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YESS Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
YESS Restaurant
8.7
Chef Junya Yamasaki’s progressive Japanese cooking centers on pristine California seafood and vegetables kissed by binchotan and a wood-fired stove. The former bank setting and long cypress counter create a calm, almost ceremonial izakaya-meets-kaiseki energy that still feels approachable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monk’s chirashi sushi, Daily sashimi selection, Whole lobster katsu burger
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Modern Japanese seafood and grill work rooted in SoCal seasonality.
Who should go: Adventurous diners who love Japanese flavors.
When to visit: Early dinner for the full specials board.
What to order: Chirashi; daily sashimi; binchotan grilled seasonal catch.
Insider tip: Ask what’s just came off the grill—those bites shine.
YESS Restaurant
7.7
This progressive Japanese spot leans heavily into pristine seafood and seasonal California produce, delivered through a smoke- and grill-driven tasting format. The cooking can be subtle and polarizing, but the ingredient sourcing and Arts District setting keep it compelling for adventurous diners. Go in expecting creativity over comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked kanpachi crudo, Charcoal-grilled whole fish, Seasonal seafood donabe
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A fire-forward Japanese tasting menu centered on local seafood.
Who should go: Adventurous diners who like subtle, seasonal cooking.
When to visit: Midweek dinner for easier reservations.
What to order: Crudo course; grilled seafood; chef’s seasonal set.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to catch the binchotan work up close.
YESS Restaurant
8.4
Chef Junya Yamasaki’s progressive Japanese spot brings a more kaiseki-minded lens to the Arts District, with rolls and chirashi that spotlight pristine seafood and seasonality. The vibe is understated, almost gallery-like, letting the food do the talking. Rolls here feel precise and ingredient-driven rather than sauce-heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monk’s Chirashi Sushi, Seasonal Maki Roll, Lobster Katsu Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Seasonal, market-driven Japanese cooking with meticulous roll execution.
Who should go: Seafood purists and food-curious locals.
When to visit: Early evening to catch the freshest daily features.
What to order: Monk’s chirashi, a seasonal maki, and a grilled skewered bite.
Insider tip: Ask what fish is flown in that day—rolls rotate with the catch.
YESS Restaurant
8.2
A progressive Japanese seafood restaurant in a historic bank building, focused on smoke-kissed, ocean-driven cooking. Outdoor seating brings a softer, neighborhood feel to an otherwise sleek room. The menu rewards curiosity—think refined sashimi, charcoal grills, and bright seasonal sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monk’s chirashi sushi, Lobster katsu burger, Binchotan-grilled market fish
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Modern Japanese seafood with live-fire depth in a landmark Arts District space.
Who should go: Seafood lovers who like adventurous, chef-driven menus.
When to visit: Early evening to ease into the tasting flow.
What to order: Chirashi; lobster katsu; grilled fish special.
Insider tip: Ask what’s best off the grill that night—daily cuts change.
YESS Restaurant
7.7
Chef Junya Yamasaki’s progressive Japanese kitchen uses a wood-fired hearth and charcoal to riff on tradition with California ingredients. The room centers on a long counter and open-fire choreography, making the cooking feel close and intentional even when ordering à la carte. While opinions vary dish to dish, the chef’s point of view is clear and worth experiencing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-fired seasonal fish, Charcoal-grilled vegetables with dashi, Housemade dessert of the night
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Wood-fire Japanese cooking in a counter-focused setting.
Who should go: Adventurous diners curious about modern Japanese technique.
When to visit: Early dinner to watch the hearth at work.
What to order: Hearth fish, charcoal veg, seasonal dessert.
Insider tip: Ask what’s best from the fire that night—menu shifts often.