The story
At UKA, located on the fifth floor of JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood, the traditional Japanese multi-course dinner is reimagined for a modern palate. The restaurant offers a refined omakase menu rooted in the kaiseki haute culinary tradition, where each dish is designed to capture a particular essence of time, place, and the very best of Japanese cuisine. This approach earned UKA a coveted Michelin star in the 2024 Michelin Guide California.
The experience is guided by Chef Yoshitaka Mitsue, whose career spans Japanese restaurants from Osaka to France and New York, including a role as private chef to the UN Ambassador for Japan. At UKA, his careful precision shines through his use of interlocally foraged ingredients and meticulous aging and curing methods for premium fresh seafood—techniques that draw out the deep, concentrated flavor of the fish, a nod to his early training in the fish markets of Japan.
UKA’s menu is built around two primary kaiseki experiences, each priced at $350. The Chef’s Counter offers an immersive view of the kitchen, while Table Seating allows guests to enjoy the meal at their own pace. Both feature a seasonal menu that changes to reflect the best ingredients of the moment. For those who prefer a lighter introduction, the Chef’s Recommended Menu ($50 and up) provides a prefixed assortment of dishes that showcase the same high-quality ingredients, paired perfectly with the restaurant’s exceptional drink offerings.
A sake and wine pairing ($120) is available, featuring six glasses of rare sake and fine wine. The restaurant is known for its notable sake list and thoughtful wine pairings, complementing the intricate flavors of the kaiseki meal. UKA is open from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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