NIKU X

I absolutely love this new restaurant in downtown LA! Grilled meat and rare seafood selection, Japanese style with a contemporary approach. Best yakiniku spot hands down. The meat quality is just insane! Quality, presentation and hospitality are beyond excellent and over the top! Super delicious, super friendly. You're gonna get the full treatment here like you would in Japan. The atmosphere here felt like an upscale but really casual place that's good for every occasion and large groups. The servers were super attentive and expertly navigated us through all our courses, explaining the different cuts of meat as well as cooked everything for us! We also got a special presentation by the master chef himself! You can tell my his upbeat attitude and professionalism that he's really passionate and driven to provide an amazing experience for us with his team. They've got something really special going on here for LA! Don't walk, run carefully there!

This place was AMAZING! We came at the end of their soft opening. The restaurant was so well designed and the ambiance was perfect for a high end dining experience. Each table and booth felt cozy and private and it is such a great vibe for a date night or friends night out. The service was perfect too! Our waiter Wes made great conversation and took great care of us. We did the tasting menu and each dish/course really blew our mind. All the meats were juicy and tender and had amazing flavor to it whether is was pre marinated or we dipped in their special sauce. The presentation of all the foods was on point and I loved all the palette cleansers they brought out in between. The ending with the donabe was perfect and the dessert really helped tie the whole tasting experience together. We can’t wait to come back and try their tomahawk steak!

Coming from someone who does a lot of fine dining, I am usually wary of restaurants with flashy presentations. Niku X was a wonderful experience with food that went above and beyond my expectations! My party of 5 tried the Yakiniku tasting menu, with additional bone marrow and dumpling starters. With top of the line ingredients like wagyu, uni, lobster, and more, the meal is decadent but doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed. My favorites were the foie gras + wagyu toast and the rice donabe course. Service was attentive, efficient, and very friendly! The interiors were beautiful and so spacious. I can’t wait to come back!

Wow just wow. First of all, the restaurant itself is very beautiful. Located on the 2nd floor of the Intercontinental Hotel. It was very modern, Japanese inspired. Next, our overall experience and our waiter Julie C. was amazing. Julie was not only very knowledgeable about all the meats and seafood, but she was so funny and such a delight. She helped move the meal along in a very fun and entertaining way. My boyfriend and I tried their tasting menu and everything blew our minds. We were told the menu has changed like 10 times since they opened, but the one we had was amazing. All the appetizers were pristine. The Crudo Sashimi with Waygu, Bluefin Tuna and Fish Belly with a Shoyu Creme Fraiche just melted in our mouths. And the Caviar with Uni and Wagyu Tartare was unreal. The Consomme with a Waygu bone broth that takes 2 days to make served with Dungeness Crab was incredible. But my favorite appetizer was the Lobster Sashimi, it was so fresh and insanely good. The grilled items were the stars of the show. Everything from Lobster tail with Uni Butter, to a 7 day dry aged Salmon, to a variety of the highest quality meats from around the world and served on the most beautiful platters. Honestly, 10/10 for presentation and for their dishware. Very unique and beautiful pieces that remind me of Japan. All the meats were cooked to perfection and each were paired with sauces or were perfectly tasty on their own. The Yakiniku sauce is a must-have, I dipped all my meat in that. Bravo to the entire team on their soft opening. Can't wait to come again!

This big, industrial atrium is almost hidden within the intercontinental hotel in DTLA, so it’s got a bit of a speakeasy vibe as you enter, then suddenly you’re met with high ceilings, grand murals & larger than life art as well as little kitty robots zipping around; a nod to Tokyo I assume. Once seated, we were greeted first with caviar & beef tartare topped with the smoothest uni I’ve ever eaten. The seasonal tasting menu was A+ Michelin worthy from start to finish. While the staff seemed a little nervous at times, I could tell it was from their desire to make sure all was presented perfectly & things came from kitchen to table in a timely fashion. I have to say: from the consommé’s deep umami broth, the brightness of their lobster sashimi, the grandiose delivery & table-side grilling of the fresh trout & ALL the incredible meats from Australia, US & Japan, I’m very happy I came. Is it funny that the jidori egg dipping sauce left the biggest impression? It’s a must try!

Niku X is not to be missed! If you are looking for the highest quality dishes, a beautiful layout, or a secluded private room for a party or event -- this is the quintessential place to go. It’s like no other. The moment you walk through their doors you are immediately greeted with a view of an immense kitchen, curated by Michelin Star Chef Shin Thompson. You can watch your meal being carefully prepared. It’s stunning. Our fantastic waiter Chaeho did a phenomenal job presenting each elegant dish and conversing with us throughout our meal. We felt at home with his personal stories and interesting insights. Our superb assistant waitress, Phoebe, who helped bring out some of the dishes was very professional and sweet. The entire staff at this restaurant are top quality professionals. Our first course, crudo, was very fresh and a perfect start to our meal. The astrea oscietra caviar, paired with senbei cracker and topped with gold leaf was astounding and a treat to the taste buds. I have never had such a beautiful visual as well as sensory moment. There was no heaviness, only pleasure with each bite. The black winter truffle was presented in a Louis Vuitton mini suitcase, and shaved onto the meat. Now I know what it feels like to be presented with an award! The style and story behind each plate reflected the precision and passion of the kitchen. It’s obvious that the staff love what they do. I felt as though I was in an edible art gallery; the balance of texture and color was so artistic. My favorite dish was the wagu platter, not just for the breathtaking display, but each cut of meat touched my tongue with intense flavor. To continue the journey, every course had a different palate cleanser with its own sensation. The price is worth the entire experience. It is very special and one of a kind unique. I recommend it for an exceptional date night, or a gathering. I will never forget it.

I made a last minute reservation for Christmas and it was the best dining experience I ever had. Starting with our server. Whose name I cannot remember!!! But she was awesome. Had all the knowledge of everything that was served to us. Would love to visit just for the matcha cloud cake.

My experience was amazing. From Darlene’s hospitality, Frankie genuine passion for the cuisine & Phebe consideration, all the way down to the strip loin… NikuX in downtown La is not the place to miss out on.