for prime hours.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinners typically have minimal waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—several vegetable-forward small plates and sushi options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted, but the menu leans heavily on seafood.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many sashimi and grilled items are naturally gluten-free, but soy-based sauces may need substitution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its design-forward setting, moody lighting, and polished service create an impressive backdrop without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable—walk-ins may wait 20–45 minutes on weekdays and longer on weekends. The bar can sometimes seat you faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the menu skews sophisticated, and the atmosphere is geared toward adults. Teens comfortable with sushi and izakaya dishes will do fine.
Best For
Better for: A more design-centric, mood-driven Japanese experience with a wide sake program and both sushi and robata executed at a high level.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional kaiseki environment or need a venue with strong vegan coverage—other spots will serve those needs better.
kodo
8.7
Inside a converted Arts District firehouse, Kodo frames Japanese cooking through a steakhouse lens, pairing A5 wagyu and a signature ribeye with sushi, robata and a strong cocktail program. The room feels polished but not stiff, drawing a mix of neighborhood regulars and destination diners who come for carefully cooked beef, seafood and a quietly buzzy patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Ribeye with kodō compound butter, Wagyu Cheeseburger on brioche, Yuzu Ceviche with shrimp and cucumber
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized Japanese steakhouse experience built around wagyu, robata and a design-forward Arts District space.
Who should go: Diners chasing wagyu, sushi and high-energy date-night ambiance.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full buzz or midweek for calmer pacing.
What to order: Wagyu ribeye, wagyu cheeseburger, yuzu ceviche.
Insider tip: Book the patio or private greenhouse-style room for the best mix of atmosphere and sound level.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at ROW/Arts District rates; limited metered street parking exists but fills quickly after 6pm. Rideshare is the most reliable option on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—dark denim or dress pants with elevated tops; many guests dress fashion-forward for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively indoors with more controlled conversation levels on the patio and in the greenhouse-style room.
Weekend wait: Plan for 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar and patio fills early.
Weekday lunch: N/A (primarily a dinner-focused restaurant). Early weekday dinners often have minimal waits with walk-ins before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several composed vegetarian dishes plus vegetable-forward robata items are available.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 adaptable dishes and vegetable robata; best to confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Good selection of naturally gluten-free sushi, wagyu, and grilled proteins; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished design, and a buzzy but not overwhelming atmosphere make it a strong first-date choice, especially on the patio.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed. Walk-ins before 6pm on weekdays have the best odds; weekends typically require reservations unless you’re willing to wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—this is a date-night and adult dining crowd. Older teens comfortable with upscale dining may fit, but there are no kid-focused menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: One of the best choices in 90021 for premium wagyu, a refined-but-fun atmosphere, and a menu that blends sushi, robata, and steakhouse signatures without feeling heavy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-cost meal; Kodo’s pricing, energy level, and wagyu focus make alternatives better for casual weeknight dining or families with younger kids.
kodo
8.7
Set inside a converted firehouse complex, kodō frames a minimalist courtyard patio with slate floors, trees, and low-slung tables for Kyoto-influenced izakaya cooking and sushi. Guests bounce between breezy outdoor seats and a dim, design-forward dining room while working through binchotan-grilled meats, nigiri, and a strong sake program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Pasta, Wagyu Ribeye from the Robata, Omakase Nigiri Selection
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Kyoto-style cooking in a serene courtyard patio.
Who should go: Design-minded diners chasing refined Japanese plates outdoors.
When to visit: Warm evenings when the courtyard feels most cinematic.
What to order: Uni pasta, wagyu ribeye, seasonal omakase nigiri.
Insider tip: Request a patio table when reserving; it books out quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the complex during peak dinner hours; limited metered street parking exists but fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale; polished outfits fit the design-forward atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate—courtyard tables are breezier and quieter than the indoor dining room, where energy rises during prime hours.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits or no availability without a reservation; walk-ins often exceed 60 minutes.
Weekday lunch: kodō is primarily dinner-focused; during early weekday evenings, walk-in waits are shorter but still inconsistent.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection—several vegetable-forward small plates, but sushi and grilled items dominate.
Vegan options: Limited—only a few plant-based items; menu leans heavily on seafood and meats.
Gluten-free options: Good options—many nigiri and grilled dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its serene courtyard, warm lighting, and polished service create an intimate atmosphere without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not reliable. Patio seats often book out; bar or early-evening walk-ins offer the best chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—it's more suited to adults given the upscale setting, later dining hours, and limited kid-appropriate dishes.
Best For
Better for: Beautiful outdoor dining, refined Japanese plates, and design-forward ambience that feels special from the moment you enter.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual meal, are dining with young kids, or prefer menus with extensive vegan or budget-friendly options.
kodo
8.3
Kodō turns a former industrial compound into a minimalist Japanese steakhouse with a serene courtyard where dogs are welcome at outdoor tables. Guests pair Kyoto-influenced plates, wagyu, and uni pasta with cocktails while taking in one of the Arts District’s most cinematic patios.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Pasta, Wagyu ribeye, Yuzu ceviche
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Design-driven Japanese steakhouse with a Michelin-noted, dog-friendly courtyard.
Who should go: Design-focused diners wanting upscale Japanese with patio seating.
When to visit: Warm evenings when the courtyard feels most atmospheric.
What to order: Uni Pasta, wagyu ribeye, yuzu ceviche.
Insider tip: Ask specifically for courtyard seating so your dog can join comfortably.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at the ROW DTLA complex; otherwise, structure parking runs $6–$10 and street parking can be limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; elevated pieces fit the minimalist, design-driven space.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is comfortable on the courtyard patio, slightly louder indoors during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for courtyard seating.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early evening weekday reservations usually seated on time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate—several composed vegetable dishes and sides, though mains lean heavily toward seafood and wagyu.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegetable-forward items can be adapted, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Good—many grilled items and sashimi dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the courtyard’s soft lighting, minimalist design, and polished service create an intimate, high-impact setting without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed. The patio is the most requested area; walk-ins may wait 20–45 minutes depending on the night. Arriving early increases your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The menu, pacing, and design-forward atmosphere skew adult; suitable for older teens but not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Design lovers and diners seeking refined Japanese plates in a cinematic courtyard—more polished and atmospheric than most nearby Japanese spots.
Skip if: You want a casual, share-heavy izakaya or need extensive vegan options—other Arts District spots may suit those needs better.