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Niku X
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Niku X
8.7
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A celebratory yakiniku theater built around chef-paced tasting menus and premium A5 wagyu, with tableside grilling that turns dinner into a guided progression. The experience is ingredient-forward but high-energy, best enjoyed as a structured course run rather than à la carte wandering.
Must-Try Dishes:
14-course yakiniku tasting menu, A5 wagyu flight, King crab and lobster add-ons
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Chef-paced wagyu tasting built for interactive grilling.
Who should go: Celebration groups and wagyu obsessives.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing.
What to order: Yakiniku tasting, A5 cuts, premium seafood add-ons.
Insider tip: Book early seating for the most attentive grill flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated self-parking in the Wilshire Grand structure is the easiest option; valet is available but pricey. Street parking is scarce in this corridor after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale. Dark denim is fine, but most diners opt for elevated pieces given the skyscraper setting.
Noise level: Moderate buzz with grill activity; conversation is easy at two-tops but group tables run livelier during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential—walk-ins are rarely seated. Without one, expect to be turned away or wait 60–90 minutes.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinner seatings have minimal delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—the experience is built around wagyu and seafood, but you can request a mostly vegetable-forward progression.
Vegan options: Very limited—grill format and tasting structure aren’t designed for fully vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Manageable—many wagyu and seafood items are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions to keep the tasting intact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a high-energy, interactive night built around tableside grilling. It’s less ideal if you're aiming for a quiet, intimate conversation throughout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally no—Chef’s Table pacing requires pre-booked slots. Try early weekday seatings for your best walk-in chance, but expect to be waitlisted.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—the grill format, long tasting progression, and upscale rhythm skew toward adults. Teens who enjoy premium beef may fit better than younger children.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest choices downtown for wagyu-focused tasting experiences with chef-guided pacing and skyline theatrics.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet meal, a fully vegetarian or vegan experience, or a casual quick dinner—this is a structured, celebratory format.
Niku X
8.7
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A high-rise yakiniku theater inside the Wilshire Grand where the meal arcs through A5 wagyu and premium seafood in a structured tasting format. Tableside grilling, polished pacing, and skyline views create a celebratory, big-night feel that still stays ingredient-forward.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 wagyu tasting progression, Premium seafood course set, Wagyu tartare with seasonal accents
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A structured wagyu-and-seafood yakiniku tasting in a skyline tower.
Who should go: Celebration diners and wagyu-focused groups.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or early weekend seating.
What to order: Yakiniku tasting menu, A5 cuts, seafood add-ons.
Insider tip: Book earlier for quieter grill pacing and better server attention.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated valet in the Wilshire Grand garage; expect $10–$15. Street parking is extremely limited and unreliable during peak downtown events.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale. Dark jeans acceptable, but most diners opt for button-downs, dresses, or elevated evening wear.
Noise level: Moderate. The room has lively energy but controlled enough for normal conversation, especially during earlier seatings.
Weekend wait: Typically no walk-in availability; tasting format means tables are fully booked. Without a reservation, expect to be turned away or wait 60+ minutes for bar seats (not guaranteed).
Weekday lunch: N/A — the tasting format operates primarily at dinner, and midday walk-ins aren’t a factor.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited; the tasting menu is built around wagyu and seafood. A few vegetable-forward dishes may be substituted with advance notice.
Vegan options: Not recommended — the format cannot be adjusted to a fully vegan progression.
Gluten-free options: Manageable with advance notice. Many cuts and seafood items are naturally gluten-free, but sauces and marinades may require modification.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a high-impact first date. The tableside grilling and skyline setting create a memorable shared experience, though the format is structured and may feel more formal than casual get-to-know-you spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely. Reservations are strongly advised. Walk-ins may find bar seating on early weekdays, but the tasting menu is prioritized for booked tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Recommended for adults and teens only. The tasting format, pacing, and hot grills are not ideal for younger children, and there are no kid-specific menu accommodations.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier A5 wagyu, premium seafood, and a dramatic tasting progression with skyline views — ideal for celebrations and group occasions where the cooking theater is part of the experience.
Skip if: You want a casual, flexible meal, extensive vegetarian or vegan options, or a quieter neighborhood setting. Consider alternatives if you prefer à la carte yakiniku or lighter, plant-forward tasting menus.
Niku X
8.6
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Michelin Guide–recognized yakiniku and seafood feast inside the Wilshire Grand that leans hard into high-grade A5 wagyu, premium shellfish, and a paced, celebratory format. The room is sleek and theatrical without losing focus on proper grilling technique and ingredient quality. Best when you want a big-night downtown experience that still delivers on the plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 wagyu yakiniku flight, king crab and lobster spread, wagyu tartare
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Michelin Guide–listed A5 wagyu and seafood yakiniku in a skyline tower setting.
Who should go: Celebration groups and wagyu-focused diners.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or early weekend seating.
What to order: A5 cuts, premium seafood, wagyu tartare.
