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n/naka Reviews List
n/naka
n/naka offers seasonal tasting menus rooted in the Japanese kaiseki style of dining. In staying true to this style, we source the highest quality ingredients available and proudly use vegetables from our own organic garden. Through a blend of traditional and modern techniques, we offer our interpretation of kaiseki -- using the current season as our guide to provide a unique and satisfying dining experience.
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68 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 68 reviews
5 stars
(56)
4 stars
(10)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(58)
- special occasion(57)
- romantic(34)
- neighborhood gem(26)
- notable wine list(18)
- hot spot(5)
n/naka Reviews List
Review 1 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Amazing service, amazing food, amazing wine, everything was amazing!!!"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfection
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The experience at N/Naka this weekend was perfection. The service was the best I've ever had. The food and the plating were brilliant. This was certainly the best way to celebrate an anniversary. Kudos to the chef."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 3 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was one of the very best meals I have ever had in my life. If the Michelin Guide doesn't come back to LA just to give this place three stars, it will be a travesty."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
2nd Time here!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"And, it was as good as the first...just go!!!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The BEST!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"N/naka blew us away. It was the BEST Japanese /sushi we've ever tasted outside Japan, ever!! (I grew up in Tokyo). Each course were delicate, balanced, with a wow factor. Presentation was impeccable and beautiful. The service was extremely attentive, streamlined yet low key. Simply fantastic!"
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Dinner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was another very enjoyable evening from the start to finish. We will return for another special occasion soon."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I say 'Hidden' as I would not have heard about the restaurant except that I too have a vegetable garden that is cared for by Farmscape.
We had 14 course tasting. Much sushi and the best EVER.
They have an 8 course also--but you HAVE to have reservations!
We will go back again for the 8 course."
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 8 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing meal once a again!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Chef Nikki deserves to be nominated for a James Beard award! Each course was perfection. I've been here three times so far, and every single dish was memorable and delicious. I give her tons of credit for the amount of dedication and creativity she puts into her cooking. This is by far my favorite restaurant in LA the past 3 years since I first dined here."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 9 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was stunning and outstanding. This is a must eat and is an unknown gem. The service was a bit hit or miss. The wait staff could have used more training on timing and clearing."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 10 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I would liken our experience to The French Laundry......Outstanding in every aspect, we can't wait to go back."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
n/naka better than kaiseki in Japan
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Loved the personal innovative touches to this modern kaiseki menu. Will definitely go again."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was superb, but I can't
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was superb, but I can't help feeling we did not get our money's worth because of their error. They checked with us beforehand, and we very cleary said we wanted the 13-course menu, not the 9. But we were served the 9-course and didn't realize it until we were more than half through. They added the 4 extra courses, but there are big differences between courses on the 9 vs 13 that it was too late to fix. For example, the 13 has matsusaka beef and 9 has ribeye; we got ribeye (it was at this course that I realized they had given us the wrong set). The 13 has very different Zensai, Zukuri, Tsukuri & Mushimono courses, and we got the lesser ones. We were charged for the 13. It feels like we didn't get all we bargained for despite comped sake"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A very discreet restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A very discreet restaurant in the heart of suburban LA.
We were welcomed and ushered to our table.
We were welcomed and ushered to our table.
And then it all began.
An extravaganza of the most exquisite fish and fine food.
An extravaganza of the most exquisite fish and fine food.
This is definitely one for repeating!
Thanks
PS It was a delight to meet Niki at the end of our meal"
PS It was a delight to meet Niki at the end of our meal"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The creativity of the menu,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The creativity of the menu, always with seasonal surprises, transforms the dinner into an exquisite discovery experience."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Unbelievable. Didn't hold back on trying all the obscure sake they had and had a 9 course meal, and for the 4 of us it was $900. It was crazy worth it, We drank a ton, ate the best meal of our lives. So worth it. The service was amazing!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 16 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service good food BUD!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great service good food BUD, if you are to long about eating your 13 curses dinner
they rus you whit the last 2-3 courses so they can close! .
And becours of that we wante to tip les (10%) and the femal waither
got so upset she drop the bill back hard on the tabel, that's bad
special when we have order expensive wine and sake,
we spend 1500$ 4 people + 18% tip. And we walk out upset!
Also we wanted to book to 6 via Internet bud there was only spase for 4????
the resturan was only 1/2 full???"
they rus you whit the last 2-3 courses so they can close! .
And becours of that we wante to tip les (10%) and the femal waither
got so upset she drop the bill back hard on the tabel, that's bad
special when we have order expensive wine and sake,
we spend 1500$ 4 people + 18% tip. And we walk out upset!
Also we wanted to book to 6 via Internet bud there was only spase for 4????
the resturan was only 1/2 full???"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Must try at least once in your life
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's a special occasion place without a doubt - a prix fix menu that will take you at least 2 hours to savor. It's a singular and amazing experience similar to a visit to Japan in its attention to detail. I would liken it to The French Laundry in its beautiful presentation and clarity of vision. Worth every one of the many pennies it cost!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing experience with the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing experience with the 9 course tasting menu paired with wines and sake. They did everything to accomadte my friend who is gluten free. And when we decided that we didn't like sake, they substituted another wine instead. It is the kind of service and quality food with presentation you expect for the price."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 19 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Overall presentation is excellent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overall presentation is excellent. Everything is very fresh and beautifully made. We have a 13 course dinner but some courses are so nice that we wish we could order extra portion!"
Dined on 03/19/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 20 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a sublime dinner. Everything
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a sublime dinner. Everything was perfect. The servers were warm and professional. They were openly delighted to see us clean our plates. The flavors were original and sumptuous and beautifully presented. The sake pairing was just right and consisted of some new varieties to us such as sparkling and also an old favorite.
All in all a wonderful evening and I hope to go again."
All in all a wonderful evening and I hope to go again."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The ambiance is perfect for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The ambiance is perfect for this dining experience. The food and service are exceptional."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 22 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
N/NAKA = CREATIVE GENIUS
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is my new favorite restaurant for Japanese food in Los Angeles. Actually this was my 3rd time here (the first 2 were as a guest of my friend Stuart S. As spake the Terminator, "I'll be back." Chef Niki's creative preparations and artistic plating are incredible and unique. The service is exquisite, perfect. Run don't walk to try this restaurant.Go for the 13 course meal and you won't be sorry."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I celebrated our
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary at N/Naka. She selected the restaurant and I made reservation. The course meal we had was fabulous! The presentation on each course was beautiful and the actual meal was very good. The ambiance of the restaurant was elegant and was very quiet. We truly enjoyed the evening!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great meal from top to bottom,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great meal from top to bottom, with very warm, friendly staff and a chef at the top of her game who's also willing to accommodate different preferences/allergies."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of the best restaurants I have ever been to!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 26 for n/naka
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good for occasional dining,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Good for occasional dining, a bit pricey"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for n/naka
Based on the average of (42) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
8 out of 8 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate