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ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in LA Arts District
Best Steakhouse in LA Arts District
Best Sushi Rolls in LA Arts District
Best Ice Cream in LA Arts District
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in LA Arts District
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in LA Arts District
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in LA Arts District
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in LA Arts District
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in LA Arts District
Best Date Night Steakhouse in LA Arts District
Master Critic Review
kodo
7.8
A binchotan-grilled izakaya set inside a converted 1920s firehouse in the Arts District, where Kyoto-native Chef Yoya Takahashi runs a raw bar and nama sake program that leans harder into Japanese craft than most LA Japanese spots. The room is deliberately serene—natural materials, minimal design—though weekend crowds bring enough scene energy that it plays better as a date night than a quiet dinner. Wagyu and uni anchor a premium menu priced accordingly, so come calibrated for a splurge rather than a casual weeknight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Ribeye, Uni Pasta, Kodo Basque Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A converted 1920s firehouse turned minimalist izakaya where Kyoto-native Chef Yoya Takahashi pairs binchotan-grilled signatures and a raw bar with an uncommon nama sake program.
Who should go: Date-night couples drawn to design-forward dining with Japanese craft
When to visit: Midweek dinner for an unhurried seat at the sushi counter
What to order: Start at the raw bar for nigiri, add the Wagyu Ribeye to share, close with the Basque cheesecake — and let the bar team guide you through their unpasteurized sake selection.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu specials at the sushi counter — the kitchen rotates items like Japanese sea snail that never appear on the printed menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot behind the building—$50/day with in/out privileges, enter via the alley before 7th Street. Valet also available. Reservations recommended on weekends as the lot is small.
Dress code: Statement-casual—think $120 black tees and bold accessories against the minimalist backdrop. Jeans are fine, but lean stylish; the staff dress like runway models and the crowd matches.
Noise level: Serene by design with faint house music and natural materials setting a calm tone, but the sceney crowd brings a bubbly energy. Conversational-friendly, not a library but not shouting either.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including tofu steak with maitake and onion ponzu, truffle risotto with mushrooms, yakiniku eggplant, fried brussels sprouts, and shishito peppers. Note: some 'vegetable' dishes contain bonito (fish flakes).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — Kodo is an excellent first date spot. The Michelin-recognized izakaya serves beautifully presented binchotan-grilled dishes and sushi in the Arts District, giving you plenty to talk about. The ambiance is stylish but not stuffy (casual dress code), and the full cocktail bar makes it easy to start with drinks and transition into dinner. For extra impact, request the sushi counter for an interactive experience, or book the outdoor firepit area for something more intimate. Dinner runs 5–10pm Wed–Sun.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations are strongly recommended — Kodo books through Resy and tends to fill up, especially Thursday through Saturday. Weeknight walk-ins (Wed or Sun) have a better shot, particularly if you arrive right at 5pm opening. The bar area may accommodate walk-ins on busier nights. For weekend dining, book at least a few days to a week ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. Kodo is a refined izakaya with a Michelin pedigree — the menu centers on binchotan-grilled items and omakase-style sushi, with no dedicated kids menu confirmed. The atmosphere skews toward adults enjoying cocktails and a curated dining experience. Older teens who appreciate Japanese cuisine would do fine, but this isn't the spot for toddlers or picky eaters.
Is it good for groups? Yes, with planning. Standard reservations accommodate up to 6 guests. For larger parties, Kodo has an impressive private dining room — a greenhouse-like art space with a custom 16-foot live-edge pine table seating up to 20 guests. Contact the restaurant directly at 213-471-1932 or info@kodo.la to arrange private dining, and book well in advance as the space doubles as an art venue.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — Kodo offers patio dining and an outdoor firepit area. Specific details on whether the patio is covered or heated are not confirmed online — call ahead to ask, especially during cooler months. Valet parking is available, which is a plus for the Arts District location.
Best For
Better for: Date nights and special occasions—a converted 1920s firehouse with a dramatic indoor maple tree, boulder host stand, and moody zen-garden atmosphere. The raw bar and sushi items are the standouts. Private dining room seats up to 20.
Skip if: You're prioritizing food over atmosphere—the dramatically minimalist design outshines the mostly unremarkable cooked dishes. Skip the bar snacks and robata; stick to sushi and raw items if you go.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm