This Fall, Kodō is redefining the Los Angeles sushi scene with its modern Japanese-American cuisine, artfully combining tradition with modern sushi-making techniques. Known for its bistro-inspired dishes cooked over binchotan charcoal, the restaurant’s culinary offerings rotate seasonally, guaranteeing the freshest ingredients and the most creative flavor combinations each month. Although the dinner menu features an impressive variety of dishes, it is Kodō’s sushi counter that truly steals the show, offering a sushi spread that many consider the superior in the city.
Kodō’s focus on quality is evident the moment you step through its doors. The restaurant prides itself on using the finest, freshest ingredients, prepared by chefs who are deeply committed to their art. The fish is always fresh, the rice is prepared with carefully-selected water for a perfect balance of flavor and texture, and every bite reflects Kodō’s dedication to quality. For those who want to sample the finest of what Kodō has to offer, the Chef’s Selection Platters are the optimal choice. For instance, the Chef’s Selection Vegan Nigiri Platter is one of the most popular choices on the menu, catering to guests who prefer plant-based dishes. This platter features six pieces of seasonal vegetable nigiri, each one individually smoked, pickled, or marinated to perfection. For sushi purists, the Chef’s Selection Nigiri Platter is a true delight. With ten pieces of fresh fish, this platter is designed to give guests a taste of the exceptional fish Kodō has to offer. And for those who prefer sashimi, Kodō’s Chef’s Selection Sashimi Platter is a must-try, with an assortment of the finest cuts of fish, all which melt in the mouth and celebrate the magic of raw, unadulterated flavor.
Beyond the platters, Kodō offers a variety of specialty rolls, each one designed to offer a unique flavor profile. The Crunchy Shrimp Roll is a standout on the menu, featuring a combination of tempura shrimp, sushi ebi, blue crab, cucumber, and potato crisp. The roll’s texture, with the crispy tempura and crunchy potato, contrasts wonderfully with the soft shrimp and crab, making it a favorite among diners. For those who prefer salmon, the Baked Miso Salmon Oshi-Zushi is irresistible. This specialty roll features Scottish salmon, blue crab, and saikyo-miso, a combination that is rich and savory, with the miso adding a touch of sweetness to the buttery salmon. It is a unique dish that is hard to find anywhere else in LA, further solidifying Kodō’s reputation as a sushi destination that goes beyond the ordinary.
Besides sushi, Kodō’s hot and cold dishes ensure that every palate is catered to. The Sea Bass Ceviche is renowned for its combination of delicate sea bass with cucumbers, shallots, shiso vinegar, sesame crackers, and pickled ginger. The result is a refreshing dish that balances acidity, sweetness, and umami, making it perfect as a starter or light meal. Another favorite is the Uni-Mentaiko Cream Pasta, which features squid ink pasta, blue crab, shiso tempura, spicy cod roe, and yuzu-marinated ikura. This dish takes Japanese ingredients and flavors and transforms them into a comforting, creamy pasta that brims with richness. Kodō’s culinary excellence is even matched by its inviting atmosphere. The restaurant utilizes both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering guests an immersive dining experience that is like nothing else in LA.
A meal at Kodō would not be complete without a drink from their extensive wine, sake, and beer menu. The restaurant’s beverages are designed to complement the food, ensuring that guests can find a perfect pairing for their meal. For something more extravagant, Kodō’s specialty cocktail list features innovative creations like the Lychee Martini, which can be made with either vodka or gin and is enriched with lychee, verjus, and honey. Another favorite is the Violet cocktail, made with capurro posco, crème d’violette, green tea blueberry syrup, and a foamy topping, providing a floral and slightly sweet drink that adds an extra layer of indulgence to the Kodō experience. So, next time you find yourself in the LA Arts District, stop by Kodō for a taste of the finest sushi in town!
Published by: Khy Talara
