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Tasting menus and sake in California

A tasting menu that treats sake as a thoughtful pairing partner rather than an afterthought to the wine list.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
SHOWA Le Gourmet Tonkatsu image 1
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Tonkatsu restaurant

Intimate setting with about 18 seats and a semi-open kitchen creates a contemporary Japanese atmosphere. Wooden tables, elegant glassware, and wabi sabi decor evoke a cozy Tokyo alley vibe. The space maintains a quiet, adult-only energy suited for special occasions.

Creative and unique tonkatsu-focused tasting menu offers 10-12 beautifully crafted courses. The $150 price before tax and fees provides solid value for an omakase experience.

Sake pairings stand out with unique combinations alongside Kenzo wines. Tastings include selections not usually offered at other restaurants, adding great value.

People are saying

"This Japanese dining experience felt truly unique and amazing."

"The sake here is explosive, flavorful, and exquisite."

"I experienced one of the best meals I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as they only seat 18 guests per night.

2

No children or babies are allowed in the restaurant.

3

The prix fixe menu costs $150 for 10-12 courses before tax and fees.

02
Eigikutei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Minimalist Japanese design combines with modern architecture and authentic outfits to create an elegant, cozy space. Calm, serene atmosphere contrasts with busy downtown streets, enhanced by high ceilings and calming music. Occasional robot service adds a unique touch to an otherwise traditional dining experience.

Seven-course plant-based Kaiseki tasting menu offers a structured, multi-course experience. The menu is fully vegan, focusing on seasonal and delicate flavors.

An extensive sake list features a huge selection including sparkling sake. Prices stay reasonable while offering good quality.

People are saying

"The omakase Japanese food here is an amazing value."

"The sake here is an absolute steal for the quality."

"The tasting menu's dishes were delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.

3

The cheapest set menu starts at $87 per person.

03
KinKan LA image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, intimate space filled with mismatched vintage furniture and bespoke handmade stoneware creates a cozy, low-key vibe. Atmosphere blends upscale and neighborhood energy with mood lighting and a curated playlist enhancing each course. Guests often dine at the counter, enjoying a lively yet relaxed setting perfect for quiet celebrations or romantic dates.

Carefully curated dishes showcase well-matched flavor combinations and impeccable presentation. Menus include unique items like crab spring rolls and rice cracker with organic ground pork and shrimp, often paired with explanations from the chef.

Sake offerings include Katsuyama Ken, a notably tasty choice served on the house. The sommelier recommends sake tastings alongside wines, creating a fun and engaging experience.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here offer a unique Thai-Japanese fusion I couldn't find elsewhere."

"Chef Nan's warm, friendly vibe makes it feel like visiting a friend's house."

"The Japanese and Thai fusion food here is creative and delicious."

Good to know

1

The parking lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

2

Dinner features a fixed eight-course menu priced at $150 per person.

3

Most of the menu is naturally gluten-free, excluding soy sauce.

04
Enclos image 1
Restaurant

Dining space feels like walking through rooms of a historic home with sophisticated renovation and an open kitchen. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, enhanced by handmade steak knives and custom antique dishes. Small, intimate setting with 11 tables offers a warm, artful experience without pretension.

Ten-course tasting menu includes supplemental amuse-bouche bites tailored to dietary needs. Wine pairing experience stands out and compares well to Single Thread and Cyrus.

An immaculate sake selection pairs well with dishes, and staff offer solid pairing knowledge. The sommelier often guides with sake pairings alongside wine and champagne.

People are saying

"The food here is artfully presented and incredibly flavorful."

"The sake here is amazing, especially the 60-day aged tuna belly."

"The Tasting Menu felt like an unfolding work of art with exquisite technique."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant offers a tasting menu that changes seasonally.

3

Expect a dress code of smart casual; no shorts or flip-flops.

05
Kenzo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an intimate, calm atmosphere with quiet ambiance and beautiful design. Dining includes kaiseki tasting menus paired with exclusive estate wines and sake. Space features both counter and table seating, creating a relaxed and well-paced experience.

