Hollywood welcomes the arrival of "UKA," the latest signature restaurant from Los Angeles, in its bustling district.
UKA: A New Permanent Kaiseki Dining Destination in Los Angeles
UKA, a new Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant, is set to open its doors in Los Angeles on June 8th. Located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., this exquisite dining destination will offer a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the refined haute culinary tradition of kaiseki.
The restaurant's name, UKA, is inspired by "Ukanomitama-no-Kami," the god of grain and fertility, reflecting the emphasis on seasonal ingredients and freshness that is central to kaiseki cuisine. Occupying two floors at Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), UKA promises to be a place of new discovery that transcends physical and conceptual boundaries.
The culinary concept of UKA involves a traditional kaiseki style presentation — a multi-course meal that celebrates seasonal ingredients with precise preparation and artistic plating. The menu changes to reflect the seasons, conveying a celebration of nature's freshness and Japanese refinement. The experience is personal and immersive, often with the chef explaining the inspiration behind each dish and the provenance of ingredients, making it both an educational and gastronomic journey.
The menu at UKA includes a nine-course prix fixe with signature dishes like a palate cleansing Dashi for the Five Senses, a Savory Egg Custard, a Grilled Beef dish, and house-made Hojicha cheesecake and ice cream. The restaurant will serve seasonal, premium fish, meat, and vegetables from both Japan and California.
The space, designed by Ryu Kosaka, features an intimate dining room and Chef's counter accommodating up to 30 guests per seating. The 1,187 square foot space has soft gray hues, warm, natural tones of wood, lantern-inspired lighting, bonsai tree and bamboo accents, and large windows offering views from Hollywood to Downtown Los Angeles.
The tableware at UKA, such as Shigaraki ware and Echizen lacquerware, evokes the kaiseki tradition through its careful attention to detail, material, and pottery style. This attention to detail extends to the service, with the precision typical of haute Japanese dining.
The chef duo at UKA, Yoshitaka Mitsue and Shingo Kato, have experience in Japanese restaurants worldwide and have worked as private chefs for the UN Ambassador for Japan in New York. Chef Mitsue's early training in the fish markets of Japan is reflected in UKA's exquisite approach to preparing premium fresh seafood, while Chef Kato's background in French cuisine is evident in UKA's menu, with delicate sauces, house-made desserts, and pastries.
Reservations for UKA will be available via Tock. For more details about UKA, visit www.JapanHouseLA.com or follow them on Instagram.
UKA is an innovative project with three hubs - London, Los Angeles, and São Paulo - conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Our website Los Angeles seeks to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community. With the opening of UKA, Los Angeles diners will have the opportunity to experience a unique and authentic taste of Japan's rich culinary tradition.
- UKA, a new Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant, is designing an immersive dining experience in Los Angeles, showcasing the refined art of Japanese cuisine.
- The culinary tradition of kaiseki, with its emphasis on seasonal ingredients, is a tradition that UKA aims to honor and preserve in its community of diners.
- The restaurant's name, UKA, is inspired by Ukanomitama-no-Kami, reflecting the importance of nature's bounty in kaiseki cuisine.
- Food-and-drink aficionados will find a taste of global cuisines at UKA, with its nine-course prix fixe menu, including signature dishes like savory egg custard and palate-cleansing Dashi.
- Healthy cooking practices are incorporated into the traditional kaiseki style presentation, offering a balance of flavors and ingredients that nourish both body and soul.
- The indoor-living space at UKA, designed by Ryu Kosaka, features soft gray hues, warm wood tones, and natural lantern-inspired lighting, creating a soothing ambiance reminiscent of home-and-garden settings.
- Outside the dining room, the vibrant culture of Los Angeles blends with the refined tradition of kaiseki at UKA, offering diners a unique global perspective on the art of cooking.
- By embracing the kaiseki tradition and the flavors of Japanese cuisine, UKA promises to nurture a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture within the international community.
