kamado

For Californians, especially those navigating the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Los Angeles, discovering a restaurant that offers a truly unique and authentic experience is always a treat. Enter Kamado in West Hollywood, a Japanese restaurant that stands out for its specialization in Kamameshi, a traditional Japanese rice dish cooked to perfection in an iron pot. This distinctive focus, combined with a broader izakaya-style menu and a selection of premium sake, creates a warm, inviting, and deeply satisfying dining destination right in the heart of West Hollywood.

Kamado prides itself on bringing the genuine flavors of Japan to California. Patrons rave about the rich aroma and perfectly infused rice of their Kamameshi, highlighting the freshness of seasonal ingredients and plump seafood. Beyond its signature dish, Kamado offers a variety of Japanese favorites, ensuring there's something to delight every palate, all served in a calm ambiance with excellent, attentive service.

Kamado is conveniently situated at 521 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048, USA. This address places it on a bustling stretch of La Cienega Boulevard, a well-known thoroughfare that connects many of Los Angeles's popular neighborhoods. Its location in West Hollywood means it's easily accessible for residents across the city, from Beverly Hills to Hollywood and beyond.

Regarding accessibility, parking in West Hollywood can sometimes be a consideration. While specific on-site parking for Kamado is not available, the surrounding area offers various public parking options, including metered street parking and public garages. Patrons should check for local parking signs and apps like SpotAngels for the most current parking availability and rates. Additionally, given its central location, ride-sharing services are a highly convenient option for those looking to enjoy their meal and sake selection without worrying about parking. The relaxed ambiance of the restaurant makes it a comfortable spot to arrive at, regardless of your chosen mode of transport.

Kamado offers a range of services designed to provide an authentic and enjoyable Japanese dining experience:

• Dine-In Service: Guests can enjoy their meal in a "calm ambiance" with "attentive service." The restaurant provides a comfortable and welcoming setting for both individual diners and groups.
• Kamameshi Specialization: Their signature offering is Kamameshi, a traditional Japanese rice dish cooked in an iron pot. This includes various options like snow crab and crab miso, with reviews praising its perfectly infused, fluffy, and crispy rice.
• Izakaya Cuisine: As a "Sake Izakaya," Kamado offers a wide array of authentic Japanese izakaya dishes, which are perfect for sharing and complementing their beverage selection. Their menu includes cool tastings (like Hamachi curudo, Bluefin tuna crudo, Wagyu tartare), hot tastings (like Miso glazed black cod, Grilled Hamachi kama, Crispy pork belly), agedashis, salads, and more.
• Sushi and Sashimi: Kamado also provides fresh sushi and sashimi options. Their menu features a variety of rolls (including California, Spicy Tuna, Dragon, Rainbow, and specialty rolls like Chef Ted's Spicy Tuna #2 and Salmon Nigiri with Yuzu Pepper, though the latter may be a feature of a different sushi place with a similar name, it's worth noting the variety). They also offer nigiri and sashimi specials with premium fish.
• Premium Sake Selection: Kamado boasts a "hand-picked selection of premium sake," designed to perfectly complement their cuisine. This focus on quality beverages enhances the traditional Japanese dining experience.
• Reservations: Kamado accepts reservations, particularly for dining room tables, making it easier for parties to secure a spot. They specify that "Reservation for parties of 1 to 6" is available with "No Deposit Needed" when booking through platforms like Tock.
• Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy Kamado's dishes at home, they offer a "ToGo Menu: Rolls, Sashimi, Sides" available for Pickup and Delivery through platforms like DoorDash.
• Catering: Kamado offers catering services, including "3 different types of catering sushi platters," making it a suitable option for events and gatherings.
• Private Party Facilities: The restaurant has "2 spaces available for private events," allowing for personalized gatherings. Customers are encouraged to call to inquire about these facilities.

