Hayama by WATAMI

Lei

5 months ago · ★ 5

What? I’m honestly surprised to see some negative reviews. As someone from Japan, I think this restaurant is really great because they clearly care about what people here actually enjoy eating. Instead of focusing only on their own style or stick with Japanese traditional food, they’ve created a menu that balances quality with what customers here genuinely want and enjoy. It’s technically a sushi restaurant, but the appetizer selection is huge. There are so many different options, and the portions are generous, so it feels worth the price. The sushi is made by One legendary chef and young experienced chef from Japan, and it’s excellent. They offer both authentic Japanese sushi and more American-style options, which makes it fun for everyone. I’ve honestly never been to another Japanese place with this much variety all in one menu in this country like appetizers, pasta, sushi, yakitori… there’s something for everyone. It’s rare to find a spot like this. You should definitely check it out!!!!

Olivia Cummings

2 months ago · ★ 5

We live in the neighborhood, been to Japan many times and are so impressed!! We loved our dinner here! The happy hour is a great deal and all the drinks and food were delicious and very generous. Service was excellent as well! We can’t wait to come back here again and again!

Erin Jackson

3 months ago · ★ 5

A great new addition to the Helms Bakery District. We visited for the first time during opening week, and were impressed by the fish quality, presentation, and value for their sushi sets. Admittedly, there were a few service quirks (no one to greet us when we entered; long delay in getting water and menus once seated; server was unfamiliar with menu options) but I'm sure that these minor inconveniences have since been ironed out after now being open for a couple months and that the staff have gotten into a better workflow. We have since been back a second time to order takeout, which was equally delicious. I hear they are now open for lunch and happy hour, and I am excited to try them out in-person again.

Kay Chan

5 months ago · ★ 5

The restaurant just opened and we went on day 2. Delicious and interesting combinations of flavors and a good selection of dishes. The Mt Fuji cocktail looked beautiful and refreshing. Pork belly wrapped oyster was magnificent. Salmon and avocado roll was on par compared to other restaurants. The Ropponji Roll in the light ponzu sauce was nicely tangy and unique. It was perfectly deep fried with a hint of crispiness. We also had the pork belly wrapped soft boil egg and that was amazing. Beef Kalbi was a good bite of steak. Would be nice if ginger and wasabi was included, it’s extra on the side. Unless it’s fresh wasabi root, then that would be ok.

Rav Randhawa

4 months ago · ★ 5

Frankly incredible. The best sushi and Japanese food we’ve had in LA. And the service was friendly and wonderful. We loved it so much we are definitely going back.