(323) 337-9400

1999 N Sycamore Ave
Hollywood, CA 90068 34.1064 -118.3424

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Neighborhoods: Hollywood Hills, Central LA

YAMASHIRORESTAURANT.COM

Years in business

Established in 1972

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 1.24.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Outdoor Dining, View Dining, Business Dining, Group Dining

Cuisine:

Pan-Asian & Pacific Rim, Japanese

What People Are Saying About Yamashiro

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – Yamashiro's spectacular backdrop and grand architecture pleases the crowds. Built in 1911, the grounds are an exact replica of a palace located in the Yamashiro mountains near Kyoto, Japan. The pagoda, koi pond, polished teak and million-dollar views are intoxicating. The menu--featuring specialties in each course--includes twists on Japanese fare like the grilled saffron seafood and tuna encrusted in sesame. Sushi items include tuna, sea urchin and albacore sashimi. –

Editor's Tips

Parking:
You have no choice--valet parking is required.
Where To Sit:
Reservations are a must, so be sure to ask for a table with the best view (table 8 is great for couples).
ambiance
86.52999877929688% positive
  1. The food is a bit pricey but your paying more for the view.
  2. Yamashiro's a great restaurant with friendly service, a romantic ambiance, especially at night.
  3. We had a table with a beautiful view and watched the sun set.
  4. But I took my bf who is from out of town here for a romantic dinner for the 4th of July.
  5. It was good atmosphere but the price was so high.
  6. Yes, the view is really amazing but the food was beyond what I expected.
  7. The outer seating area has an amazing view of the city, while the indoor koi pond is perfect for a quiet romantic dinner.
  8. Well, I went to Yamashiro this weekend with my grilfriend for a romantic dinner/fun night out.
  9. The decor is simple and the atmosphere romantic.
  10. This is a great date spot with a beautiful view.
  11. Just to enjoy the grounds, views and historic value of this place.
  12. This place is impressive, the ambiance is nice, classy and romantic.
  13. That view is amazing.
  14. Great food, romantic and chill.
  15. As a romantic restaurant this place seems highly overrated.
  16. it's all tourists & novice sushi eaters inside, and once you're drunk off of their mediocre cocktails & sake, the view & dim lighting become even more intoxicating.
  17. We were seeking a quiet romantic dinner, but did not find it.
  18. Impressive ambiance, delicious food and excellent customer service
  19. guess the view is supposed to make up for the mediocre food.
  20. If you want atmosphere without dinner the bar shares the same incredible view.
  21. highly recommend the food and views of the city.
  22. The views are great, but I didn't leave very satisfied.
  23. Yamashiro has the greatest view and the most romantic atmosphere of any restaurnat in Southern California.
  24. What you're really paying for is the view of Los Angeles metro, which is stunning.
  25. The service is top notch and you have the best view in town.
  26. It sits on top of a hill with a fantastic view of the city.
  27. Great food and Great views !
  28. The view is fantastic and well worth the drive up the hill.
  29. love the sushi and the view!
  30. Other evenings might be better, but dont go on a saturday expecting a romantic evening.
  31. Although the food is kinda pricey, you are paying for the ambience.
  32. Yamashiro is one of the most romantic restaurant's in Los Angeles.
  33. As everyone else said this place has a really great view and atmosphere.
  34. the view is great, but if you want to sit outside, the garden in the middle is gorgeous.
  35. guess I dont even have to say it, but the view was amazing!
  36. Suggestion: Sit in the serenely beautiful Japanese garden for dinner, and finish the evening with cocktails/desert in the lounge, for a fantastic view of Hollywood.
  37. The wait staff was professional and attentive, the wine list was quite pleasing, the interior has ambiance up the a**, the surrounding gardens are beautiful, and the view can't be beat.
  38. The view is of course very nice and the building is a piece of art it self.
  39. great location, okay food
  40. However, it can afford to be with the amazing view.
  41. The view is GORGEOUS, the food is amazing, and the service was top notch.
  42. The view was amazing and the service was great.
  43. suppose the reason for the expensive food prices is so that they can pay for the location and the staff.
  44. great place for a date, has great food and great views !
  45. Cal-Asian style restaurant with an amazing view of Hollywood in a mountain top Japanese mansion, very romantic but is also pricey.
  46. The view is not that great, to be honest, Top of the World has a wayyyyy better view, and
  47. By the way, the inside courtyrd with the Japanese garden is also a great place to dine less the view of the city.
  48. The hilltop view of the city is fabulous, the grounds are beautiful.