Insider tip: Start with seafood first, then move into wagyu flights to pace the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated self-parking is available within the Wilshire Grand complex; valet is typically offered at hotel entrances. Street parking is scarce and not recommended during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual. Jackets not required, but polished attire fits the room. Avoid overly casual gymwear or flip-flops.
Noise level: Moderate. The room has celebratory energy but still allows clear table conversation, especially in earlier seatings.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 45–90 minutes or may not be accommodated during peak periods.
Weekday lunch: The restaurant does not typically serve lunch; early evening weekday reservations see minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. A few vegetable-focused starters and sides exist, but the experience centers on seafood and wagyu.
Vegan options: Very limited. Most items involve butter, tare, or seafood components; vegan diners will have difficulty building a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Moderate. Many grilled items are naturally gluten-free, but sauces and marinades vary—alert staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a showpiece dinner. The pacing and tableside grilling create natural conversation, though the bill and intensity may feel heavy for casual first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not reliable. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated early in the evening or late-night, but prime-time seatings generally require booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for adults and older teens. The format involves hot grills, premium ingredients, and long pacing—not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier wagyu flights, theatrical pacing, and premium seafood variety—all in a polished tower setting that feels built for celebrations.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet, minimalist meal; want strong vegetarian or vegan coverage; or are looking for a casual, quick yakiniku experience.
Niku X
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
A luxe yakiniku-and-seafood feast inside Wilshire Grand that turns a meal into a paced celebration. The A5 wagyu focus and premium seafood spread deliver real wow factor, and the room feels purpose-built for big nights. Trendy by design—flashy, high-demand, but backed by strong execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Wagyu Selection, King Crab & Seafood Bar, Robata-Grilled Specials
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Unlimited A5 wagyu and premium seafood with fine-dining polish.
Who should go: Celebration groups and wagyu die-hards.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekend seating.
What to order: A5 cuts, king crab, sushi bar rounds.
Insider tip: Start with seafood first, then pace wagyu for the full run.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated valet in the Wilshire Grand garage; typically $10–$15. Street parking is scarce and not recommended during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Upscale smart-casual. Dark denim is fine, but most diners lean dressy with polished footwear.
Noise level: Moderate-lively. You can hold a conversation, but expect celebratory energy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Plan for 45–75 minutes without a reservation; the room fills early.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinner has minimal wait with a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable sides and composed salads, but the experience is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited. A few vegetable dishes can be adapted, but this is not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Good. Many yakiniku cuts and seafood items are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide sauce modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a high-impact, luxe experience. The interactive grilling and premium ingredients create a shared activity, though the energy may feel bold for a low-key first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes early evening on weekdays, but weekends rarely have walk-in availability. Bar seating opens occasionally but not guaranteed.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to hot grills and the high-end, celebratory atmosphere. Teens who enjoy premium dining may appreciate it.
Best For
Better for: High-end wagyu rituals, premium seafood variety, and a celebratory vibe that outshines more casual yakiniku spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a lower-price yakiniku option, or need extensive vegetarian/vegan choices.
Niku X
8.9
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
NIKU X turns a Wilshire Grand dining room into a high-end Japanese wagyu and seafood experience with a serious sushi and crudo program. Between tasting menus, tomahawk-and-buffet feasts, and composed sashimi plates, it reads as special-occasion territory where sushi is part of a larger luxury spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Wagyu Yakiniku Tasting, Wagyu Tomahawk & Luxury Seafood Buffet, Seasonal Sushi & Sashimi Selection
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-end wagyu-driven tasting menus backed by an upscale sushi and seafood program.
Who should go: Big-night diners seeking luxe wagyu and sushi in one place
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full menu and buzz
What to order: A5 wagyu yakiniku, wagyu tomahawk with seafood buffet, sushi selection
Insider tip: Plan around the wagyu-focused tasting or tomahawk experience and treat sushi as the supporting cast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated self-parking is available in the Wilshire Grand Center garage; valet offered at higher rates. Street parking is extremely limited in this part of DTLA.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual; polished looks recommended. Jackets not required, but most diners lean dressy for special occasions.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during peak dinner hours; conversation is possible but expect energetic background noise.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins may face 45–75 minute waits or may not be seated at all during peak windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the sushi counter fills quickly when business groups arrive.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present; vegetable maki, salads, and a few composed starters are available.
Vegan options: Very limited; most dishes rely on seafood, wagyu, or animal-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility; many sashimi and wagyu items can be made gluten-free with tamari upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want to impress—its luxe setting and choreographed service create a memorable evening. Not ideal if you prefer something casual or low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely on weekends. Arrive early and be flexible with seating; the bar area is your best bet for last-minute availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Only for older kids accustomed to upscale dining. No dedicated children’s menu and the atmosphere skews formal.
Best For
Better for: High-end wagyu tasting experiences paired with premium sushi in a dramatic DTLA skyscraper setting—ideal for celebrations or corporate dinners.
Skip if: You're seeking a pure sushi omakase, a quiet meal, or budget-friendly Japanese; several dedicated sushi counters in DTLA offer more focused and intimate experiences.