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Umaya LA
Master Critic Review
Umaya LA
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
This upscale kaiseki and sushi destination features a renowned chef offering six-course omakase dinners and exceptional hand rolls at the sushi bar. The sophisticated space combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern cocktails, drawing diners seeking an elevated experience with impeccable presentation and seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Crab Hand Roll, Miso Black Cod, Omakase Kaiseki
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Authentic kaiseki cuisine with renowned chef and $260 omakase experience
Who should go: Special occasions and serious sushi enthusiasts seeking top-tier quality
When to visit: $60 lunch omakase offers better value than dinner
What to order: Six-course omakase showcases chef's seasonal mastery and precision
Insider tip: Valet parking available after 6pm on Catalina Street
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available after 6pm on Catalina Street, street parking challenging in Koreatown
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - no shorts or sneakers, sport coats common
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation and appreciating the chef's artistry
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - books 2-3 weeks ahead for prime slots
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins possible but call ahead, lunch omakase fills quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - kaiseki is seafood-focused, call ahead for accommodations
Vegan options: Not recommended - omakase format relies heavily on fish and traditional preparation
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - soy sauce alternatives available, inform chef
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for 3rd+ dates when you want to impress - too formal and pricey for casual first meetings, but the intimate counter seating and quiet atmosphere create memorable moments for established couples
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely for dinner - this is reservation-only territory. Your best bet is calling day-of for lunch omakase cancellations, or trying the sushi bar if you're flexible on timing
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children under 12 - the quiet, formal atmosphere and $260 omakase format doesn't accommodate picky eaters. Mature teenagers who appreciate fine dining could handle the experience
How long does the omakase take? Plan for 2-2.5 hours for the six-course dinner, 60-90 minutes for lunch service - this is a leisurely, ceremonial experience, not a quick meal
Is it worth the $260 price tag? If you appreciate authentic kaiseki craftsmanship and seasonal ingredients flown from Japan, absolutely - but the $60 lunch omakase is 80% of the experience at 25% of the cost for value seekers
Best For
Better for: Traditional kaiseki technique and seasonal Japanese ingredients - choose Umaya when authenticity and chef pedigree matter more than creative fusion or Instagram-worthy presentations
Skip if: You want variety beyond seafood, prefer casual sushi spots, or aren't ready to commit $200+ per person - there are excellent mid-tier sushi options in Koreatown for a quarter of the price