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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaLos Angeles CountyLos AngelesDowntown Los AngelesJapanese Restaurant in South Santa Fe Avenuekodo
kodo ico

kodo

710 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021, USA

4.0
We stopped in craving uni and ended up with an amazing spread—top-notch uni, delicious tuna and seabass tartare, plus some excellent sake. The vibe was great, the service was spot on, and the whole experience was just what we needed - G Whizz
kodo Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

kodo Introduce

Hey there, fellow Californians! Are you searching for a Japanese dining experience that truly stands out in the bustling culinary landscape of Los Angeles? Look no further than Kodo, a vibrant and highly acclaimed Japanese restaurant that promises to deliver an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Nestled in a prime location, Kodo has quickly become a local favorite for its exceptional quality, lively atmosphere, and impeccable service.

In a state as diverse and food-centric as California, we appreciate establishments that not only offer delicious food but also create a memorable overall experience. Kodo perfectly embodies this spirit, drawing in diners with its enticing menu that features fresh, top-tier ingredients and a carefully curated selection of beverages. Whether you're a connoisseur of Japanese cuisine, a lover of fresh seafood, or simply looking for a fantastic night out with friends or family, Kodo offers a dynamic and satisfying option right here in our backyard. From the moment you step in, you'll feel the great vibe, ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s exactly what you need.


Location and Accessibility

Kodo is strategically located at 710 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021, USA. This address places it squarely within the vibrant and increasingly popular Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. This area is known for its artistic flair, diverse eateries, and burgeoning nightlife, making Kodo an integral part of a dynamic urban landscape.

The restaurant's location offers excellent accessibility for residents and visitors throughout Southern California. For those traveling by car, the Arts District is well-connected to major freeways, allowing for relatively straightforward commutes from various parts of Los Angeles County and beyond. While parking in bustling urban areas can sometimes be a consideration, the specific layout of the Arts District often includes street parking and dedicated lots, though it's always wise to factor this into your planning. For those who prefer public transportation, downtown Los Angeles boasts an extensive network of Metro rail lines and bus routes. Depending on your starting point, a combination of these services can bring you within a reasonable walking distance of Kodo. The ease of access contributes significantly to Kodo's appeal, making it a convenient destination for a spontaneous dinner or a planned culinary outing. Its position in a trendy, walkable neighborhood also means that diners can enjoy a stroll before or after their meal, exploring the unique character of the Arts District.


Services Offered
  • Dine-In Japanese Cuisine: Kodo offers a full-service dine-in experience, providing a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for guests to enjoy their Japanese meal. The focus is on providing a comprehensive dining experience from appetizer to dessert.

  • Specialty Seafood Offerings: The restaurant is particularly known for its high-quality seafood, with "top-notch uni" (sea urchin) being a frequently highlighted item by customers. This suggests a strong focus on fresh, premium raw and prepared seafood dishes.

  • Innovative Tartare Dishes: Beyond traditional sushi and sashimi, Kodo also excels in unique preparations such as delicious tuna and seabass tartare. These dishes showcase a creative approach to fresh ingredients, offering delightful textures and flavors.

  • Extensive Sake Selection: Kodo provides an excellent selection of sake, carefully curated to complement its food offerings. This allows diners to explore various types of sake, enhancing their Japanese culinary journey with expertly paired beverages.

  • Attentive Table Service: Customers consistently praise the attentive and knowledgeable service staff, with specific mentions of servers like Jesse. This indicates a commitment to providing a high level of customer care, assisting diners with menu choices and ensuring a smooth dining experience.

  • Vibrant and Inviting Ambiance: The restaurant maintains a "great vibe," suggesting a lively yet comfortable atmosphere suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to more celebratory gatherings. The ambiance enhances the overall dining pleasure.


Features / Highlights
  • Top-Notch Uni (Sea Urchin): Kodo is frequently lauded for its exceptional uni. Customer reviews specifically highlight the "top-notch uni," indicating a commitment to sourcing and preparing high-quality sea urchin, a delicacy for many Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.

  • Delicious Tuna and Seabass Tartare: Beyond traditional preparations, Kodo offers stand-out tartare dishes. The tuna and seabass tartare are explicitly mentioned as "delicious," showcasing the restaurant's creativity and skill in presenting fresh seafood in compelling new ways.

