n/naka image

n/naka

Restaurant Japanese restaurant Asian restaurant Kaiseki restaurant

One of the Top rated Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles


Address

3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Website

n-naka.com

Contact

(310) 836-6252

Price rating

$$$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (463 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 5:30 to 9 PM
  • Friday: 5:30 to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 5:30 to 9 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 5:30 to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: experience (21) service (14) Chef (14) restaurant (14) meal (12) naka (11) wine (11) dish (11) sake (10) great (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Laura M. 2 years ago on Google
    Had an extraordinary culinary experience at n/naka last night. I understand why it's so hard to get a reservation... It was without equal. The best meal I have ever enjoyed. We got the optional wine and sake pairing to match the 13 course kaiseki and it was perfection. Each course was beautiful, surprising, nuanced, and holy f*ck delicious. I'm in awe of the mastery of technique and respect for ingredients displayed by the chefs. Some of the best service I've experienced at a Michelin star establishment as well. Attention to detail is what sets n/naka apart. The meal ends with a personal thank you from the chef. Filled with gratitude ❤️
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vivek K. 2 years ago on Google
    It was an amazing experience to dine at n/naka. Chef Nakayama is superb with her selection and execution of all dishes and everyone in the service staff was very knowledgeable and polite. I got the Vegetarian tasting Menu and being a fussy eater, wasn't disappointed at all. Every dish hits the mark with it's own unique cooking technique and flavor. We got the late slot for dinner which began at 9pm and lasted around 3.5 hours. Good luck getting that highly elusive reservation which sells out in a matter of seconds - literally. It took us about 7 weeks of regular sitting on Tock to get a reservation for 4 people but the wait was totally worth it.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jun 2 years ago on Google
    the meal started slow, wasn’t impressed by the initial dishes. only started getting into the meat of things (hah) with the A5 wagyu course. everything after that was deliciousness. perfect amount of sake/wine in the pairing. overall, n/naka was nice to try but lacking the creativity/inventiveness that I prefer in my meals. especially at that price point.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Risa 8 months ago on Google
    N/Naka was phenomenal. What an amazing experience! Each dish Chef Nikki created was so delicious and it was all so beautiful I didn’t want to eat it! The staff were all so friendly, and very attentive to all our needs. Never had to ask for more water or tea. Quickly took away finished plates to bring the next dish. 4 from our party had a pairing with their dinner and all enjoyed it very much! I will be dreaming of this night forever! Thank you Chef Nikki and team for making this such a wonderful time for my family and I. I hope to be back again one day!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mitchell C. 1 year ago on Google
    Every dish was fantastic. Amount of food is great for an Omakase, they also give you an option of a hand roll (not pictured) if you are still hungry. Pictures are in order of the course from start the finish
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S L. 1 year ago on Google
    Eating at n/naka was an experience unlikely anything I have encountered before. I've been dreaming about eating here since the documentary came out and once I did get the reservation, the hype built day by day. I had such high expectations coming here and was worried that they might not be met, however, days after I have eaten at n/naka I am still enraptured by the night that I dined there. Magical, mystical, comforting, tranquil, effervescent, and delicious are some of the words that I would describe both the food and the experience of dining at n/naka. The ambience, the impeccable service, and the flow of the entire night made dining at n/naka an adventure, the dishes a symphony. Not only are the ingredients high quality but one can taste the care and love that Chef Niki and all her staff puts into each dish. Highly highly recommend this experience if you get the chance. Go with an open mind, an open heart, and a hungry stomach. You won't regret it!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 alex p. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved dinner here. Their sushi was on point. Their A5 Wagyu lived up to all the hype around A5 and then some. Great sake/wine pairing.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Food_travel_girl 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved this experience. Thank you for this wonderful comfortable dinner. It’s exactly what I love. The restaurant is not big which I liked because it felt cozy and not super crowded. Non of the courses specifically stood out but everything was perfect. Service was absolutely incredible, always caring and super friendly. Loved how they kept giving extra courses and even adding a lovely Polaroid picture at the end. It’s crazy how they even thank us again by sending a letter to my address. Loved it and LOVED IT. Just go
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Assaf Dar S. 10 months ago on Google
    One star for service, the other for presentation. Two empty stars - because of the taste. With most dishes - I was relieved that they were small so I don't have to endure another bite. The flavors and textures were not interesting or complex. Just a blast of Dashi and Miso. The last of the stars is empty because of one of the dishes they served to my wife mid meal, that was extremely lazy. Cut fruit with smoked gouda - nothing short of pathetic. I did not enjoy the wine and sake pairing - as there was no synergy between the drinks and the food. The atmosphere was completely sterile, and the lighting was fine tuned for taking images for social rather than enjoying the moment. This meal cost more than 800$ for two people. I had the regular menu, and my wife had the vegetarian menu. We both disliked 90% of the meal, and were barely tolerant to the other 10%. The presentation was amazing - and it make sense why this Restaurant gets such rave reviews in a city where facades are more important than substance. Yes, the food is very instagramable. The service was also excellent. Our waiter was very tentative. I did not enjoy hearing his presentations to the other tables - because that spoiled all the surprises. when he came to our table - we already knew what he was going to say, as we heard him say it 30 seconds earlier to the table next to us. This is not his fault, this is the fault of the restaurant's prep strategy. If you live for instagram - this restaurant is for you. Me personally - I would avoid.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Travis F. 2 years ago on Google