  49. Horrible food, horrible service, overrated view, not in the least bit romantic, and the price is outrageous!
  50. Nonetheless, it was well worth it, the view is awesome and it just oozes a romantic feeling.
  51. The view was to die for and the service was refreshingly attentive and caring.
  52. Food is good, but not as amazing as the atmosphere, view, and location; although, they may serve the BEST Unagi I've ever had.
  53. This place is very expensive, however with the ambiance, the service and the food that you get its worth paying for.
  54. went initially for the view but stayed for the wonderful food and service.
  55. Great views, so-so food.
  56. The food is amazing and you cant beat the view.
  57. by the Japanese style architecture and wonderful view.
  58. Amazing view of Los Angeles from the hill.
  59. We sat in the romantic garden and we were alone for most of the meal.
  60. The views and architecture of the restaurant are amazing, along with the koi pond.
  61. The food is always delicious, the view is amazing, and the ambience is tasteful.
  62. Good Food, Great views, Good service, Avoid on Saturday night
  63. they don't have to try to pretend they have good sushi or other dishes or drinks or anything else b/c of their location & the view.
  64. Yamashiro has an awesome view of LA, there is no denying it.
  65. amazing food, ambience and service!
  66. One of the best views in Hollywood, so ask for a table near the front windows (unless you prefer a zen-like experience around the garden in the center of the restaurant) for the best experience.
  67. For such a lovely and romantic setting, I've never had worse service.
  68. My boyfriend and I went here for dinner a couple of weeks ago and loved the food and atmosphere.
  69. If you like great views with mediocre (overpriced) food, this is the place for you.
  70. My boyfriend and I had a great view overlooking Hollywood.
  71. recommend going there because of the view and splendid design, but don't expect great food.
  72. We went on a saturday and found the place swarmed by groups of people much more interested in downing drinks than enjoying a romantic evening.
  73. It's an old Japanese style building & gardens that is fun to explore.
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. Great place for drinks and dessert
  2. Recent dearly departed dishes include the Shoyu Glazed Sea Bass (I sure miss that), the tasty crab cakes, the simple Filet dish and the Creme Brulee trio.
  3. Suggestion: Sit in the serenely beautiful Japanese garden for dinner, and finish the evening with cocktails/desert in the lounge, for a fantastic view of Hollywood.
  4. The desert was out of this world good.
  5. Also, our crispy shrimp appetizer and chocolate souffle dessert were very delicious.
  6. ALTHOUGH, they have the BEST sorbet trio for dessert.
  7. The desert was great!
  8. The desserts are really great too.
drinks
91.25% positive
  1. We ordered our drinks and 2 appetizers and told her we would order our dinner later on once our appetizers arrived.
  2. they don't have to try to pretend they have good sushi or other dishes or drinks or anything else b/c of their location & the view.
  3. He made wonderful suggestions and chose the perfect wine for the meal.
  4. The wait staff was professional and attentive, the wine list was quite pleasing, the interior has ambiance up the a**, the surrounding gardens are beautiful, and the view can't be beat.
  5. The new wine list put together by the new General Manager features outstanding hard to fines wines as well.
  6. The food was good, if overpriced, and they had a good selection of drinks and sake.
  7. Great place for drinks and dessert
  8. Apparently there is some un-written rule that every person must order an entree, or the entire party will be asked to move to the bar.
  9. The food is mediocre at best, the portions are not big at all, the prices are a bit high for the quality, the managers won't talk to you if you ask to speak with them, the front desk is sometimes rude depending on the person - and also not very helpful, t
  10. Some interesting drinks - all well executed.
  11. it's all tourists & novice sushi eaters inside, and once you're drunk off of their mediocre cocktails & sake, the view & dim lighting become even more intoxicating.
  12. If you want atmosphere without dinner the bar shares the same incredible view.
  13. The drinks are good at Yamashiro but the food isn't worth it
  14. We went on a saturday and found the place swarmed by groups of people much more interested in downing drinks than enjoying a romantic evening.
  15. Suggestion: Sit in the serenely beautiful Japanese garden for dinner, and finish the evening with cocktails/desert in the lounge, for a fantastic view of Hollywood.
  16. Selection of wine was acceptable.
  17. the drinks are pretty good and unique and some of the items on the menu certainly sound interesting.
  18. When I didnt know what wine to order the manager came over and suggested the perfect wine.
