0 Followers
kodo
Master Critic Reviews (10 Lists)
kodo
8.2
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A Japanese-American izakaya in a converted firehouse, balancing sushi, robata, and binchotan mains with a serious cocktail program. The space is minimalist and design-forward, and the menu rewards groups who want to share across hot and cold sections.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu katsu with onion ponzu, Uni pasta with shiso and nori, Spicy tuna crispy rice
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Design-centric izakaya with live-fire cooking and sushi under one roof.
Who should go: Cocktail fans and shared-plate crews.
When to visit: Weekend nights for peak buzz.
What to order: Wagyu katsu; uni pasta; a robata skewer or two.
Insider tip: Grab patio seats if you want the quieter experience.
kodo
8.4
Set in a converted firehouse in the Arts District, kodō blends a serene, design-forward dining room with Japanese steakhouse technique—binchotan robata, marbled wagyu, and a sharp sushi program. The menu moves between precise raw bar bites and wood-grilled mains, with cocktails and sake that match the high-polish vibe. It’s a modern destination for steak-lovers who also want top-tier seafood and omakase-level finesse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Binchotan-grilled wagyu ribeye with shiso chimichurri, Uni pasta with shiso and nori, Wagyu cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A Japanese steakhouse in a calm, architectural firehouse space with binchotan-grilled wagyu.
Who should go: Steak and sushi fans celebrating something special.
When to visit: Dinner on weekends for full robata energy.
What to order: Wagyu ribeye, uni pasta, chef’s nigiri or robata seafood.
Insider tip: Sit at the robata counter to snag off-menu charcoal specials.
kodo
8.8
A design-forward Arts District firehouse turned izakaya-sushi sanctuary where rolls share the stage with binchotan robata and pristine nigiri. The kitchen leans modern Japanese with deep technique, and the room’s calm, earthy minimalism makes it feel like a destination rather than a drop-in. Come for elevated maki and stay for the sake program and slow, deliberate pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Seasonal Chef’s Maki, Wagyu Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A Michelin-listed firehouse izakaya pairing refined rolls with robata mastery.
Who should go: Design lovers and sushi regulars wanting a splurge night.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier reservations and quieter energy.
What to order: Spicy tuna rice cakes, a seasonal maki, and a robata skewer.
Insider tip: Grab bar seats early—staff often shares off-menu fish specials.
kodo
7.9
A Michelin-recognized Arts District izakaya/steakhouse that quietly serves some of the neighborhood’s most thoughtful gelato-style desserts. Expect refined flavors like shiso or citrus-herb sorbetto paired with a high-craft savory menu. Come for dinner, stay for the frozen finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shiso Gelato (seasonal), Gelato Fruit Cup, Miso Sake Kasu Cheesecake with sorbet
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fine-dining Japanese cooking with unexpectedly excellent house gelato.
Who should go: Date nights and celebratory diners who want dessert with depth.
When to visit: Weeknights for a calmer room.
What to order: Seasonal gelato, gelato fruit cup, end-of-meal sorbetto.
Insider tip: Ask your server which frozen dessert best matches your mains.
kodo
8.5
A former firehouse turned serene izakaya and sushi destination, blending binchotan grilling with polished nigiri and small plates. The design is minimalist-warm, and the menu is built for a long, drink-paired evening. A strong pick for celebratory dinners that want Japanese finesse without stiffness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni pasta, Binchotan-grilled wagyu ribeye, Seasonal nigiri selection
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A firehouse-set izakaya marrying binchotan and sushi for luxe nights.
Who should go: Date nights and smaller celebrations.
When to visit: Later dinner for the full izakaya mood.
What to order: Uni pasta, wagyu ribeye, nigiri flight.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to watch the charcoal station.
kodo
8.3
A serene Japanese steakhouse-izakaya hybrid tucked into a former firehouse, with a genuinely breezy patio. The menu moves from precise sushi to binchotan-grilled meats and shareable robata plates, all built for lingering outside. Stylish but not stiff, it’s a destination for group nights that still feel intimate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu ribeye with shiso chimichurri, Uni pasta, Tsukune burger
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Kyoto-leaning robata and sushi in a calm, design-heavy patio setting.
Who should go: Groups who want a stylish night without club energy.
When to visit: Later dinner after 8 for a quieter patio.
What to order: Uni pasta; wagyu ribeye; tsukune burger.
Insider tip: Sit outside and start with robata before sushi.
kodo
8.2
Set in a former firehouse, kodō blends Kyoto-leaning robata, handrolls, and izakaya plates in a minimalist, design-forward space. The patio and raw-bar focus make it feel lighter than a typical steakhouse, while binchotan grilling adds a smoky backbone. It’s a stylish chef-driven spot that works equally well for a long dinner or a quick bar bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Robata sea bream or octopus, Chef’s nigiri selection, Little neck clams garlic-butter
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A firehouse-turned-robata and sushi hub with a calm aesthetic.
Who should go: Design lovers and Japanese-food explorers.
When to visit: Later evenings for the full robata lineup.
What to order: Robata fish, nigiri, clams.
Insider tip: Grab patio seats—smoke aromas hit best outdoors.
kodo
8.1
Modern Japanese-American cooking over binchotan in a clean-lined Arts District space, with a dedicated private dining room centered on a dramatic communal table. The menu moves between delicate crudos and charcoal-kissed proteins, and the room feels built for intimate, chef-led group nights. A newer contender that’s quickly becoming a local private-dining favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu ribeye with shiso chimichurri, Uni pasta, Toro or seasonal fish crudo
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Binchotan-driven Japanese with a purpose-built private room.
Who should go: Small groups who love chef-forward menus.
When to visit: Weeknights for quieter private-room energy.
What to order: Uni pasta, wagyu, any ceviche/crudo.
Insider tip: Book the PDR for a curated family-style menu.
kodo
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Set in a converted firehouse, kodō blends izakaya energy with a design-forward calm that works surprisingly well for midday conversations. The menu swings from refined sushi to binchotan-grilled mains, making it easy to tailor a lunch to the room. Come here when your business lunch needs polish but not stiffness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu cheeseburger, Uni pasta, Ribeye don-buri
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Binchotan-driven Japanese-American bistro in a serene firehouse setting.
Who should go: Smaller client meetings and taste-focused execs.
When to visit: Late lunch for a quieter dining room.
What to order: Wagyu burger, uni pasta, don-buri.
Insider tip: Grab a front cafe seat if you want a faster in-and-out.
kodo
8.3
A serene, design-forward Japanese spot inside the kodō hotel with a refined focus on wagyu cooked over binchotan. Expect a quieter, more intimate tone than most Arts District rooms, with steak-first robata plates and elegant sake pairing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Binchotan-Grilled Wagyu Ribeye, Wagyu Katsu with Onion Ponzu, Uni Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Binchotan cooking and premium wagyu in a calm, hotel-hidden setting.
Who should go: Date nights craving wagyu and sake in a stylish room
When to visit: Early evening for the most relaxed pacing
What to order: Wagyu ribeye, wagyu katsu, uni pasta
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal robata cuts if you want a surprise steak.