If you’re looking for the ultimate Los Angeles adventure, Yamashiro Hollywood is the pinnacle.
Owner Freddy Braidy (pictured below), General Manager Leslie Mora, and Executive Chef Jae Hee Lee curated an unparalleled experience honoring local and imported ingredients and the philosophy of Japanese culture.
The lore
Inspired by the Chinese mythology of Longmen, guests are asked to follow the koi fish printed sidewalk into the establishment. You know you’ve arrived when you enter the striking venue that represents the powerful dragon.
If you’re unfamiliar with the ancient myth, koi fish swim upstream against the current in hopes of successfully leaping over a waterfall. There are only a few fish that successfully cross Dragon Gate, which makes the myth a perfect allegory for the restaurant’s location and theme … Mountain Palace.
The space
Nestled atop the Hollywood Hills with breathtaking panoramic views of the City of Angels, Yamashiro Hollywood offers remarkable Asian-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and features both indoor and outdoor dining experiences.
A replica of a palace located in the “Yamashiro” province mountains near Kyoto, Japan, the historic hilltop mansion was first built in 1914 and sits 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard.
The venue boasts an open-air courtyard with a pond and several koi fish that are approximately 60 years of age! Yamishiro’s Pagoda was flown in from Japan and is currently the oldest structure in California, at 600 years old.
As seen on
You’ve likely noticed Yamashiro Hollywood in some of your favorite movies: Kill Bill, Sayonara, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Gone in 60 Seconds. Yamashiro Hollywood was also featured in the TV shows: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, True Detective, Bling Empire, The Hills, and Selling Sunset.
Famous faces spotted at Yamashiro Hollywood over the years are Tori Spelling, Bre Tiesi, Chaz Dean, and Nia Sanchez. While we were there, Tony/Laurence Olivier Award-winning singer and actress, Nicole Scherzinger, enjoyed dinner and the 360° view.
The food
All of the fish offerings are flown in daily from Japan. Prepare to be blown away by the freshness, quality, and flavors.
Starters/Appetizers EDAMAME TRUFFLE DUMPLINGS – Truffle, edamame puree, ponzu, fried leeks
SPICY TUNA CRISPY RICE – Avocado purée, sweet soy, spicy mayo, pickled serrano
Nigiri IKURA CAVIAR, ALBACORE, FAROE ISLAND SALMON, TORO, TUNA, YELLOWTAIL
Noodles STEAK GARLIC NOODLES Tenderloin, yakisoba noodles, crispy garlic, bean sprouts, oyster sauce, parmigiano reggiano
Karaage + Tempura CHICKEN KARAAGE – Chicken thigh, chili zu, mayo
Crispy duck (Currently a weekend special, the duck will be added to the official menu shortly!)
Seafood SEARED SALMON Faroe Island Salmon, ikura, fried carrot, chili soy vinaigrette
Dessert Cucumber and coconut slush and tiramisu
For those who don’t frequent the West Coast, Yamashiro Miami recently opened!
