Umaya LA - Kaiseki & Sushi — Restaurant in Los Angeles

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...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Umaya LA with a reservation to celebrate with my wife and friends the traditional multi-course Japanese dinner called Kaiseki. From the moment we stepped in we enjoyed the nice decor, ambiance and attentive staff.

Our Japanese Kaiseki chef presented us with so many beautiful dishes we were excited for every set that would come next. The highlight of my evening was the grilled Lobster topped with Uni. The umami flavor which we drizzled over each piece was excellent and each bite made me say hmmmm this is sooo good. We also had in our set the A5 Wagyu slices which we seared on a super hot stone. It was so buttery and melted in our mouth with delight. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. They also have an extensive selection of sake that paired very well with the fresh sashimi and nigiri. There were other traditional dishes that I have never had before (and can’t remember the names) which were so heartwarming with each bite. The chef’s expert preparation is a testament to his craft and creating a memorable dining experience. My visit left me with a newfound appreciation of Kaiseki and looking forward to more celebrations...

Located just walking distance away from the boisterous Chapman Plaza littered with drunk college students, Umaya LA instantly transport you to a different side of Ktown; one that is much more intimate in setting.

Valet parking is available and most street parking meter is free after 6pm in this vicinity. It's amazing how much more relaxed the atmosphere is just 2 blocks east of 6th street.

Whether you're looking for a place for a 1 on 1 date or need a venue spacious enough to have a company party or wedding reception, Umaya LA fits that bill.

It's rare to find such a prime real estate on Wilshire Blvd where you can enjoy fine dining without the Disneyland--esque line and crowd. Here is a space where you can lost yourself for a whole night in good company and great food. I had a selection of the sashimi and the quality is superb. Just peruse the photos and wipe away your drool. I dare you to find another spot in Ktown that can rival Nori Sushi. Don't believe me? Come try it...