Hamasaku
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (323) 651-5866
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Orlando Avenue
- Specialties:
- Bartenders, Exotic Drinks, Martini
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Hamasaku – by Martha Burr
In Short
Mike Ovitz's Kumo was seemingly cursed, first with a wildly overpriced menu that drew boos even from agents, then with a car crashing into the front, prompting its rebirth as a second Hamasaku. Ovitz and Toshi Kihara--a former Japanese teen star who trained at Ma Maison with Wolfgang Puck--try to recreate the magic of their West L.A. Hamasaku that's a hit with stars and chefs. White on white still dominates the sleek space with ivory leather banquettes, iridescent tile, sheer bubble glass chandeliers and a mod, contoured ceiling. Hollywood's power elite merge with a sexy crowd at the amber-glowing bar, but chef Hiro Fujita's new menu echoes the streamlined original with his tuna trio, Saikyo cod, grilled tenderloin, sashimi and omakase.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe outstanding cocktail program created by mixologist James Bobby emerges mostly unscathed, with Asian-inspired handcrafted cocktails that complement Japanese food. There's also a sake list with a solid choice of premium and house sakes.
Where to SitThe best seats are the 5 window booths. Larger groups (8-10) find two round tables amidst deuces and foursomes. The private room seats 10.
The ExtrasIf the 6-seat bar is crowded, guests may also sip cocktails on the corner patio seating at the entrance.
User Reviews for Hamasaku
06/16/2008 Posted by ClassyGlassJoe
WOW. This place did it right. As soon as I walked in I was blown away by the hospitality and the decor. The host, a stunning Japanese lady, greeted us as did the genuinely gracious bartender (no doorman here, thank God). The host escorted us to our table in the back of the restaurant near a beautifully lit waterfall. I was mesmerized. I actually didn't even know who owned this place until my date mentioned that Michael Ovitz was dining a couple tables down from us with my all-time favorite actor, Dusty Hoffman! Man, what a treat! The restaurant did seem a little understaffed for Saturday night, but strangely it didn't really affect our service. Our server was an adorable Japanese girl who was sincere and efficient. It felt as if we were fine dining in Japan! The food was fantastic! I've never had rolls like that before! The sushi was the best I ever had – no question! The cocktails - out of this world! My date ordered the Tana-tini (which she loved – a little sweet for me) and I ordered the Shibuya, but I didn’t get to try it. Unfortunately, they ran out of passionfruit juice so I had to order something else. That's when James, the executive bar chef - as he anointed himself, came up to our table and apologized. He asked me what I was eating and asked me questions about my palate. I had no idea what to expect. Then he personally went behind the bar and made me a cocktail out of this world!!! The kid's a genius! It was perfect! It was fragrant and explosive on the nose. Clean and crisp. My taste buds were blasted with subtle flavors! It complemented every bit of sushi I had! That made my night. This place is definitely worth coming back to. You can tell the people that work here really care about what they are doing. It's no wonder why Dusty dines here; it's the best place in town. No Hollywood garbage just great service, great people, great food and even better drinks! Thanks James and thank you Kumo!
Pros: Out-of-this-World Cocktails, Sushi, Ambience, Service that REALLY cares
Cons: Dessert selection
06/02/2008 Posted by Foodie626
My girlfriend and I have been to EVERY high-end spot in town and have had the best meals at Kumo, hands down. Like most restaurants, there were intial service problems that we experienced but the food is what kept bringing us back. The service is now on par with what we consider to be the best in town and friends who have had less than perfect experiences tend to have ordered wrong. Here's what we had and would challenge anyone to have the below and say differently. • albacore sashimi salad w/ greens • miso infused black cod with miso sauce (***my personal favorite) • yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and ponzu jelly • Japanese Pancake with Tuna • Boneless Colorado Lamb Chop with Kumo Mashed Potatoes (mashed potatoes optional) • seared toro sahimi w/ light sauce • japanese wagyu beef • Kumo Pillows (Bluefin Toro w/Scallions, Yellowtail w/Ponzu & Tricolor Jalapenos, Baked Crab ) Wow. I just got hungry for some black cod...
Pros: Mixed drinks are fantastic coupled with the freshest fish in town
Cons: Slightly pricey but who wants to skimp on fish? Better to pay a bit more, love the food and not each cheap fish...
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