Hayato — Restaurant in Los Angeles

This place is amazing and you should definitely treat yourself and a loved one to dinner if you can get a reservation. The place is small and their supplies are limited and reservations seem to go as quickly as spots become available, and for a good reason.

If you'd rather something very special to go you can try to get a bento box, which also go very quickly. The chef lovingly prepares only 24 bento boxes on Friday and Saturday and you have to be lucky to reserve one as they go quickly. Their bento is wonderful prepared and packaged and makes for a great picnic! We finally got a spot for two bento boxes and it was really quite tasty. The box is a reusable wooden box that comes with these wonderful double sided chop sticks, napkin, and a reference card explaining the contents of the box.

The location is a little awkward but the restaurant sends out detailed directions by text on the day of your reservation. Parking at the ROW, the creative space it's located in, is free for the first hour and the restaurant validates.

This place is truly a gem and is great for any special occasion, or if you just want to...

The bento boxes from Hayato are not the casual, quick lunches that might typically spring to mind. These are meticulous and painstakingly crafted works of art that take your palette on a culinary journey of tastes, textures, and temperatures: from the sweetness of the Mexican white shrimp and snow crab to the slight bitterness of the chrysanthemum leaves and the brightness of the cucumber.

You will inevitably play favorites. The only question is: are you the type of person who eats your favorites as quickly as possible or the type to save some for later so you can be guaranteed a glorious last bite?

If the price makes you think twice before booking on Resy, it’s definitely worth it. This is one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had at this price point. And I am anxiously awaiting the start of their dinner service (which I’m told will commence in the next few weeks and already has quite the waitlist).

Note: Resy says the bento boxes are for take-out only, but you can also request in the notes to dine in at...

Hayato absolutely lives up to every bit of the hype and reputation that surrounds it. The experience, art and food, all absolute perfection.

There's only a few seatings each night and you get a front row seat to see Chef Brandon and his team at work. Staff is engaging and explains everything throughout the dinner.

Each course is filled with unique ingredients, beautifully plated and prepared exquisitely. Each dish is served in unique tableware from hand made ceramics to 200 year old porcelain that compliment the character of the course. There's an extensive wine and sake menu with something for all tastes. Even with the immense sense of preparation and precision that goes into each course the entire experience feels very comfortable and personal.

It's definitely not easy to get a reservation but absolutely worth it if you can. Hopefully I get to go...