n/naka

Los Angeles’s 2025 Michelin-Starred Restaurants, Mapped | Eater LA

"One star. Chefs Niki Nakayama’s and Carole Iida-Nakayama’s Palms restaurant, which serves a traditional Japanese kaiseki experience using California ingredients, lost one of its two stars. A recent redesign by Minoru Oyamatsu of Oyamatsu Design Studio and builder Beau Laughlin of Framework brings new touches to the space like a tobi-ishi-style walking path and handmade walnut furniture." - Eater Staff

Here Are the 2025 Michelin Star Winners in Los Angeles | Eater LA

"A kaiseki restaurant in the Palms area that lost one of its two Michelin stars in 2024." - Rebecca Roland

"Securing a reservation is no easy task, but once inside this intimate, wonderfully stylish room, you’ll find a warm and graceful dining experience. The finely suited and hospitable team are an extension of Chef Niki Nakayama, who presents her interpretation of kaiseki by drawing upon seafood, meat, and produce sourced mostly across Japan and California. Ever changing, the coursed tasting weaves together delicate, aromatic broths with heartier fare like grilled Miyazaki wagyu and scallops all seasoned with a generally light touch. The only dish to never leave the menu is an artful twirl of al dente spaghetti dressed with tender abalone, pickled cod roe, and black truffle. As the meal ends, Chef Nakayama greets tables for one final personal touch." - Michelin Inspector

Where To Have A Date When It’s A Really, Really Big Deal - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"If you’re going to attempt to make a reservation at N/Naka, it better be for a special occasion - because it involves setting an alarm on a Sunday at 10am, and booking a table three months in advance. It’s a $225, 13-course kaiseki with an optional $125 wine/sake pairing - if those prices don’t make you immediately scroll past this, then this might be the place for you. Because from the food to the service, everything here is absolute perfection. The meal will include things raw, steamed, fried, grilled, and cooked just about every way you could imagine. And it’s all amazing. N/Naka releases a week's worth of reservations a month in advance every Sunday at 10am online. These sell out quickly, so act fast. We'd also suggest emailing to ask about any openings from last-minute cancellations." - brett keating

The Toughest Reservations In LA Right Now (And How To Get Them) - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Verdict: Despite international accolades and attention from culinary filmmakers, fame hasn’t really gotten to this quiet Japanese tasting menu spot in Palms. It’s still one of the premiere fine dining experiences in LA, and its 13-course modern kaiseki is unique and deeply personal. At $300+ though, we'd be hard-pressed to recommend it for anything other than a Very Special Occasion. N/Naka releases a week's worth of reservations a month in advance every Sunday at 10am online. These sell out quickly, so act fast. We'd also suggest emailing to ask about any openings from last-minute cancellations." - brant cox, sylvio martins