The mystique of the Takami experience is magical and surpasses the majority of downtown LA dining experiences. Located in the penthouse on the 21st level of the financial district, the restaurant is best known for its spectacular “New York” cosmopolitan view. Nestled in the midst of the concrete jungle known as the financial district, the glistening city lights shine all around you as you dine on fine sushi and robata.

When you enter the restaurant, you will notice a zen-like yet futuristic setting. Traditional Asian elements such as bamboo and feng-shui wooden furniture fill the main bar. A metallic sheet filled with backlit holes sit along the walls of the bar simulating city lights.

After passing the main bar, you will see the main dining room which is lined with retro-60s inspired lamps and a glass wall that divides you from the outside. The best place to sit is on the outside patio that showcases the 180 degree view of city lights and skyscrapers. Plush leather booths surround large magnificent tables while patrons gaze on one of the most spectacular views of the city.

The space is masculine and larger than life. Tall ceilings and magnificent beams separate the dining space from the elegant cityscape surroundings.

Since it is located in the middle of the financial district, this is the perfect place to close a deal with a power lunch. If you are coming here on a date, the best time to come would be right before the sunset, then you will see the impressive transition from day to night.

Start your meal with the kushi-katsu–skewered panko crusted shrimp stuffed mushroom, mozzarella and camembert cheese. Then move onto the famous Takami Robata (items are sauteed and presented on a stick). A variety of vegetables, meat, seafood and poultry are available for robata–shishito peppers, shitake, tsukune (chicken meatball), duck breast, foie gras, lamb chops and Chilean Seabass.

The seared yellowtail with diced chiles is a refreshing yet spiced appetizer while the spicy tuna on crispy rice is sure to delight. For entrees, the miso Chilean Sea bass is probably one of the best in the city. The flavor is subtle yet powerful. The texture of the cut of fish meshes together while it melts in your mouth. For rolls, try the signature 21st roll–snow crab legs are wrapped around spicy tuna king crab and avocado with sweet creamy sauce.

For dessert, order the Japanese tiramisu, a unique blend of homemade tiramisu with ginger creme anglaise, topped with vanilla ice cream. The sensation is succulent and mesmerizing–rivaling the best of Italian restaurants with an Asian twist.

Takami
811 Wilshire Blvd
21st Floor
LA Ca 90017

213.236.9600