A Culinary Odyssey at Uchi Los Angeles: An Opening Night to Remember
Last night, I had the exquisite pleasure of attending the grand opening of Uchi in Los Angeles. This experience wasn't just a meal; it was a transcendent journey through culinary excellence, set against the backdrop of an artistically designed space that captivated my senses from the moment I stepped in.
The Ambiance: A Masterpiece of Design
Uchi Los Angeles is a visual feast. The restaurant's interior exudes a contemporary elegance blended with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Every corner of the space is thoughtfully curated, featuring ambient lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The sushi counter, where I had the privilege of sitting, offers a front-row seat to the artistry of the chefs. It's not just a place to dine; it's a stage for culinary performance.
Service Beyond Compare
The heart of my Uchi experience was the unparalleled service, particularly from Quan and Jesus, the sushi chef. Having known Quan from the Uchi in Dallas, I was thrilled to see a familiar face. Quan's hospitality is the gold standard – attentive, warm, and genuinely passionate about ensuring each guest's experience is unforgettable. Jesus, with his masterful skills and engaging demeanor, turned the art of sushi preparation into an interactive spectacle. Their synergy was palpable, setting a tone of excellence that is rare to find.
A Culinary Journey to Remember
The menu was an exploration of flavors and textures, each dish more intriguing than the last. Two standouts were the fried milk dessert and the kobucha tempura with squash. The fried milk was a revelation – a delightful play of creamy and crispy textures, leaving a lingering sweetness that was heavenly. The kobucha tempura, paired with squash in a hot dish, was a masterclass in balance – the umami of the tempura perfectly complementing the sweetness of the squash.
Quan and Jesus: Pillars of Excellence
It's impossible to overstate the impact Quan and Jesus had on my experience. Quan, with his profound knowledge of the menu and his ability to anticipate my preferences, made the evening feel personalized. Jesus, an artist with his knife, transformed each piece of sushi into a miniature work of art. Their dedication to their craft and to the guests transformed a simple dinner into an extraordinary event.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
Uchi Los Angeles has set a new bar for fine dining. The combination of a stunning setting, innovative dishes, and exceptional service makes it more than just a restaurant; it's a destination for those seeking a memorable culinary journey. The team, especially Quan and Jesus, are not just staff; they are the heart and soul of an establishment that I am sure will become an iconic part of Los Angeles's dining scene. Uchi is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary treasure that promises an experience as rich and varied as the...
Read moreHad Uchi for the first time in Denver and it was AMAZING! We've been waiting for Uchi to open in Los Angeles and it finally did in WeHo! Had a date night and the atmosphere of the newly opened location was perfect! Great staff and even better food! We went a bit crazy with the orders but it was all so worth it! Had their Uchi G&T which reminded us of our wedding signature cocktail. We particularly enjoyed the Cool and Hot Tastings, specifically their classic favorites the Walu Walu and Hama Chili, though they are on the pricier side. But so flavorful and the fish was yummmm. So totally worth it. Our waiter Kris was definitely on point with his recs but I'm sure you could eat and enjoy anything on the menu. Rolls we had and really enjoyed were the Spicy Crunchy Tuna makimono with white chili aioli, the Gyumaki makimono with a kimchi emulsion sauce, the Zero sen makimono with a sweet soy sauce and chili oil on the side. Definitely can't wait to have those again. Also REALLY loved the unagi and gyutoro nigiri! So very delicious though the gyutoro is definitely on the expensive side. We thought our Hirame Flounder nigiri was OK and the Negi Toro Maki special was pretty good. And of course, the food item that brought us there in the first place: The Jasmine Cream (cilantro granita, pineapple, jasmine cream, and honey crumble) dessert! So unique, so colorful, and so delicious! It was the perfect place for date night and can't wait to come here for years to come! Oh, and definitely make a reservation...
Read moreI'm a huge fan of the Uchi in Austin, having had multiple wonderful experiences dining for different occasions, so I was really hopeful and excited about attending Uchi WeHo. Our reservation was booked for 8:15pm, we arrived about 5 minutes early, and were asked if we wanted to grab a drink until we we were seated. The lobby was crowded with people coming and going, so we grabbed a drink at the bar. We weren't seated at our table until 8:45pm, despite having a reservation. When I told the host we were disappointed we had to wait so long, he just responded that they were always open to feedback, but didn't offer any apology. Once we were seated, the food was as expected, but nothing crazy compared to other popular sushi restaurants in LA, and we didn't receive our shishito peppers for 45 minutes after seating. Our next round of drinks also took really long (15 minutes), to get to us. The sushi chef gave us an extra sashimi and dessert, likely to make up for our frustrations, but by this time we were honestly just full and ready to get out of there because everything was taking so long. I really think that there are plenty of other wonderful restaurants, sushi and otherwise, at this price point, where we spent $320 for 2 people. Service may improve with time, but we won't...
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