  19. Our drinks tasted pretty good but the food!
  20. The waiter didn't arrive but the host was nice enough to bring our drinks.
food quality
80.13999938964844% positive
  1. great Japanese food
  2. The food was AMAZING!
  3. Our drinks tasted pretty good but the food!
  4. they don't have to try to pretend they have good sushi or other dishes or drinks or anything else b/c of their location & the view.
  5. Great date spot, good food, good service
  6. The food itself is good but nothing special.
  7. big chunks of tofu.
  8. Service, beauty, and superb food.
  9. Great food and Great views !
  10. The waiter was friendly and knowledgable of all the food.
  11. Although the food is kinda pricey, you are paying for the ambience.
  12. He made wonderful suggestions and chose the perfect wine for the meal.
  13. The sushi was quite good, but the seafood was a little disappointing.
  14. Probably one of the best sushi restaurants in L.A. just above the Magic Castle.
  15. The food is also good.
  16. The food is amazing and you cant beat the view.
  17. it's all tourists & novice sushi eaters inside, and once you're drunk off of their mediocre cocktails & sake, the view & dim lighting become even more intoxicating.
  18. the sushi's not bad but not great either and they know it too.
  19. Recent dearly departed dishes include the Shoyu Glazed Sea Bass (I sure miss that), the tasty crab cakes, the simple Filet dish and the Creme Brulee trio.
  20. dinner was pretty good, the sushi appetizers where good too.
  21. The food is a bit pricey but your paying more for the view.
  22. the sushi was very good, not great, but oh, the food!
  23. Yes, the view is really amazing but the food was beyond what I expected.
  24. The food was good, if overpriced, and they had a good selection of drinks and sake.
  25. The food is mediocre at best, the portions are not big at all, the prices are a bit high for the quality, the managers won't talk to you if you ask to speak with them, the front desk is sometimes rude depending on the person - and also not very helpful, t
  26. love the sushi and the view!
  27. the food however was good, but not great.
  28. sushi was good also.
  29. We had a great time, but the food really wasn't that great.
  30. love sushi, but this was almost a bit too overdone and inventive (and a bit expensive for what we got).
  31. The other sushi is impressively unique, but again.
  32. The sushi is amazingly delicious like the Hawaii 5 O roll but is very gourmet sushi so not for the common sushi lover.
  33. :-( The sushi is good, still - but this is L.A., good sushi abounds.
  34. especially recommend the Seabass and the Mai Tai cocktail was very tasty.
  35. great location, okay food
  36. If judging just on the food, this place is overpriced.
  37. If you like great views with mediocre (overpriced) food, this is the place for you.
  38. How can it be so great, with awful sushi making skills?
  39. love the cal-asian cuisine, it makes it so easy to please everyone.
  40. Incredible steaks, great seafood (try the Salmon) and the most unique and delicious Sushi dishes, The food is now a great reason to visit Yamashiro.
  41. Excellent food, Service just okay
  42. We love good food but more important we like to relax and enjoy the experience.
  43. Horrible food, horrible service, overrated view, not in the least bit romantic, and the price is outrageous!
  44. great sushi!
  45. and the food's wonderful.
  46. The food was not amazing.
  47. The new chef is innovative and creates a savory fusion of californian and asian cuisine.
  48. The sushi was very good.
  49. If you want good sushi there are plenty of other places that will give you much better food for better prices.
  50. The dishes were all very delicious.
  51. guess the view is supposed to make up for the mediocre food.
  52. recommend going there because of the view and splendid design, but don't expect great food.
  53. Impressive ambiance, delicious food and excellent customer service
  54. The Kobe beef was absolutley perfect!
  55. The sushi was not that great either.
  56. suppose the reason for the expensive food prices is so that they can pay for the location and the staff.
  57. My boyfriend and I went here for dinner a couple of weeks ago and loved the food and atmosphere.
  58. The food isn't bad and the service is pretty good too.
  59. Overall I'd say this place is for novice sushi eaters looking for a nice restaurant to impress their non-foodie dates.
  60. The new Chef has completely changed the menu and the food now is excellent as well.
  61. Sushi was not fresh.
  62. Great Atmosphere, Incredible service - but just OK food even though the Mothers' Day buffet presentation was beautiful.
  63. Also, our crispy shrimp appetizer and chocolate souffle dessert were very delicious.
  64. Nothing superb, just a nice little sushi restaurant in the hills.
  65. Dinner salad was simple but had a great dressing.
  66. The crispy chicken appetizer is excellent.
