Hayato

Best Kaiseki/Washoku Japanese restaurant in the country! Chef Brandon uses many different traditional Kaiseki techniques with Dashi stock, grilling, tempura and more to bring diners on a 14+ course meal. The friendly and relaxing atmosphere gives the diners an unforgettable experience.

Everything in the bento is very well balanced. The proteins have rich tastes and the vegetables are refreshing. This is not the bento that makes you feel like, wow what is this. But it’s very comforting and 優しい and makes you happy when tasting each of the items. Highly recommend it if you want try something authentically japanese.

The bento boxes from Hayato are not the casual, quick lunches that might typically spring to mind. These are meticulous and painstakingly crafted works of art that take your palette on a culinary journey of tastes, textures, and temperatures: from the sweetness of the Mexican white shrimp and snow crab to the slight bitterness of the chrysanthemum leaves and the brightness of the cucumber. You will inevitably play favorites. The only question is: are you the type of person who eats your favorites as quickly as possible or the type to save some for later so you can be guaranteed a glorious last bite? If the price makes you think twice before booking on Resy, it’s definitely worth it. This is one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had at this price point. And I am anxiously awaiting the start of their dinner service (which I’m told will commence in the next few weeks and already has quite the waitlist). Note: Resy says the bento boxes are for take-out only, but you can also request in the notes to dine in at their counter.

"It's my favorite restaurant!" is a phrase you'll hear very often from all the guests who have been here. The happiest place for many of us ☺️ *Reservation only.

Plan ahead and you won't regret it. This is a seven seating, three person run kaiseki restaurant.

Idean Hashemian

My first visit to Hayato was unforgettable. The kaiseki menu is executed with such precision and respect for each ingredient, every dish feels both refined and deeply soulful. The intimate setting and warm hospitality make the whole evening even more special. Truly one of the most exceptional dining experiences in Los Angeles!!

Penny Lane

After just stepping off a long flight from Japan, our very first meal was here, and it instantly transported us back. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it was even better than many of the meals we had in Japan itself. Every dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious, with a clear sense of respect and care for each ingredient. Brandon’s passion shone through not only in the food but also in the way he shared his knowledge and insight. His thoughtful explanations made the experience as enriching as it was flavorful. And then there was the sake, a truly extraordinary selection, curated with as much artistry as the food itself. It was the perfect complement to an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re looking for Japanese cuisine in LA that feels authentic, soulful, and elevated, Hyato is in a league of its own.

Quynh Dao

Amazing and unforgettable experience. One of not the most difficult reservations to get in LA. I’m living proof that it’s possible if you don’t give up and are persistent! Take advantage of the waitlist. Reservations are released on the 1st of every month at 10A. Seating is intimate (only 7 seats!) and there’s only 1 seating per night. Food and ambiance were memorable. Loved being able to interact with Chef Brandon and the staff. We dined with great people who were generous, fun and had great conversations. It was intimate and soothed my soul. You can feel that love and thought are poured into the experience. The food was simple and pure yet delicious. I would love to return in the future for another round of food for my soul.

Yellowpikachus

Hayato was definitely worth the effort in trying to get a reservation. Reservations are difficult to get as they get snatched up very quickly and seating is only 7 people a night. This restaurant is one of my favorites for fine dining. The ingredients vary by season and are cooked in a way that brings out their natural flavors. The grilled kinki with the roasted onion was the best dish of the evening for me.

Jason Koh

I don’t have the words to describe the dining experience here properly. Only that top ingredients are showcased to their fullest expression. Worth it for food lovers to try their utmost to get a reservation here.

kang linan

great food and people. a must try kaiseki meal. really really great sake selections, and the bottle price is very truly reasonable compared to other ** or *** restaurants. Humble chef and informative talk with the team. Def on my revisit list.

Joshua Miao

08/04/24 - Amazing kaiseki dinner at @hayatorestaurant. Reservations were gone within 30 seconds and was only able to get due to the wait-list. Thank you @brandon_hayato_go for an amazing dinner experience. Service was superb and very personal. The space was very nice although could use some more cooling as it got a bit warm.

Steven Lin

Lovely food and extreme attention to details. The chef and the host looks really cool. I also love their great taste of food selection and how chef put top-notch ingredients together. If I can get reservations more frequently I’ll definitely go every single time.

Jiacheng Liu

The intimate ambiance, paired with the bountiful offerings, sings the chef's philosophy: "I want the taste of our food to be the taste of a pristine ingredient that has not been interfered with." Here, diners will find the essence of pure ingredients dancing gracefully on the palate and celebrating the untouched beauty of nature's bounty.

Shelley

Yes, everything you've heard about Hayato is true. This bento was not only worth the hype - it actually exceeded my expectations. That's not something I can say about most restaurants these days. But why can't I get another rezzy T_______T (As Uncle Roger would say...Haya...)

Warren

Best Kaiseki/Washoku Japanese restaurant in the country! Chef Brandon uses many different traditional Kaiseki techniques with Dashi stock, grilling, tempura and more to bring diners on a 14+ course meal. The friendly and relaxing atmosphere gives the diners an unforgettable experience.

Vera Huang

Everything in the bento is very well balanced. The proteins have rich tastes and the vegetables are refreshing. This is not the bento that makes you feel like, wow what is this. But it’s very comforting and 優しい and makes you happy when tasting each of the items. Highly recommend it if you want try something authentically japanese.

