Where: Los Angeles
What: Japanese food and shopping PlaceList
Who: If you've ever stepped foot inside of a MUJI, you probably felt right at home among the "no brand, quality goods," says MUJI USA President, Asako Shimazaki. After opening yet another MUJI store that values high quality, streamlined products with no frills at Westfield Santa Anita, she took a moment to reflect on other places that make her feel at home in LA.
“The concept of discovery and ‘finding’ has always informed our creative process at MUJI,” says Asako Shimazaki, MUJI USA president.
Tempura Endo
Beverly Hills, $$$$
Asako Shimazaki: Tempura Endo is very lux dining using the best ingredients, Santa Barbara prawns, A5 Waygu beef etc. for an unforgettable dining experience.
Nobu Malibu
Malibu, $$$
AS: I’m a big fan of the Yellowtail Sashimi and Black Cod with Miso. Outdoor seating is a must to enjoy the ocean view.
Sakura House
Culver City, $$
AS: Sakura House, like many of LA’s culinary gems, is located in a strip mall. The restaurant has a big yakitori grill in the middle and serves barbecue skewers but my favorites are the chicken wings served with cilantro sauce. For the adventurous eaters, I recommend the grilled chicken hearts.
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Santa Monica, $$
AS: Mitsuwa Marketplace has an amazing and affordable food court that sells Japanese comfort food. The bakery sells curry donuts and the market has a lot Japanese grocery items you can’t find anywhere else.
Musha
Torrance, $$
AS: Musha serves traditional Japanese with a modern twist. One of my favorite meals is the risotto that’s served out of a cheese wheel!
Amandine Patisserie Cafe
Brentwood, $$
AS: Amandine serves breakfast all day, macaroons all flavors and colors, and pastries that will win over your no-carb diet friends.
Bar Hayama
Sawtelle, $$$
AS: One of the shining stars in the galaxy of restaurants on Sawtelle or Little Osaka, Bar Hayama serves amazing sushi in a minimal setting with an unbeatable selection of sake at the bar. You can also sit outdoors around the fire pit enjoying your sushi and sake.
Izakaya Hachi
Torrance, $$
AS: Classic Izakaya in a traditional Japanese setting that serves the best Yukke or raw Waygu topped with egg yolk and dipping sauce.
M Cafe
Melrose, $$
AS: M Café offers healthy nutritious meals based on a macrobiotic diet. My favorite is the coconut curry udon.
Bonjour French Pastry
Gardena, $
AS: As the name suggests, Bonjour inspired bakery with a Japanese twist. They make French classics with a Japanese sponge cake that results in a light and satisfying pastry.
Spoon House
Gardena, $$
AS: Spoon House has been around for more than 35 years for a good reason. They make amazing Japanese pastas, think creamy spaghetti topped with uni.
Kagaya
Little Tokyo, $$$$
AS: Kagaya is the best shabu shabu in all of Los Angeles. They serve live seafood boiled in their incredibly rich soup followed by a rice porridge meal with the leftover broth.
Yamashiro Hollywood
Hollywood, $$$
AS: Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, Yamashiro is a replica of a palace in Kyoto and was originally built to house a collection of priceless Asian art. Outdoor seating offers beautiful views of Los Angeles and indoor seating offers a view of their garden courtyard.
Tortoise General Store
Venice, $$$
AS: Tortoise General Store was started by a Japanese couple inspired by general stores in Hawaii. This boutique carries beautiful homewares.
The Huntington Japanese Garden
San Marino
AS: Walking in the Japanese Garden at The Huntington is like stepping into a postcard. There’s a beautiful ceremonial tea house overlooking a koi pond.
Waraku
Venice, $$
AS: Waraku is a small family owned shoe store that sells unique limited-edition shoes imported from Japan.
Amandine Patisserie. Image courtesy of @joey1806
Izakaya Hachi. Image courtesy of @tun_six
Waraku. Image courtesy of Wakaku
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Featured image of MUJI Santa Anita courtesy of MUJI USA