By: Chris Gallagher
If you are a food lover visiting Los Angeles or lucky enough to call the City of Angels home, consider this your invitation to explore a new dining experience on one of the city’s most iconic streets. Located on the legendary Sunset Strip, Rokusho LA offers a blend of traditional Japanese cooking with a modern twist, reflecting the evolving food scene in Los Angeles.
Just a few blocks from the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rokusho LA occupies a desirable location that makes it a great place to start (or end) a night out in Hollywood. Whether you are in town for a short stay at the stylish Godfrey Hotel (just down the street) or are a local looking to discover a new restaurant, Rokusho LA is conveniently situated for anyone craving flavorful food and a touch of Hollywood flair. The location sits at the intersection of art and cuisine, where Hollywood Boulevard’s lively energy runs parallel to the Sunset Strip, providing plenty of options before and after your meal.
Rokusho LA is the first U.S. outpost of the globally-expanding brand that originated in Japan. The original Rokusho earned recognition for its innovative fusion of Japanese cuisine with rare vintage tequilas, a concept that gained attention even in Tokyo’s competitive culinary scene. Recognizing the synergy between LA’s food scene and Rokusho’s unique approach, Boulevard Hospitality Group partnered with Japan’s Three Star Lane to bring this new flagship location to Sunset Boulevard.
Officially opened late last year, Rokusho LA has already made a name for itself among the city’s well-regarded eateries. Under the guidance of Head Chef Carlos Couts, the menu reinterprets Japanese cuisine through a blend of traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients. The Rokusho LA menu is a dynamic showcase of Japanese flavors. Highlights include sushi and hand rolls that have developed a loyal following from regulars and newcomers alike. The Sushi Cake, a dish featuring fresh fish, avocado, Shiso Flower, Kinome, and Ao Nori Paste, exemplifies the creativity you can expect from Chef Couts and his team. Equally popular is the Gindara Saikyo Yaki, a dish of cod paired with a velvety yuzu beurre blanc, resting on a crisp bed of greens. This entrée has quickly become a favorite among those who appreciate the balance of tang and umami, a hallmark of Rokusho’s approach to flavor. Chef Couts’ seasonal approach means that no two visits are quite the same, with frequent diners often returning to discover new interpretations of classic dishes.
Rokusho’s beverage program is designed to appeal to even the most discerning drinkers. In a city known for its cocktail culture, Rokusho raises the bar with a curated selection of vintage tequilas from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and early 2000s. This includes Olmeca from the 1970s, Don Julio 1942 from 2006, and Jose Cuervo from the ‘90s, all paired thoughtfully with the dishes they accompany. Other signature cocktails, like the Yuzu Rikishi, a bright and citrusy refresher made with Roku Gin and yuzu soda, and the House of the Rising Sun, a blend of reposado tequila, lichiko, orange, and grenadine, add variety and flair to the drink offerings. Additionally, you’ll find exclusive Clase Azul pairings on the menu, a nod to the original Rokusho in Japan and an example of the restaurant’s creative approach to cultural fusion.
True to its Tokyo-meets-LA concept, the restaurant’s interior design is as striking as the food. Enter via a minimalist gray stairwell, and you’ll find yourself in a space that opens up to a terrace with views of the Hollywood Sign. Inside, suspended botanical sculptures by artist Alejandro Bataille hang overhead, while textured cork stools designed by Cedric Etienne encourage guests to linger. The washi paper menus, table vases by Kinto, and soft brutalist design touches create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a forward-thinking tea house. Every design element is intentional, contributing to a cohesive experience.
In a city that is constantly reinventing itself, Rokusho LA offers something refreshingly anchored. So, next time you are planning a night out in Hollywood, consider starting with Rokusho. You may leave with a satisfied palate and even a few vintage tequila tasting notes to take with you. This is one reservation you might want to book in advance.
Rokusho LA is located at 6634 W Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://rokushola.com/.
Published by Joseph T.