N/Naka was a great restaurant long before it was featured on Chef’s Table. However, ever since it graced the screens of Netflix, getting a table has gotten exponentially more difficult. You’ll have to book a table three months out from your desired dining date, but it’ll be well worth the effort. Niki Nakayama and Carole Lida craft one of the most unique menus in LA, melding the centuries old kaiseki cuisine with modern techniques and flavor profiles. The menu at N/Naka is constantly evolving but the Shiizakana course, a chef’s choice dish not bound by tradition, will always be the same. A perfect portion of al dente spaghettini, rich abalone sauce, and generous shaving of black truffle. The dish hits all the right notes, conveying exactly what N/Naka is supposed to be in the most elegant way. Take our word and book a table. If you don’t want to plan a dinner three months in advance, just turn on the Resy notifications and you’ll get a text message the moment a cancellation opens up. The meal is undoubtedly an investment of time and money, but one that we have no regrets about. Dinner at N/Naka was one of our favorite meals in LA and we’re sure you’ll feel the same.
Style: Japanese
Address: 3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034 (Culver City)
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 6-9PM
Menu: n-naka.com
Price: Tasting menu $185
Reservations: (310) 836-6252 or Resy
This review was written by In The Loup contributor Ash Narayan