Rich, inventive and all-around enchanting, out-of-towners and LA residents alike will put Koi Los Angeles at the top of their dining rotation.
Los Angeles is famous for its treasured restaurant lineup–with impressive gourmet spots popping up at the bat of an eye. But the best dining spots in west LA are the ones that stand the test of time. In 2002, the upscale sushi and cocktail bar, Koi Los Angeles, opened its doors to the anticipating public and, ever since, has garnered a cult following with new attendees flocking in for a dazzling dinner experience right off the busy boulevard of La Cienega. The restaurant recently moved into a new space next-door to its previous outpost.
With a menu playing on Japanese classics, Koi Los Angeles plates feature recipes that reimagine Asian fusion, matching the dining aesthetic of the city and its celebratory crowd. Date night, client dinners and birthday celebrations are all friendly faces to the enchanted and tucked-away eatery–with easy-to-impress interiors, towering orchid plants and a backlit bar showered in top-tier liquor.
Upon arrival, it is absolutely imperative that one of the four fabulous crispy rice options is ordered, with the choice of spicy tuna, truffled avocado, yellowtail tartare and filet mignon. Surprisingly buttery and consolidated into the perfect bite, you can’t go wrong with any of the flavorful toppings, but the truffled avocado is a favorite for its beautiful balance and exciting twist.
A variety of hamachi, sashimi and carpaccio combine fresh, thinly sliced fish with umami flavors such as yuzu, black truffles and miso that properly pre-game heartier rolls such as Koi’s infamous Aka Roll with spicy tuna (or tofu) and Tamanegi soy. And any hand-cut or craft roll will rival those at sushi restaurants from Sunset Boulevard to Silicon Beach.
For entrees, land and sea options are outstanding, keeping the audience coming back for more. Braised short ribs with plum wine reduction fall apart from the slightest touch of a fork and explode with deep, rich flavors ranging from savory to sweet.
And no dinner at Koi Los Angeles would be complete without sampling its enticing and expansive dessert menu. Plated in vanilla ice cream and candied pecans, the caramelized pear crepes flow with silky sweet sauce and crisp, fresh pears.
If you’re looking to swing by for a quick after-work drink or would like something to sip on between courses, Koi Los Angeles serves delectable cocktails like Strawberry Fields with Japanese vodka, muddled strawberries and basil. Or order a bottle of sake for the table, which is best enjoyed cold for a happier, hangover-free morning.
Koi Las Angeles is open Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. For more information, visit koirestaurant.com.
734 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069