Kamado distinguishes itself with several key features that make it a compelling Japanese dining destination in West Hollywood:

• Authentic Kamameshi Specialization: This is the defining feature, as Kamado is highlighted as "the first Japanese restaurant in LA featuring Kamameshi." Customers rave about the dish, noting that "Each grain of rice was perfectly infused with the rich flavor of the broth," with a "wonderfully fluffy texture" and a "nice smoky flavor" from the crispy rice at the end.
• Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: Reviews consistently emphasize the freshness of ingredients, particularly the "seasonal vegetables and the plump seafood" used in their Kamameshi. Other menu items like "simesaba" (mackerel) are praised as "the top one."
• Diverse Izakaya Menu: Beyond Kamameshi, Kamado offers a broad range of izakaya dishes, from various sushi rolls and sashimi to hot and cool tastings, including items like Grilled Hamachi Kama, Miso Glazed Black Cod, and Wagyu Tartare, catering to a wide array of Japanese culinary preferences.
• Calm and Inviting Ambiance: The restaurant provides a "calm" atmosphere, making it a relaxing and pleasant environment for dining. This contrasts with some of the more bustling spots in West Hollywood, offering a serene escape.
• Excellent and Attentive Service: Customers consistently praise the "attentive service" and overall "great experience," indicating a high level of care from the staff.
• Good for Sharing: The Kamameshi dishes are noted as "good for sharing," making it an ideal spot for groups and communal dining. Reviewers have successfully shared two Kamameshi pots among five people, finding it satisfying.
• Premium Sake Selection: As a "Sake Izakaya," Kamado emphasizes its "hand-picked selection of premium sake," offering excellent pairings for their flavorful dishes.
• Consistent Quality: The sentiment of "I'd definetly come back. It worths it" from a customer after trying various dishes suggests a consistent quality across their menu offerings.

Based on the provided information and common practices for restaurants of its type, Kamado in West Hollywood emphasizes value through its unique culinary offerings and high-quality experience rather than traditional discount-based promotions. However, certain aspects can be considered special offers or value propositions for locals:

• Kamameshi as a Shared Experience: The fact that "kama meshi are good for sharing" allows groups to experience this unique dish together, offering a communal and cost-effective way to enjoy a signature item. Sharing two Kamameshi pots among five people, as one reviewer did, highlights this value.
• Curated Izakaya Menu for Exploration: The extensive izakaya menu, featuring a variety of hot and cool tastings, appetizers, and rolls, allows diners to explore a wide range of Japanese flavors. This variety, combined with quality ingredients, provides a comprehensive dining experience that offers inherent value.
• Premium Sake Pairing (Value Add): While not a discount, the "hand-picked selection of premium sake" enhances the meal significantly. For sake enthusiasts, this curated offering adds significant value to the dining experience.

For any specific daily specials, seasonal menus, or potential future happy hour offerings, it is always recommended for locals to directly contact Kamado or check their official website or online ordering platforms for the most current information.

To experience the unique Kamameshi and authentic izakaya dishes at Kamado in West Hollywood, here is their contact information:

• Address: 521 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048, USA
• Phone: (213) 308-9393

For dining reservations (especially recommended for parties of 5 or more), inquiries about their menu, private events, or catering, contacting them directly by phone is the most efficient method. You can also find their menu and order for pickup or delivery through online platforms like Toast and DoorDash.

For Californians, especially those residing in or frequently visiting the lively West Hollywood area, Kamado offers a distinctly appealing Japanese dining experience that is perfectly suited for a variety of occasions. Its unique specialization in Kamameshi, combined with a comprehensive izakaya menu, makes it a compelling destination for those seeking authentic Japanese flavors beyond just sushi.

Locals will find Kamado particularly appealing due to its signature Kamameshi, a dish that reviewers rave about for its perfectly infused rice, fresh ingredients, and satisfying texture, including the delightful crispy rice at the bottom. This unique offering sets it apart in a city with many Japanese restaurants. Beyond Kamameshi, the broad izakaya menu ensures there’s a wide array of delicious dishes, from fresh seafood to various hot and cool tastings, making it suitable for repeat visits and exploring different aspects of Japanese cuisine. The "simesaba" being highlighted as a "top one" shows their expertise across the board.

Furthermore, the calm ambiance and excellent, attentive service create a comfortable and welcoming dining environment, perfect for a relaxed meal. The fact that the Kamameshi is "good for sharing" also makes it an ideal spot for groups, fostering a communal dining experience. With its commitment to fresh ingredients, authentic preparations, and a curated sake selection, Kamado provides a genuine taste of Japan right in West Hollywood, solidifying its place as a cherished local gem for those who appreciate quality and unique culinary offerings.

kamado

521 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048, USA