  • Excellent Sake Selection: Diners consistently appreciate Kodo's "excellent sake" offerings. This indicates a well-curated list that provides suitable pairings for the food and appeals to both sake connoisseurs and those looking to explore this traditional Japanese beverage.

  • Great Vibe and Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is a significant highlight, described as having a "great vibe." This suggests a lively, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment that enhances the overall dining experience, making it enjoyable for various occasions.

  • Spot-On and Knowledgeable Service: Customer reviews consistently praise the "spot-on" and "knowledgeable" service. Specific mentions of attentive staff, like "Jesse," underscore Kodo's commitment to providing excellent customer care and informed recommendations.

  • Memorable Culinary Experience: The overall impression from customers is that Kodo provides an "amazing spread" and an experience that is "just what we needed." This indicates a high level of satisfaction and a memorable visit, suggesting the restaurant consistently delivers on its promise of quality and enjoyment.


Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided customer reviews, there is no direct information available regarding specific promotions or special offers at Kodo. Restaurants that consistently receive praise for "top-notch uni," "delicious tuna and seabass tartare," and "excellent sake" often focus on the intrinsic value of their high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and superior dining experience rather than relying on traditional discounts or promotional deals.

The "offer" at Kodo appears to be the consistently high standard of its culinary creations and the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Diners are drawn to Kodo for its quality, fresh seafood, and well-curated beverage list, as well as its "great vibe" and "spot-on" service. While the reviews mention a slight concern about a recipe change (uni pasta) potentially due to new management, this indicates that the restaurant is attentive to customer feedback, which in itself can be seen as a form of value for patrons. As with many popular and highly regarded establishments, the value is in the premium experience provided rather than promotional pricing. For the most current information regarding any potential seasonal tasting menus, special events, or new additions that might serve as a unique offering, it would be advisable for interested diners to directly contact Kodo or check their official website or social media channels, if available.


Contact Information

To plan your visit and experience the exceptional Japanese cuisine and vibrant atmosphere at Kodo, here is the essential contact information:

  • Address: 710 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021, USA

  • Phone: (213) 471-1932

  • Mobile Phone: +1 213-471-1932

With both a landline and mobile number provided, prospective diners have clear avenues for contacting Kodo to make reservations, inquire about their menu, or confirm any specific details before their visit. Given its popularity and "great vibe," it might be advisable to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak dining hours or on weekends, to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. The location in the Arts District also suggests that checking for parking options or public transport routes in advance could be beneficial for a stress-free arrival.


Conclusion: Why Kodo is Suitable for Locals

For Californians, and particularly those in the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, Kodo stands out as an exceptionally suitable Japanese dining destination, perfectly aligning with local preferences for quality, experience, and culinary adventure. Its unique attributes make it a go-to spot for various occasions.

Firstly, Kodo's reputation for "top-notch uni" and "delicious tuna and seabass tartare" immediately appeals to the sophisticated palate prevalent in California. Locals are increasingly discerning about the freshness and quality of seafood, and Kodo's commitment to these high standards positions it as a premier choice for those craving authentic, high-grade Japanese delicacies. The innovative preparation of familiar ingredients showcases a creativity that resonates with the adventurous spirit of California diners.

Secondly, the "great vibe" and "spot-on service" contribute significantly to its appeal. Californians often seek dining experiences that offer more than just good food – they want an atmosphere that enhances the meal and service that is attentive and knowledgeable. Kodo delivers on both fronts, creating a comfortable yet lively environment where patrons feel welcomed and well-cared for. The personalized attention, as highlighted by mentions of servers like Jesse, fosters a sense of trust and encourages repeat visits.

Furthermore, its location in the vibrant Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles makes it incredibly convenient and desirable for locals. This area is a hub of culture, art, and entertainment, allowing diners to combine their meal with an exploration of galleries, shops, or simply enjoy the urban energy. The accessibility from various parts of the city means it's a practical choice for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend outing without extensive travel hassles.

Finally, the consistent positive feedback, even with constructive criticism about a specific dish, demonstrates Kodo's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. This willingness to embrace feedback suggests a responsive and improving establishment, a trait highly valued by local patrons. Whether you're craving exquisite seafood, a well-paired sake, or simply a fantastic night out with a great atmosphere, Kodo provides an experience that is truly "just what we needed" for the discerning California diner. It's a place that adds significant value to the local culinary scene.

kodo Photos

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kodo Location

kodo Reviews

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