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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaLos Angeles CountyBeverly HillsJapanese Restaurant in South Santa Monica BoulevardIMA
IMA ico

IMA

9669 S Santa Monica Blvd #1, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA

4.0
All A5 all the time! This is a luxury experience with sauces and accompaniments that try to level up to the A5 beef with gourmet preparations and unique delicate flavors. The ponzu was exquisite with citrus and dried fish flavors. If you just want meat go somewhere else. Come here if you want a super special meal where the A5 is the star but the rest of team is talented and playing hard as well. - Dennis Wong
IMA Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

IMA Introduce

For discerning palates in California, particularly those seeking the pinnacle of Japanese culinary artistry, IMA Beverly Hills presents an extraordinary dining experience. This prestigious Japanese restaurant is dedicated to the world-renowned A5 Wagyu beef, offering a luxurious journey into the delicate flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture that only this exquisite meat can provide. IMA isn't just about serving food; it's about curating a "super special meal" where every element, from the star A5 Wagyu to its gourmet preparations and unique accompaniments, plays a crucial role in an unforgettable symphony of tastes.

IMA sets itself apart by focusing on Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu, traditional Japanese hot pot dishes that truly highlight the quality of their prime ingredient. It's a destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life and are ready to indulge in an authentic, high-end Japanese dining experience right here in Beverly Hills.

Location and Accessibility

IMA Beverly Hills is precisely located at 9669 S Santa Monica Blvd #1, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA. This address places it in a prime position within one of California's most affluent and recognized neighborhoods. Santa Monica Boulevard is a major thoroughfare, making IMA readily accessible from various parts of Los Angeles and beyond, catering to a clientele that appreciates convenience alongside luxury.

Accessibility is a notable advantage, especially given its Beverly Hills location. According to information available, there is public parking available right behind the restaurant, facing Santa Monica Blvd. This parking is a significant benefit, often being free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Sundays. This makes arriving for an evening reservation much more convenient for patrons. For those who prefer alternative transportation, the central location also makes ride-sharing services a practical and stress-free option, ensuring that visitors can focus entirely on their exceptional dining experience without worrying about parking.

Services Offered

IMA Beverly Hills is dedicated to providing a luxurious and exclusive dining experience, which is reflected in its tailored services:

  • High-End Dine-In Experience: IMA offers a refined and intimate dine-in setting, focusing on traditional Japanese Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu preparations. This is a sit-down, multi-course experience.
  • Reservation-Only Policy (Strongly Recommended): Due to limited seating and high demand, IMA operates primarily by reservation. Customers are advised to book well in advance, as "spots are limited" and they "doesn't seem to save spots for walk in customers." Reservations open on the 1st of every month for the following two months.
  • Specialized A5 Wagyu Menus: The core offering is their meticulously curated courses featuring Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, with options like the "Traditional" and "Chef's Special" Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu sets. These typically include appetizers, the main Wagyu course, vegetables, rice or noodles, soup, and dessert.
  • Direct Import of Fresh A5 Wagyu: IMA boasts that their Wagyu beef is "fresh and tasty," arriving "every morning from Japan" and is "never frozen, but chilled fresh and vacuum sealed," ensuring the highest quality.
  • Expert Service: Customers consistently note that "service is great," which is "also expected in this level of dining," highlighting the attentive and professional staff.
  • Curated Beverage Selection: While one review mentioned a desire for more sake options, IMA offers a selection of plum wine (noted as "not Choya"), sake, wines, beers, spirits, and whiskey, carefully chosen to complement the Wagyu.
  • Private Dining Considerations: While not explicitly detailed, the nature of a high-end Japanese restaurant often includes options for more private or semi-private dining, which would be best confirmed directly with the restaurant.
  • Allergy & Dietary Restrictions: It's important to note that IMA explicitly states they "cannot accommodate specific food allergies or dietary restrictions" for their set menus, which is common in highly specialized omakase-style restaurants.

