⭐️ Michelin One-Star Kaiseki — UKA ⭐️

Finally updating — yes, I’m a certified procrastinator 😅 Friends have been recommending UKA for so long, and I finally went on the 17th! Also my first time trying kaiseki in LA. Unlike other Japanese cuisines, kaiseki emphasizes seasonal ingredients and includes more cooked dishes. The address is a bit tricky to find — near the Hollywood Walk of Fame — but the restaurant is super cozy. There’s a lounge area upfront, and once seated, the chef personally welcomes you with a warm appetizer soup and introduces the menu. The service staff were incredibly friendly shows a note written by one of the Japanese servers explaining the meaning of UKA 🇯🇵.😘❤️ Every dish was delightful, but the most surprising standout was the Kamameshi (clay pot rice). It looked simple but was paired with grilled salmon and dried sakura shrimp — mixed together like bibimbap. The seafood umami was maximized by the steaming hot rice, each grain separate and chewy, with sweet corn kernels adding texture! Since it was busy and the chef was preparing everything solo, the whole meal took about 3.5 hours. During the longer wait, the chef even sent us two complimentary shrimp crackers — service was exceptional!👍😍 When leaving, they gave a gift bag with sake cups and delicate red bean mochi.👌 Overall, highly recommended kaiseki — just remember to reserve in advance! #JapaneseCuisine #MichelinRestaurantVisit #HiddenGemRestaurant #Kaiseki #VibeDining 🍱🍶