    The courses were amazing. The hospitality, equally so. The flavors and experience got better with each course. A very memorable reopening night (after COVID) that I was fortunate enough to experience. (Thank you, Henny & Chef Nikki)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edward L. 6 months ago on Google
    Chef has elevated herself once again. We've been coming here for 7 years now and she never disappoints.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William M. 1 year ago on Google
    N/Naka is an atmosphere that truly envelopes one and nourishes the body as well as the soul. The service, attention to detail, and warmth of the team are truly world class. The refinement of flavours as well as the complexity of the dishes visually and from a gustatory perspective are refined in a way that gently invites one into the beauty and sheer deliciousness of each ingredient and dish. The entire team is truly spectacular, and we were very fortunate to have Emily as our presenter and host. Her encyclopedic knowledge and kindness in maximizing every bite was truly a game changer. The seasonal dish highlighting various elements indicative of the summer season was one of the most sensory rich experiences I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The wine and sake pairing is a perfect complement to each dish and there is a really nice balance of different kinds of sake and wine. The piedrasassi Syrah with Wagyu as the lone red wine in the pairing was a perfect selection opting for flavor and elevating each piece of the dish with a tangible connection to the wine maker rather than a brand name. Herein lies the beauty of the experience, world class Kaiseki and service, but with the warmth of going to a family member’s house. N/Naka is emblematic of its Chef: simultaneously unassuming in being so inviting and kind, yet utterly transportive beyond the medium of taste. Chef Naka is an incredible chef, and an amazing person. Her talent and humility are ubiquitous in the food, the ethos of the restaurant, and the genuine care of the entire team. All of these elements create what is perhaps the finest restaurant in Los Angeles and southern California.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nabila R. 1 year ago on Google
    THIS PLACE IS AMAZING! The most incredible and unforgettable dinner. Every course, every sake and wine pairing and presentation was immaculate. They even notice the little things like how my husband is left handed so they would serve his meal the opposite way from the 5 others at the table who was right handed. Our server Devon was so funny, engaging and entertaining. The chef came out at the end to say hello too and I just finished eating the brownie they packed for us to enjoy. Thanks for the great time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kinan m. 6 months ago on Google
    Had a great experience. Our host Chan was incredibly pleasant and knowledgeable on all food and drink. Will definitely head back for next seasons menu.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua M. 4 years ago on Google
    2nd time here and it definitely didn't disappoint. First time was in Jan 2018 and they have since been awarded 2 Michelin stars. Chef Niki Nakayama definitely knows what she's doing and continues to innovate. Definitely recommend this place if you are able to get a reservation.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tasnia K. 8 months ago on Google
    Wonderful service and even better food. I'm so happy we scored this reservation for my birthday because it was easily one of the top 3 meals of my life!!! I hope we get the opportunity to dine again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff S. 8 months ago on Google
    There are so many places in LA to have a great Kaiseki experience but N/Naka really stands out and is absolutely worth it. The restaurant sits inside a nondescript grey building on the corner of Overland and Lawler in Culver City. The interior environment is small but not cramped and is traditional Japanese modern. The narrow color pallete helps to make the colorful dishes really pop. The tasting menu offers 13 impeccably created courses. From sashimi to pasta to wagyu each one is beautifully plated, art in and of itself. Service is attentive but not overbearing and does a great job of making you feel comfortable. Many other restaurants go for a more stoic experience but N/Naka keeps it somehow fun and light. We opted for the wine and sake pairing and thought it was definitely worth it. It added another element to the tasting experience and was actually a decent value with the opportunity to try 9 different wine and sake. Overall a fantastic experience that definitely lived up to it's reputation. And don't forget there is valet parking in back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maureen D. 5 months ago on Google
    On Saturday evening we had a celebratory birthday dinner at n/naka. I was expecting a wonderful dinner, but it was truly above and beyond wonderful. Chef Niki is a master at her craft. Every course was outstanding. The presentation was artistic, beautiful and well thought out-it was exquisite. The food was absolutely delicious. The dishes were innovative, balanced, pleasing to the eye and the palate and left you with a sense of awe at how Chef prepared such awesome flavors that complemented each other. Not only has she put together an incredibly delicious menu, but the orchestration of the wait staff and service was impressive. Our waiter, Chan, was knowledgeable, charming, attentive and made our dining experience complete. There was a comfortable flow and balance to the evening. The restaurant is intimate, calming and welcoming. This is a reflection of Chef’s personality and attention to detail. She was gracious enough to come to our table at the end of our meal and thank us for coming. This was the ultimate dining experience. Thank you Chef Niki for a fantastic dinner and for making our evening a very memorable night. I urge everyone to make a reservation at n/naka.

