At n/naka, Chef Niki Nakayama serves an exquisite 13-course modern kaiseki that blends stunning artistry with seasonal California ingredients in a cozy, intimate setting.
"Chefs Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama serve a 13-course modern kaiseki experience for $310 per person. The menu changes with the seasons, along with the chef’s whims, while the flow of the meal adheres to Japanese traditions. The three-hour experience is beautifully orchestrated and paced just so, leaving diners pampered, satisfied, and feeling thoroughly justified for indulging in something so extravagant. Reservations are available on Tock." - Cathy Chaplin, Eater Staff
"N/Naka releases a week's worth of online reservations a month in advance every Sunday at 10am. They sell out quickly, so act fast. We'd also suggest emailing to ask about any openings from last-minute cancellations." - Jess Basser Sanders
"Verdict: Despite international accolades and attention from culinary filmmakers, fame hasn’t really gotten to this quiet Japanese tasting menu spot in Palms. It’s still one of the premiere fine dining experiences in LA, and its 13-course modern kaiseki is unique and deeply personal. At $300+ though, we'd be hard-pressed to recommend it for anything other than a Very Special Occasion." - nikko duren, brant cox
"Thanks to Netflix and a slew of other filmmakers, N/Naka is consistently one of the most difficult reservations to secure in town. You might fail a few times (OK, you’ll fail a lot of times), but take a cue from Aaliyah and dust yourself off and try again—maybe you'll have more luck than us. Much like Hayato, it's been a few years since we've be able to book a table at this tiny, nondescript building in Palms, but in general expect stellar high-end service and a modern kaiseki menu involving 13 courses that change with the seasons. That might include things like foam-topped conch, steamed and fried dishes, wagyu, and a whole bunch of sushi. Just be ready to dish out $365 per person for it." - garrett snyder
"If you’re going to attempt to make a reservation at N/Naka, it better be for a special occasion - because it involves setting an alarm on a Sunday at 10am, and booking a table three months in advance. It’s a $225, 13-course kaiseki with an optional $125 wine/sake pairing - if those prices don’t make you immediately scroll past this, then this might be the place for you. Because from the food to the service, everything here is absolute perfection. The meal will include things raw, steamed, fried, grilled, and cooked just about every way you could imagine. And it’s all amazing." - brett keating
