There are few places I feel the need the return to dine at in Los Angeles, simply because there are so many good restaurants to choose from you really can dine at a new place nightly. But then there are special places that are the best of the best that you know you’ll visit more than once—And one of the best places to eat in Los Angeles is Kato.
From Strip Mall to The Row-Dining Omakase-Style at Kato
Dining at Kato is an Omakase-style multicourse dining adventure. Jon Yao, a 25-year-old, self-taught chef creates delectable Taiwanese dishes that will have you dreaming about them months after you’ve dined here. He started in a strip mall in Santa Monica in 2016 and ultimately made the move to a swankier location in The Row in Downtown Los Angeles.
The restaurant has a very clean look inside and out and even though it’s one room that seats only 48, it feels sexy, chic, and romantic. There is a simple yet stunning visual appeal at Kato and for good reason. Everything from the stoneware to the art was made specifically for this space. Kato is not just a feast for the palate but a feast for the eyes.
It’s not this crazy crowded restaurant you might typically get in Los Angeles-although don’t get me wrong, the food is too good to not have a packed night. It just feels different and offers a sense of luxury for diners. The tasting menu is $225 and features about 13 seafood-focused courses.
The Tasting Menu at Kato
The menu, as with many tasting menus will change. My menu for this tasting was:
Torn Bluefin
Coal-seared Japanese Sea Bream
Astrea Kaluga Caviar
The Garden-A snapshot of Aaron’s farm with Taiwanese sesame
Egg Custard with kelp vinegar and Chinese chives
Local Black Cod
Miyazaki A5 Striploin
Dessert was: Meiwa Kumquat Bingsoo
JuJube- Scorched rice cream, muscovado tuile, castella cake
Mignardise-coconum pandan bon bon, raspberry lyche pate de rose caramel candy.
The cocktails are also a must here. I had the Lemon Drop, Bees Knees, and Milk Punch. I highly recommend those 3. All are well balanced and dangerously delicious.
If I could sit and eat a dozen (or more) of the Sea urchin donuts, I would happily do so. That along with the A5 strip sirloin were to die for but everything on the tasting menu is amazing. Imagine taking a bite of a course and then thinking, “It just can’t get any better.” Well let me tell you, it absolutely can and does at Kato. Every single course will blow you away.
Because Kato is one of the best places to eat in Los Angeles, don’t come with food restrictions. Kato will decline vegetarian and gluten-free options. And really, you’re just robbing yourself of the entire experience.
Solo Diners Welcome
Unlike a lot of restaurants where they require a party of 2 at least to be seated, solo diners will not be shunned here. You can come as a solo diner and sit at the bar for the chef experience but make sure to make your reservations quickly as they seat only 8 there and I just might be one of those 8—it’s that good. Los Angeles has a lot of amazing luxurious foodie experiences but Kato is definitely one of the best places to eat in Los Angeles and needs to be on your list when visiting.