  • 5/5 betty t. 1 year ago on Google
    We eat with our eyes as well as our mouths. The experience that n/naka provides is truly exceptional and unparalleled. The food is both visually stunning and absolutely delicious. Every last detail is so considerate and deliberate. The vegetarian menu was equally as impressive as the land and sea, and the menu is constantly changing with the seasons. The staff was all incredibly amazing as well. Though it has taken us years of failed reservation attempts, we finally were able to make it and could not be more grateful. We left with our bellies full and our hearts happy. Simply exquisite!

  • 5/5 PJ R. 7 months ago on Google
    Excellent food and great menu. Be prepared to have your taste buds explode with so much flavor. Small dishes but they all are so unique and delicious.

  • 5/5 Akiko F. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a restaurant that you go to for a special occasion because it is a very popular restaurant that is really difficult to book. The number of courses served, starting from the appetizers, was uncountable, and all of them were impressive and excellent. We went with three people, but three staff members simultaneously brought out each person's dish, which showed their thoughtful and attentive service. There aren't many restaurants that provide such consideration. The restaurant's atmosphere is not luxurious, but it has a warm and welcoming feeling where you can relax and enjoy your meal without feeling intimidated. The owner chef came to say hello at the end of our meal, and his kind and friendly personality left a very positive impression. This is a restaurant that will leave a lasting memory, and I truly feel lucky to have had the opportunity to dine there.

  • 5/5 Randy R. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a restaurant you go to for a special occasion because it is so well-liked and challenging to reserve a table. There were uncountable courses served, starting with the appetizers, and every one of them was outstanding and impressive. Three staff members simultaneously brought out each person's dish even though there were only three of us, demonstrating their thoughtful and caring service. Few restaurants give customers such consideration. Although the atmosphere in the restaurant is not opulent, it is warm and inviting, allowing you to unwind and enjoy your meal without feeling intimidated. At the conclusion of our meal, the owner chef stopped by to say hello. His warm demeanor made a lasting impression. Here is

  • 5/5 Irma - Looking for a m. 11 months ago on Google
    We saw N/Naka on chefs table season 1 and was intrigued. The 6 of us not only thought that the food was epic and up to the 2 Michelin stars but the waiter was amazing! It’s a very small space and it felt like he was there just for us. And the unique sake’s was really different and interesting. The easiest way to score a table is get a group of 6 together. These places have to figure out a way yo stop people from scoring a 2 top and selling on those bid for a table web sites. Go if you can it will blow your mind.

  • 5/5 Louis T. 11 months ago on Google
    Do yourself a favor and dine here if you get the chance. Thought-provoking food that felt like a journey. The attention to detail is everywhere in every aspect of the dining experience. Definitely lives up to the hype and deserving of 2 stars.

  • 5/5 Lisa B. 2 years ago on Google
    some of the best japanese restaurant that I have had in a while. Great sushi and great service. I am looking forward to visiting again. Drinks are little expensive but which restaurant doesn’t have expensive drinks.

  • 5/5 Seth F. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful experience dining here. By far, the most creative and delicious dinner I have ever had. Good timing between courses and great service, as well. Be prepared to spend about three hours here. It goes by fast, though.

  • 5/5 Eddy T. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic presentation of the food and great taste, but the highlight was when Chef came out to great us at the end. Food, service, experience and friends get 5 stars.


Call (310) 836-6252 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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