Nova Circles guide to 15 of our favorite tasting menus in Stockholm! 

Top 15 tasting menus in Stockholm!

Ladda ner

Lägg till

Förmåner

Los Angeles

North America

United States

In the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, Kato Restaurant unfolds as a culinary gem radiating with a fusion of tradition and innovation. This dining haven invites food enthusiasts to embark on a sensory journey through its thoughtfully curated menu, where each dish is a testament to the artistry of contemporary Japanese cuisine. The ambiance is alive with a modern flair, accentuated by minimalist decor that allows the intricate flavors and textures of the food to take center stage.

Kato's intimate setting creates an inviting atmosphere, ideal for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. As guests step inside, they are enveloped by the tantalizing aromas wafting from the open kitchen—where skilled chefs craft each plate, balancing seasonal ingredients with sublime techniques. Savor dishes that pay homage to traditional Japanese culinary practices while infusing local Californian influences, resulting in an unforgettable experience.

The menu, while ever-evolving, often includes exquisite items like miso-glazed cod served atop fragrant rice, alongside vibrant seasonal vegetables. Each bite reveals Kato's commitment to quality, as each ingredient is selected meticulously, echoing the restaurant’s dedication to culinary excellence.

A visit to Kato is not merely about dining; it's a journey through the rich tapestry of flavors that celebrates both heritage and modernity. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or merely curious about the culinary arts, Kato presents an extraordinary opportunity to indulge in a dining experience that captivates the palate and sparks a sense of adventure.

Discover the essence of innovative dining in Los Angeles at Kato, where every meal transforms into a memorable celebration and an exploration of taste.

Omakase-style multicourse feasts served in a strip-mall spot with sparse decor & a familial vibe.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmdTh1VGZ3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnd0gSmi7woARCdXsW5usqKU/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmdTh1VGZ3EAE

We celebrated New Year’s Eve with the full tasting menu experience at Kato Restaurant in Los Angeles, and while the evening had some high points, it didn’t completely live up to its well-documented, high praise reputation. Walking in, the restaurant’s open, sleek, modern ambiance felt a bit sterile and cold, with only hard wooden chairs for seating and no cozy “booths” to add privacy or allow for intimate conversations.

That said, the presentation of each dish was stunning. The tasting menu featured inventive, creative dishes inspired by Taiwanese and Asian-American roots. Highlights included the Yóutiao—a sea urchin, ham, and caviar creation served on a uni doughnut—which was indulgent, flavorful, and truly memorable. The Ji Juan—a scallop dish with ginger and baby leek—was another standout. The hint of chili oil added just the right amount of spice, enhancing the dish without overpowering its delicate flavors. The milk bread was one of our favorites: warm, pillowy, and absolutely perfect. The Sūan Cài Yú (rock cod) dish was also fantastic—the cod was flaky with a deliciously crisp crust and served in a beautifully aromatic smoked bone broth.

A highlight of the evening was the nonalcoholic cocktails. We tried two: the Arnold Palmer, which was perfectly balanced, and the Amazake Swizzle, with hints of chai and coconut. While refreshing, the latter felt more suited to a warm summer day by the beach than a winter evening.

Unfortunately, some of the later protein-focused dishes leaned more toward style than substance, leaving us wanting more in terms of flavor and depth. Additionally, the pacing of the meal was a downside. While the staff was attentive and courteous, there were long gaps between courses, and we found ourselves hungry. The meal stretched well over three hours—too long for the experience to feel cohesive and seamless.

Another minor area for improvement was the lack of a true NYE vibe. We chose Kato specifically to avoid the typical LA alcohol-laced, wild NYE environment, but the restaurant missed an opportunity to bring some festivity to the evening. A few thoughtful touches, like decorations, party favors, or even a small countdown, would have gone a long way toward making the night feel special.

Desserts were beautifully presented, but we definitely preferred the savory courses over the sweet ones. The Bảixiãng Guỗ—a dish with passion fruit, chocolate, and buttermilk accented with gold flakes—was visually stunning but fell short in flavor. The final dessert, Liúshã Bāo, a salted egg cream puff inspired by the iconic dim sum dessert “lava bun,” was a creative nod to tradition but felt overwhelming in one bite, as recommended. By that point, we were already quite full, which may have detracted from our enjoyment.

At its core, Kato offers a creative and visually stunning Taiwanese fusion dining experience. However, for the price and time commitment, it missed the mark on the little details that truly define Michelin-starred restaurants. If you ask me whether it’s worth it, I’d say it is, if you go in with the right level of expectations.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2NDctdm93RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnd0gSmi7woARCdXsW5usqKU/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2NDctdm93RRAB

It’s absurd to stack rank restaurants, but if the Los Angeles Times wants to call this the best restaurant in Los Angeles, they will find no disagreement from anyone with a palette. While I personally skew towards favoring dishes exploding with spices, and this cuisine orients toward stocks and seafoods as a coastal East Asian cuisine would, every single dish floored me. This tour de force should be a priority to visit.