  67. When I went there, I was seriously hoping that the food would be really great even though I've read many reviews on the restaurant from this site.
  68. Great views, so-so food.
  69. All in all, the food could have been better for the price, but the cost was justified by all the other wonderful elements.
  70. great place for a date, has great food and great views !
  71. The view is GORGEOUS, the food is amazing, and the service was top notch.
  72. This place is very expensive, however with the ambiance, the service and the food that you get its worth paying for.
  73. Great food, romantic and chill.
  74. The inari sushi could have been stuffed with something more than basic white rice - whoever heard of inari without delectible sushi rice with all of the good stuff blended in?
  75. Their sushi is good, but nothing too amazing.
  76. The drinks are good at Yamashiro but the food isn't worth it
  77. It consist of chicken, steak, seafood all 4 plates not only had nice presentations, they were also very tasty.
  78. We thought the food was really great too.
  79. We sat in the romantic garden and we were alone for most of the meal.
  80. The food is always delicious, the view is amazing, and the ambience is tasteful.
  81. amazing food, ambience and service!
  82. The sushi section was beautifully presented but the ingredients were mediocre at best and pedestrian in quality and taste.
  83. went initially for the view but stayed for the wonderful food and service.
  84. Anyway we ordered their famous sushi for an appetizer(not hard to remember for a waitress being the top ap), and later found out that it was absolutely a totally different thing after we forced it down and knew it was a mistake!
  85. Killer View, Great Architecture Pretty good food
  86. highly recommend the food and views of the city.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. The food was good, if overpriced, and they had a good selection of drinks and sake.
  2. the drinks are pretty good and unique and some of the items on the menu certainly sound interesting.
  3. They also offer a Cal-Asian menu, which the children often enjoy.
  4. The restaurant is wonderful and the menu has something for everyone.
  5. The new Chef has completely changed the menu and the food now is excellent as well.
overall
96.66999816894531% positive
  1. By the way, the inside courtyrd with the Japanese garden is also a great place to dine less the view of the city.
  2. When I went there, I was seriously hoping that the food would be really great even though I've read many reviews on the restaurant from this site.
  3. Not only is it a great place to take a date but the people as well as environment alone is why I go to this restaurant!
  4. great place for a date, has great food and great views !
  5. Nothing superb, just a nice little sushi restaurant in the hills.
  6. If you like great views with mediocre (overpriced) food, this is the place for you.
  7. Overall I'd say this place is for novice sushi eaters looking for a nice restaurant to impress their non-foodie dates.
  8. One of the best views in Hollywood, so ask for a table near the front windows (unless you prefer a zen-like experience around the garden in the center of the restaurant) for the best experience.
  9. great koi pond in the middle of the restaurant.
  10. Yamashiro's a great restaurant with friendly service, a romantic ambiance, especially at night.
service
81.37999534606934% positive
  1. The valet is quite good and the people are very friendly.
  2. My waiter was so nice and helpful.
  3. Horrible food, horrible service, overrated view, not in the least bit romantic, and the price is outrageous!
  4. The waiter didn't arrive but the host was nice enough to bring our drinks.
  5. This place is very expensive, however with the ambiance, the service and the food that you get its worth paying for.
  6. The service wasn't that good either.
  7. Everything we had was incredible and our server was very helpful in helping us decide what to order.
  8. The hostess staff is quite friendly and service is supreme.
  9. The view was amazing and the service was great.
  10. Good Food, Great views, Good service, Avoid on Saturday night
  11. The food is mediocre at best, the portions are not big at all, the prices are a bit high for the quality, the managers won't talk to you if you ask to speak with them, the front desk is sometimes rude depending on the person - and also not very helpful, t
  12. Great date spot, good food, good service
  13. Yamashiro's a great restaurant with friendly service, a romantic ambiance, especially at night.
  14. appreciated that the filet was cooked to order AND the server came back about a minute after the filet was delivered to make sure it was cooked properly.
  15. She was rude and abrupt giving us silly excuses that she was very busy since she was also taking care of a big party.
  16. For such a lovely and romantic setting, I've never had worse service.
  17. The staff was extremely friendly when I entered the restaurant.
  18. The view was to die for and the service was refreshingly attentive and caring.
