Umaya LA - Kaiseki & Sushi

First time at this location. We've been to the Cerritos location for ramen a few years ago, but the Wilshire location has a full bar with great sake selection. Sashimi and sushi were so yummy, expertly cut. Spicy tuna and Cali rolls were so good, and Miso Cod was so delicious and savory. It melted in my mouth. The seafood ramen was one of the best ramen I've ever eaten. The fried oreos were to die for.

Fantastic quality and the Omakase Lunch is presented beautifully. Although everything was very delicious, the meal seemed a little over the top in a way that traditional Japanese restaurants aren’t. The dining experience is dressed up here and that is reflected a bit in the price. In summary, if you want authentic, straightforward Japanese sushi this may not be the place. If you want an interesting, albeit unnecessary, dining experience, this is a nice place. Keep in mind, though, the interior isn’t anything too special and there isn’t a dedicated parking lot.

This is a great date night restaurant that is sort of a hidden gem. It easy to miss this place when walking by, but once you step inside you notice the chic decor. The service is very attentive and all the dishes are explained by the wait staff as they arrive at the table. The three course tasting menu is a bargain with a just right portion size that will fill you up but not overstuff you. The appetizer is a collection of different stuff, but the wagyu with noodles main is delicious. Definitely worth coming to this place for the tasting menus.

Stopped by for anniversary and DineLA! I never knew this place existed, but it seems like they've been around for about two years. The restaurant was a lot bigger than it looked and had a lot of spaces. They even had a full bar inside with a nice list of Japanese Whiskeys (Sorry, no Yamazakis!) and other spirits. The food was good and was presented in a 5 course meal (most likely for DineLA) Although my date got the sushi, I opted for the sukiyaki as they presented themselves as a kaiseki restaurant. They also had other options, but I think their sukiyaki was better than the sushi. The service was great when we first got in, but the place got packed in a few minutes and it seemed like there wasn't enough servers. However, the overall experience was great and I'd probably visit again for a different menu.

Umaya LA: Elevated Japanese Cuisine by a Legendary Chef!!! Chef NaO Sugiyama, known for his 50 +years of culinary mastery, specializes in kaiseki – the traditional Japanese multi-course dining experience that focuses on seasonality, balance, and artistry. While there are other talented chefs at Umaya, Chef Sugiyama’s expertise truly sets the tone for the restaurant’s elevated approach to Japanese cuisine. Umaya LA – an upscale Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles – offers an ambiance that perfectly blends elegance and comfort, making it the ideal setting for a memorable meal. We enjoyed a beautifully curated 6-course kaiseki, featuring mostly exquisite seafood dishes. Each plate was not only delicious but presented with impeccable attention to detail. Highlights included the fresh uni, the melt-in-your-mouth black cod, delicious wagyu, lobster tail with uni and Chef Sugiyama’s signature dashi seafood broth, layered with deep umami flavors. The dining ended on a high note with delicious desserts, transformed into flavorful and refreshing masterpieces. Service was impeccable and attentive, adding to the overall experience. This is a must-visit for anyone in LA or OC looking for authentic, refined Japanese dining.

Amazing Omakase. Authentic and it really tasted like Japan. When we traveled to Japan we stayed with monks who cooked the best Japanese food I have ever tasted- and this tasted just like that. Authentic, clean, fascinating, and just scrumptous!