Visited January 2024.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqMU9URUtREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnd0gSmi7woARCdXsW5usqKU/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqMU9URUtREAE

Came here for a benchmark birthday year celebration and it was a perfect choice. The staff was so friendly and warm. The place did not seem snobby for a highly technical tasting menu. It is pricey but worth it. Some of the best bites I've had ever. The wine was great and the cocktails were so creative and well done. It was also a great learning experience learning more about the Taiwanese culture. The tasting menu was a great experience and well designed course schedule. The amount of savory and umami to sweet courses were perfectly balanced. Almost as if they were reading my mind what I was craving next, a few moments later the server came by with the perfect dish. I know this place has had plenty of recognition but it deserves it all and more.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN1eFl2TXZ3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnd0gSmi7woARCdXsW5usqKU/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN1eFl2TXZ3RRAB

Celebrated our 25th and 27th anniversaries at Kato. We loved it the first time, we came back for more. It's just such a lovely experience. Come really hungry.
I really love the youtiao with caviar and think about it a lot.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChRDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNyNnQxWhAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnd0gSmi7woARCdXsW5usqKU/reviews/ChRDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNyNnQxWhAB

As a ABC SGV native, this is rep'ing SGV proud. My husband, grew up in LA and not Asian, also LOVED it, said it was his top and favorite restaurant he's been to.

This is a 2-3 Michelin Star Level Experience + Food, exactly what I was looking for a birthday dinner.

Technically a 1-star for now because chef Jonathon Yao and his chefs are gunning for their second star and it shows in their new menu.

To point out Chef Yao is actually there, running the kitchen, prepping/and helping staff, unlike many founder-less Michelin star restaurants we've been to. He's hands on, and man it was so great to see him there.
If it doesn't break your bank, try their dining experience. We came here for my partner's birthday.

There was a gradual crescendo of feeling warmth through taste not temperature, a round feeling similar to a baritone sound, that built up as I kept tasting their curation, this feeling would stay with us between changes. Maybe it's too philosophical, but the feeling reminded me of my parent's soup and the warmth it would bring us during difficult times. It was a way they showed love. My husband equally enjoyed this unique warmth feeling in this experience. It's hard to explain but that's what we felt that made it unique. You just have to try it.

Plus, each dish felt very creative, flavor explosion, executed very well, and honestly I couldn't imagine this taste experience from even pictures and the menu alone. If you take even the cultural elements away from it, which itself was beautiful, the technique alone was impeccable and very competitive to many 2-3 star Michelin experiences. I didn't know our food can be elevated this way, and it was a very rewarding experience to be able to taste this. My husband loved it all, and the sweet gesture of the card and birthday hamburger!

Props to Jonathan and the chefs.

There are two add ons available for additional seat, if want to try anything, I highly recommend the Wagyu one for $55. Elevated Char Siu and Elevated Taiwanese Marinated Beef (like the one from beef noodle shop). My non-Asian husband had a very intense positive reaction from the Taiwanese, and I had an intense positive one with the Char Siu. Add on it you can.

Another prop, the service staff is amazing. They all have great personalities, professionalism, and seriousness/joy to their own craft. I appreciated everyone. The attention to detail— insanely well done.

Finally, a place that has Chopsticks available all times. I didn't have to ask for it. Everyone had it available and it was presented in the center.

Some bias to address when I did my research prior and now that l've experienced it first hand: You do not have to be Asian to enjoy these dishes, the food technique alone competes and supersedes many Michelin restaurants we've been to. Dismiss the othering that occurs. I have enjoyed Italian dishes, without saying I had to be Italian to enjoy the food. This applies to many cuisines that I didn't grow up with. That's why my non-Asian husband loves this place, even though he didn't grow up with this food.

We're casual Michelin diners, because we know Michelin has a "type", it's western, and if there is preference for Asian, it's always sushi. Then KBBQ now.

Yao and his chefs has opened a door for us in this space, and they know they deserve a spot. They executed. We know that trying to figure out the balance of being Asian American is not only a challenge, but least understood and dismissed. Taiwanese food — amazing! It’s a beautiful country.

Historically racist america has looked down on mandarin speaking cuisines in America as cheap, weird, unhealthy, or plain 'othered' all while continually coming back to eat more of our food.

Modern times, it's changing with our generation. I'm glad to see it, and I'm glad to see so many allies who understand and are apart of the story.

This place invites our culture to be seen in the way it deserves. Elevated. Celebrated. Open. Welcoming. With love. With community.

Thanks to all for the wonderful experience.

Kato Restaurant i Los Angeles: Lyxig taiwanesisk fusionmat

Discover Kato Restaurant in Los Angeles, where culinary artistry meets exquisite flavors in a unique dining experience.

Pizzeria Bianco

Camelia