  19. suppose the reason for the expensive food prices is so that they can pay for the location and the staff.
  20. Seating was prompt and the service was great.
  21. Anyway we ordered their famous sushi for an appetizer(not hard to remember for a waitress being the top ap), and later found out that it was absolutely a totally different thing after we forced it down and knew it was a mistake!
  22. The servers were really great, and all in all, it was a terrific (not to mention ROMANTIC) evening.
  23. The staff of Yamashiro were accomodating to our requests and service was pretty good.
  24. They treat you like royalty, the servers were very nice, helpful and attentive.
  25. The service was good as well.
  26. They seated us immediately, but throughout the whole dinner the staff was INCREDIBLY SLOW.
  27. went initially for the view but stayed for the wonderful food and service.
  28. dunno if the service was slow in general or cos it was a friday nite but it seemed forever to get serviced
  29. She was a terrible waitress running around nervous and busy pushing the menue onto the customers, making us very uncomfortable.
  30. Incredible service, incredibly accomodating and commanding her help with ease - she made our experience at the restaurant good.
  31. The food isn't bad and the service is pretty good too.
  32. The service is always excellent.
  33. The service is top notch and you have the best view in town.
  34. amazing food, ambience and service!
  35. Terrible service
  36. very attentive., Great management!
  37. When I didnt know what wine to order the manager came over and suggested the perfect wine.
  38. The wait staff was professional and attentive, the wine list was quite pleasing, the interior has ambiance up the a**, the surrounding gardens are beautiful, and the view can't be beat.
  39. The view is GORGEOUS, the food is amazing, and the service was top notch.
  40. We went on a saturday and found the place swarmed by groups of people much more interested in downing drinks than enjoying a romantic evening.
  41. The waitress was extremely knowledgeable and recommended a Great Wine.
  42. Not only is it a great place to take a date but the people as well as environment alone is why I go to this restaurant!
  43. Impressive ambiance, delicious food and excellent customer service
  44. The service was great, everyone was friendly and efficient.
  45. Great Atmosphere, Incredible service - but just OK food even though the Mothers' Day buffet presentation was beautiful.
  46. the service was great too.
  47. The waiter was friendly and knowledgable of all the food.
value
56.44000053405762% positive
  1. Cal-Asian style restaurant with an amazing view of Hollywood in a mountain top Japanese mansion, very romantic but is also pricey.
  2. Horrible food, horrible service, overrated view, not in the least bit romantic, and the price is outrageous!
  3. It was good atmosphere but the price was so high.
  4. This place is very expensive, however with the ambiance, the service and the food that you get its worth paying for.
  5. Just to enjoy the grounds, views and historic value of this place.
  6. Although the food is kinda pricey, you are paying for the ambience.
  7. Food was decent but not worth the prices they charge.
  8. The drinks are good at Yamashiro but the food isn't worth it
  9. love sushi, but this was almost a bit too overdone and inventive (and a bit expensive for what we got).
  10. was a little skeptical about eating here at first because we have had our bad experiences at expensive LA restaurants.
  11. suppose the reason for the expensive food prices is so that they can pay for the location and the staff.
  12. The place is expensive but it's worth it!
  13. The food is mediocre at best, the portions are not big at all, the prices are a bit high for the quality, the managers won't talk to you if you ask to speak with them, the front desk is sometimes rude depending on the person - and also not very helpful, t
  14. Nonetheless, it was well worth it, the view is awesome and it just oozes a romantic feeling.
  15. The view is fantastic and well worth the drive up the hill.
  16. If you like great views with mediocre (overpriced) food, this is the place for you.
  17. The food was good, if overpriced, and they had a good selection of drinks and sake.
  18. All in all, the food could have been better for the price, but the cost was justified by all the other wonderful elements.
  19. This restraunt is very pricey- so beware.
  20. If you want good sushi there are plenty of other places that will give you much better food for better prices.
  21. The food is a bit pricey but your paying more for the view.
  22. If judging just on the food, this place is overpriced.
wait time
50.0% positive
  1. appreciated that the filet was cooked to order AND the server came back about a minute after the filet was delivered to make sure it was cooked properly.
  2. dunno if the service was slow in general or cos it was a friday nite but it seemed forever to get serviced
4 Star Rating: Recommended

