Rokusho LA: Where Modern Japanese Dining Meets Playful Indulgence

Tucked away in the heart of Los Angeles, Rokusho LA is the kind of place that makes you forget time exists. Dim lighting casts a warm glow over polished wood tables, hushed laughter mingles with every moment feeling like it is deliberately crafted for the senses. Our recent visit turned into a full-blown culinary adventure—one that danced gracefully between elegance and whimsy, East and West, fire and finesse. This is definitely some of the best food in Los Angeles!

Crisp, Creamy, and Unexpected

We started with a surprising highlight that came in the form of the Katsuobushi Caesar, a Japanese reimagining of the classic Caesar salad. Chiffonade gem lettuce is tossed with crunchy shokupan breadcrumbs and shaved parmesan, then finished with a generous dusting of smoky katsuobushi (bonito flakes). The result? A salad that's creamy, crunchy, and just different enough to make you rethink what a Caesar can be.

The katsuobushi adds an umami punch that feels both familiar and novel, while the shokupan crumbs—made from Japanese milk bread—offer a subtly sweet crunch. It's a small dish, but it left a big impression.

This is probably one of the best Caesar salads I have ever eaten!

The Art of the Bite

The meal opened with a knockout: the 5oz Tenderloin Steak, served with a peppery sansho au poivre that jolted every taste bud awake. Each bite melted effortlessly on the tongue, the kind of steak that makes you reconsider what tenderness really means. The sansho pepper brought a tingling, almost electric quality to the dish—a subtle nod to Japanese spice traditions that elevated the entire experience.

And if that wasn't enough to win us over, the A5 Wagyu carpaccio arrived next. Served with capers, baby arugula, pickled daikon and a honey wasabi reduction. This was sooooo buttery, marbled to perfection, and impossibly rich. It wasn't just a dish—it was an experience. The kind that has you closing your eyes mid-bite, savoring the sheer decadence of it all. This is the steak A5 Wagyu lovers dream about weeks later.

Truffle Dreams and Tableside Drama

Then came the showstopper: the Uni Mentaiko Mazemen. Picture this—silky noodles swirled in a creamy mentaiko and truffle sauce, crowned with a golden egg yolk that's dramatically broken tableside by your server. Watching the yolk cascade over the noodles, mixing into the umami-rich sauce, is theater at its finest. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to put your phone down (after one quick photo, of course) and just lose yourself in the layers of flavor.

The mentaiko adds a briny pop, the truffle brings earthy depth, and the egg yolk ties it all together with luxurious creaminess. It's indulgent, Instagram-worthy, and utterly unforgettable. Shameless plug on our instagram page @foodjournalmagazine

A Symphony of the Sea

Seafood lovers, prepare to swoon. The Yaki Zarandeado—a miso-adobo–glazed loup de mer—hit that perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and buttery. The fish was flaky and tender, with a glaze that caramelized beautifully under the grill. The accompanying yuzu miso crema added a citrusy lift that felt like a cool ocean breeze cutting through the richness. It was bright, bold, and beautifully executed.

Next up, the Scallop & Yuzu Handroll delivered bursts of sweet Hokkaido scallop paired with yuzu mayo and citrus ponzu. Clean, bright, and addictive, each bite was a refreshing reminder of how good simplicity can be when done right. The nori was perfectly crisp, the rice subtly seasoned, and the scallop melted on contact.

But Rokusho didn't stop there. The Toro & Takuan Handroll layered buttery tuna belly with pickled daikon (takuan) and shiso, giving you crunch, freshness, and richness in every bite. The takuan's sharpness cut through the fatty toro beautifully, while the shiso added an herbaceous note that tied everything together. It's the kind of handroll that makes you wonder why you'd ever settle for mediocre sushi again.

And finally, the pièce de résistance: the Sweet Shrimp & Scallop Tartare. This dish was an absolute work of art. Delicate sweet shrimp and scallop were topped with glossy caviar, salmon roe, an olive-caper relish, and a delicate sugared rusk for that perfect textural contrast. It was luxury in edible form—briny, sweet, crunchy, and silky all at once. Each spoonful felt like a celebration.

The Verdict

Rokusho LA manages to be both sophisticated and playful—Japanese precision meets Los Angeles flair. The kitchen respects tradition while embracing creativity, and the result is a menu that feels fresh, exciting, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a truffle fanatic, a Wagyu worshipper, or just someone who loves discovering new flavors, this spot delivers culinary fireworks in every dish.

The ambiance strikes a balance between intimate and energetic, making it ideal for date nights, celebrations, or solo dining adventures (no judgment here). The staff is knowledgeable without being pretentious, guiding you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm.

If you're in Los Angeles and looking for a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Rokusho LA should be at the top of your list. Just be prepared to leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and an urgent need to book your next reservation.

This is definitely a Los Angeles Foodie Hotspot and some of the best food in Los Angeles!

Stay Hungry,

Matthew Tropp | Food Journal Magazine (TM)