Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant in Los Angeles

Takami Restaurant in Downtown LA

Takami Restaurant
811 Wilshire Blvd, 21st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (213) 236-9600
Fax: (213) 236-1166
Hours: Open Lunch Mon -Fri 11:30 am - 2:30ish, Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4:30 - 6:30 pm, Dinner nightly from 5 pm, closing at 10 Sun-Wed and 11 or 12 Thurs-Sat
Prices: $$$-$$$$
Parking: Valet $7
Metro: Blue or Red Line to 7th Street Metro Station
Website: www.takamisushi.com

Between the stunning venue on the 21st floor with open air views over downtown Los Angeles and the artful sushi masterpieces of Executive Chef Kenny Yamada, you can't go wrong at Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant. There are plenty of choices even for folks who are not sushi enthusiasts. You can mix and match from the sushi and robata (grilled skewers) menus, or order a full meal from the kitchen.

We started with our server's recommendation for a couple exotic signature cocktails, a lychee mojito and a lotus blossom, both quite refreshing.

From the specialty menu we tried the Japanese tacos with spicy tuna and shrimp, the Tropical Avocado Bowl stuffed with sashimi and mango, and the Sweet Scallop Present in an egg wrap with a cucumber bow, and the Mont Blanc - tempura rock shrimp topped with spicy tuna, potato and caviar. Each dish was a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Our selection of robata included zucchini, New York steak with enoki mushrooms, baby lamb chops and Chilean sea bass. They were all enjoyable, but the baby lamb chops were the only real stand out.

Just to show off, Chef Yamada brought out a masterpiece of sushi art not on the menu. Layers of rice, varied sashimi and avocado were embellished with pink and white flowers pressed through a cake decorator with four different kinds of roe at the center of each flower. The final result resembled an elaborate square of birthday cake. It was almost too pretty to eat, especially since we were already full, but it was definitely worth savoring every taste we could fit in.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary meal for the purpose of this review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.