12/27/11

Amazing!

by yolandahall

A really high end restaurant and just loved the service. All the servers were so kind and the sushi was amazing.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

12/27/11

Darth Vader Roll!

by Anneevans

Wow one of the best views I have ever been to. Perfect place to take a date, and loved the Darth Vader Roll.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/07/11

Love their California Rolls!

by ABlues4Nina

Love their California Rolls, talk about fresh and delicious! My ex boyfriend took me for a surprise dinner a few years back and I have been going ever since! Their Mai Tai's are amazing and the food is delicious. I love the view as well!!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/19/10

Best View of Hollywood at Night

by HollywoodHotels

For three decades, guests have enjoyed Yamashiro’s restaurant with gracious Japanese ambience and one of the best Hollywood city views ever.

Elegant contemporary direction in service and food, resulting in the the restaurant’s highly praised CalAsian cuisine, complementing classic Japanese favorites.

Meeting friends and family at this legendary historic place for great drinks and dinner is a must, if you ever visit Hollywood.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/20/10

Amazing View and Good Sushi Too

by Erin W Davis

Set atop the Hollywood hills, Yamashiro provides a great change of pace from most restaurants in LA. Not only are there gorgeous views from here, but they also have some interesting sushi choices. Along with the usual sushi selection they have an Italian inspired “Comfort Me, Amore” roll with goat cheese, melon, prosciutto, arugula, and basil. The “Darth Vadar Roll” (spicy tuna) is also unique as it’s made with black rice. And the “Hawaii Five-0” will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation with its spicy yellowtail, macadamia nuts, and toasted coconut.

The Details on Yamashiro

Place Categories:

  • amazing hilltop view
  • good okay food
  • great customer service
  • good other sushi
  • great place
  • nice little sushi restaurant
  • mediocre horrible food
  • pretty good drinks
  • really great atmosphere
  • really great servers
  • romantic dinner
  • serenely beautiful japanese garden
  • perfect great wine
  • romantic evening
  • romantic ambiance
  • not that good service
  • helpful waiter
  • awful sushi
  • good other dishes
  • really great desserts
  • fantastic drive
  • romantic setting
  • tasteful ambience
  • best entire experience
  • great seafood

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