Multi-course tasting menu offers a masterfully curated experience. It showcases Japanese flavors in a way that can impress those new to this style.

Sake offerings include premium selections with some bottles priced around $400. Pairings match dishes closely, enhancing flavors with luscious variety and thoughtful attention to detail.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is an authentic kaiseki experience."

"The sake here is wonderful; I'd give it 10 stars."

"The Tasting Menu's presentation was top notch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required and can be made through Opentable.

2

The restaurant is often fully booked, so plan ahead for a table.

3

Kenzo customizes menus for special occasions and dietary restrictions.

06
Asanebo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy, friendly space with reverence for tradition and no pretension. Energy stays positive as chefs craft sushi with fresh, high-quality fish and real wasabi, creating an experience that feels like watching art in progress. The vibe is welcoming and steady, attracting those who appreciate sophisticated, expertly prepared sushi.

Every course in the tasting menu offers exceptional flavors and careful preparation. The full tasting menu presents a truly exquisite dining experience.

An impressive sake selection offers a variety of options, including a house sake that pairs well with seafood. Some choices lean toward the higher end, with a need for more mid-range sake selections.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the freshest and best I've ever had."

"The sake selection here is really impressive."

"The Tasting Menu was exquisite, with every bite memorable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, and tables are needed back by 8pm.

2

Expect to pay around $400 for a dinner for three, including tip.

3

Valet parking is available for $9, or you can find street parking.

07
Mรคgo image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Open kitchen with direct chef views creates an intimate and rustic yet sublime atmosphere. Spacious interior blends warm, charming decor with a versatile back patio featuring heated lamps. Energy stays calm and serene, attracting diners who appreciate creative, inspired menus and thoughtful wine pairings.

Casual Colombian spot offers a $65 tasting menu during special events. The menu delivers a superb experience with carefully crafted dishes.

Sake pairs with a variety of dishes like rock cod, arepa, and coconut rice ball. It complements flavors alongside coffee reduction and Franconia wine in creative beverage pairings.

People are saying

"The tasting menu was creative, fun, and delicious."

"The desserts here are strangely nostalgic and balanced."

"The sake's bright cilantro and pineapple flavor was irresistible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as tables are often fully booked until late evening.

2

The tasting menu costs $200 per person, excluding tip.

3

A vegetarian menu is available if requested in advance.

08
Matsu image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Japanese-influenced minimalism shapes an intimate dining space with individual table lighting and handcrafted wood chairs designed for comfort. The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing, inviting guests to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails alongside a thoughtful, multi-course menu.

Offers a 10 course vegan tasting menu that delivers a fun and flavorful evening. The tasting menu lets you relax and enjoy a variety of dishes without fuss.

Kim, the sake sommelier, provides detailed info about each dish. Every plate comes with a masterful sake pairing that complements the flavors perfectly.

People are saying

"The desserts here were outstanding, truly a perfect 10/10."

"The sake pairing with the tasting menu was a flavorful and surprising experience."

"The tasting menu was shockingly delicious and creative."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the multi-course dining experience.

2

The tasting menu starts at $450 for two people.

3

Matsu offers a vegan course alongside its main menu.

09
Norikaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Upscale Japanese restaurant with elegant interior featuring U-shaped bar seating and handcrafted ceramics. Atmosphere is relaxed and lively, with loungey EDM music and a vibe suited for casual nights or cozy dates. Offers a top-tier sake selection that complements fresh, thoughtfully paired dishes.

Multi-course tasting menus cost $50 and offer a variety of dishes. Every course in the tasting menu is worth trying, with ร  la carte options also available.

Wide selection of top-tier sake pairs well with dishes. Staff recommend delicious options that complement meals nicely.

People are saying

"The food took forever to arrive, with 30-minute waits between dishes."

"The Tasting Menu's ambiance is warm, intimate, and luxurious."

"The sake here is a masterpiece, tempting me to order everything."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The menu features a variety of sushi and izakaya dishes.

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