Joy Guan

The bento boxes from Hayato are not the casual, quick lunches that might typically spring to mind. These are meticulous and painstakingly crafted works of art that take your palette on a culinary journey of tastes, textures, and temperatures: from the sweetness of the Mexican white shrimp and snow crab to the slight bitterness of the chrysanthemum leaves and the brightness of the cucumber. You will inevitably play favorites. The only question is: are you the type of person who eats your favorites as quickly as possible or the type to save some for later so you can be guaranteed a glorious last bite? If the price makes you think twice before booking on Resy, it’s definitely worth it. This is one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had at this price point. And I am anxiously awaiting the start of their dinner service (which I’m told will commence in the next few weeks and already has quite the waitlist). Note: Resy says the bento boxes are for take-out only, but you can also request in the notes to dine in at their counter.

My Bach

"It's my favorite restaurant!" is a phrase you'll hear very often from all the guests who have been here. The happiest place for many of us ☺️ *Reservation only.

Lisa Lee

Plan ahead and you won't regret it. This is a seven seating, three person run kaiseki restaurant.

Hayato is hands down the best restaurant in LA. The dedication to detail here is unmatched - from the incredible quality of the ingredients to the intelligent conversation with the Chef. You can really taste the effort: the chestnuts were soaked for days and cooked for hours, and the snow crab was non-frozen and of superior quality. It reminds me of the top places in Japan where 60 or even 70% of the check goes strictly toward the food cost - Hayato is operating on that same level. Beyond the food, the Chef is super intelligent, and it is a genuine pleasure to talk to him and his crew. An absolute must-visit.

Dining at Hayato is like stepping into another world of flavor. Every dish is an experience, beautifully plated and carefully balanced. The quality of the fish and ingredients is exceptional, and the creativity in each course keeps you excited for the next one. The staff is professional, friendly, and makes the whole meal feel personal and special. The intimate space adds to the experience, making it ideal for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a memorable night out. Hayato is truly a top-tier dining destination in LA.

As close to perfection as you can get, reasonably. Best meal in my life. Magical service, top-quality ingredients cooked so brilliantly it made me shed a tear, simple execution yet surprisingly complex and subtle flavors and textures. No adjectives can describe the meditative state we were in during our dinner. Remarkably, it’s worth the price. If you can—somehow—get into this place, congratulations!

Every time we come here to Hayato, is an amazing experience. The food is top-tier. The Snow Crab Tofu is delights. One of my favorites is the Black Cod Saiko Yaki, I truly recomend it. You can't go wrong with whatever you order. The place is impeccable and so is the service.

Artem Gerashchenkov

Hayato is hands down the best restaurant in LA. The dedication to detail here is unmatched - from the incredible quality of the ingredients to the intelligent conversation with the Chef. You can really taste the effort: the chestnuts were soaked for days and cooked for hours, and the snow crab was non-frozen and of superior quality. It reminds me of the top places in Japan where 60 or even 70% of the check goes strictly toward the food cost - Hayato is operating on that same level. Beyond the food, the Chef is super intelligent, and it is a genuine pleasure to talk to him and his crew. An absolute must-visit.

Helena Wu

Dining at Hayato is like stepping into another world of flavor. Every dish is an experience, beautifully plated and carefully balanced. The quality of the fish and ingredients is exceptional, and the creativity in each course keeps you excited for the next one. The staff is professional, friendly, and makes the whole meal feel personal and special. The intimate space adds to the experience, making it ideal for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a memorable night out. Hayato is truly a top-tier dining destination in LA.

Parker C.

As close to perfection as you can get, reasonably. Best meal in my life. Magical service, top-quality ingredients cooked so brilliantly it made me shed a tear, simple execution yet surprisingly complex and subtle flavors and textures. No adjectives can describe the meditative state we were in during our dinner. Remarkably, it’s worth the price. If you can—somehow—get into this place, congratulations!

sergio ramirez

Every time we come here to Hayato, is an amazing experience. The food is top-tier. The Snow Crab Tofu is delights. One of my favorites is the Black Cod Saiko Yaki, I truly recomend it. You can't go wrong with whatever you order. The place is impeccable and so is the service.

It took two months of trying for reservations until I finally got my hands on one of these bento boxes. Everything here was tasty and flavorful. There is a lot going on, and the chefs definitely delivered with a beautiful display. There is more than enough for one person. There is two hour parking at the huge Row parking lot so don’t forget to get your ticket validated. It’s a fun meal to try once; I probably wouldn’t want to fight for another reservation again. For $50, it is a bit pricey but I do think you get what you paid for. If you’re into this type of food then you will find it is worth it. I cant say there was anything here that I didn’t enjoy; it was a very harmonious bento box.

Jimmy Ly

It took two months of trying for reservations until I finally got my hands on one of these bento boxes. Everything here was tasty and flavorful. There is a lot going on, and the chefs definitely delivered with a beautiful display. There is more than enough for one person. There is two hour parking at the huge Row parking lot so don’t forget to get your ticket validated. It’s a fun meal to try once; I probably wouldn’t want to fight for another reservation again. For $50, it is a bit pricey but I do think you get what you paid for. If you’re into this type of food then you will find it is worth it. I cant say there was anything here that I didn’t enjoy; it was a very harmonious bento box.