Features / Highlights

IMA Beverly Hills distinguishes itself with several unique and luxurious features that make it a premier Japanese dining destination:

  • Exclusive A5 Wagyu Focus: The absolute centerpiece is their dedication to "All A5 all the time!" This signifies that IMA exclusively serves the highest grade of Japanese Wagyu beef, ensuring an unparalleled melt-in-your-mouth experience that is the hallmark of A5 quality.
  • Directly Imported Fresh Wagyu: A key highlight is that their "wagyu beef is fresh and tasty," arriving "every morning from Japan." This commitment to daily fresh, never-frozen imports sets a very high standard for quality and authenticity.
  • Gourmet Preparations and Accompaniments: Beyond the beef itself, IMA offers a "luxury experience with sauces and accompaniments that try to level up to the A5 beef with gourmet preparations and unique delicate flavors." The "ponzu was exquisite with citrus and dried fish flavors," demonstrating attention to detail that enhances the main ingredient.
  • Specialized Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu: IMA excels in these traditional Japanese hot pot methods, allowing diners to appreciate the purity and richness of the Wagyu. These cooking styles are specifically chosen to best present the A5 beef as the "star."
  • Impeccable Service: As expected from a luxury establishment, the service is consistently praised as "great" and "top-notch," contributing significantly to the overall high-end dining experience.
  • Intimate and Exclusive Dining: With "spots are limited," IMA provides an exclusive and intimate atmosphere. This exclusivity ensures personalized attention and a serene environment conducive to savoring the meal.
  • Michelin Recognition (Implied): While not directly stated for the Beverly Hills location in the provided reviews, the fact that IMA is the "only U.S. branch of Imafuku, which has a Michelin star in Japan," strongly suggests a Michelin-level quality and aspiration for the Beverly Hills establishment.
  • Balanced Course Menus: Despite the focus on Wagyu, the course meals are designed for balance. While the beef is the star, the appetizers and desserts "still a nice balance for the whole meal," ensuring a complete culinary journey.
  • Premium Beverage Offerings: IMA offers a selection of fine beverages including a unique plum wine, sake, and other alcoholic options that are carefully selected to pair with the richness of the Wagyu.

Promotions or Special Offers

Given IMA Beverly Hills' status as a luxury, high-end Japanese restaurant specializing in A5 Wagyu, traditional "promotions" in the form of discounts are not typically offered. The value proposition at IMA comes from the unparalleled quality of their ingredients and the exclusive, meticulous dining experience. Their focus is on delivering a premium experience worth the investment.

However, the structure of their course menus can be seen as a curated offering. They provide different set menus, such as the "$160 and $200" options mentioned by a reviewer, which include multiple courses designed to showcase the A5 Wagyu along with complementary dishes. These pre-set menus offer a comprehensive culinary journey at a fixed price, allowing guests to experience a range of flavors and textures. The daily fresh import of A5 Wagyu from Japan is also a continuous commitment to a special, high-quality offering. For details on current course offerings and seasonal highlights, it is always best to check their official Tock or Resy booking pages or contact the restaurant directly.

Contact Information

To secure your exceptional A5 Wagyu dining experience at IMA Beverly Hills, here is their contact information:

  • Address: 9669 S Santa Monica Blvd #1, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA
  • Phone: (310) 734-7829

As confirmed by reviews, "Spots are limited so remember to make reservation." It is highly recommended to book your reservation in advance through their online booking platforms (like Tock or Resy) or by calling them directly, especially since they do not typically accommodate walk-in customers for their exclusive experience.

Conclusion: Why IMA Beverly Hills is Suitable for Locals

For Californians, especially those within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, IMA Beverly Hills offers a truly unique and luxurious Japanese dining experience that is perfectly suited for special occasions or for discerning food enthusiasts. This restaurant is a must-visit for locals who appreciate the very best in Japanese culinary traditions, particularly when it comes to the revered A5 Wagyu beef.

The primary reason for its suitability for locals lies in its unwavering commitment to "All A5 all the time!" and the daily direct import of fresh Wagyu from Japan. This ensures an unparalleled quality that is difficult to find elsewhere. While the price point reflects its luxury status, the experience justifies the cost for those seeking to indulge in meat that "melted in your mouth." The sophisticated sauces, gourmet preparations, and the overall attention to detail ensure that the A5 Wagyu is not just served, but celebrated.

Furthermore, the attentive and high-quality service coupled with the intimate, reservation-only setting provides an exclusive and memorable dining atmosphere. It's a place where locals can bring a date for a romantic evening, celebrate significant milestones, or simply treat themselves to a culinary adventure. For those who prioritize fresh, high-grade ingredients and a meticulously crafted dining experience, IMA Beverly Hills stands as a beacon of Japanese culinary excellence right here in California.

IMA Photos

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IMA Location

IMA

9669 S Santa Monica Blvd #1, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA

IMA Reviews

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