A Los Angeles restaurant is making waves both locally and nationally — and food lovers say it is worth every penny.
The Restaurant: n/naka
n/naka is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Los Angeles run by chef Niki Nakayama. It is best known for its stunning 13-course Japanese kaiseki tasting menu, which blends traditional Japanese techniques with fresh California ingredients.
The tasting menu is priced at $395 per person — and reservations are notoriously hard to get.
The James Beard Nomination
Chef Niki Nakayama has been nominated for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award, placing her among the most celebrated culinary talents in the country.
What Makes n/naka Special?
- 13-course seafood-focused menu
- Inspired by both Japan and California
- Michelin-starred dining experience
- Chef Nakayama personally oversees every detail
More LA Restaurants in the Spotlight
Several other Los Angeles restaurants also earned James Beard nominations this year including Providence on Melrose, known for innovative seafood, and Ki in Little Tokyo, which offers a Korean-influenced global tasting menu.
When Are Winners Announced?
The 2026 James Beard Awards Ceremony takes place on June 15, 2026 in Chicago. All eyes will be on Los Angeles that night.
If fine dining is your thing, n/naka is as good as it gets in LA right now.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
