kodo

"An Izakaya-style restaurant celebrating Kyoto cuisine with a splash of California influences, offering serene indoor and outdoor seating." - Kevin Chau

"Natural materials set the scene with serenity and calm. Guests can choose between sitting outside in the SoCal sun or indoors, while the menu celebrates Kyoto cuisine with a splash of Cali influences." - Kevin Chau

"It may be tucked inside a former firehouse, but kodō is more calm and cool than fiery. It's the kind of place where a boulder doubles as a desk and the abundant use of natural materials sets a serene tone. Choose from breezy, outdoor dining on the patio or come indoors for a menu that celebrates Kyoto cuisine, from robata to sushi, albeit with a California influence. The sushi and nigiri are so good that you won't even notice the trendy crowd snapping photos for their Instagram feed. Off-menu specials, such as the Japanese sea snail, are especially memorable, while sea bream and octopus are impeccable. A steaming bowl of little neck clams garlic and butter is dreamy. Up for something sweet? Cheesecake with passion fruit sauce and kinako crumble is a favorite." - Michelin Inspector

"Kodo looks nothing like anything the Arts District has seen before. Matching light slate tones and lots of stone with blonde wood finishes — all while toggling between smooth lines and sharp corners across multiple dining spaces — the restaurant feels like something pulled across time. It is both modern and timeless, Japanese and Angeleno, culled from the creative class and plunked down with heavy authority inside of former firehouse." - Farley Elliott

"Off-menu specials, such as the Japanese sea snail, are especially memorable, while sea bream and octopus are impeccable. A steaming bowl of little neck clams garlic and butter is dreamy." - The MICHELIN Guide