Tokyo Table in Beverly Hills is not just a Japanese Restaurant but has a great variety (8/07)
Tokyo Table is the newest addition to La Cienega’s revamped, legendary Restaurant Row. The unique and restaurant in it’s inviting, serene environment is easily located at 50 North La Cienega just north of Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills and right next to Lawry’s The Prime Rib.
Letters that seem to dance across a friendly burgundy and white sign in a glass case out front announce the restaurant from the street. The sign is cutting edge and warm at the same time, just like the interior and the entire experience. One of the biggest surprises is that the savvy, sophisticated Tokyo Table has entirely affordable prices with most items in the $10 range.
The staff is very welcoming, from the minute you enter at the front door. And what a tall front door it is, leading to a spectacular space designed by a leading Tokyo interior designer. Warm woods and stones in many shades and textures, along with a water pool in the center of the restaurant, lend an organic air. The light fixtures, each with a slightly different, original design, send a soft glow throughout the space. Generous round booths that seat up to eight line one wall of the dining room. Tables are nestled along another wall and separated from the dining room by a slatted door. The innovative yet classic interior design adds up to a peaceful feeling and party atmosphere all at the same time.
The room is spacious (5000 sq. ft) and the tables are spread out so that diners feel enveloped in a peaceful atmosphere while eating no matter how many people are there. There is a lively "buzz" but you can easily hear what is going on at your own table. If you want a truly intimate dinner, you can take a table behind the slatted sliding door just off the main dining room for privacy and still see the room so you don’t feel isolated. If you prefer more of a party atmosphere, enjoy your own group in the more private back lounge area next to the bar. Sake tastings from a deep list are a popular party theme there.
As expected, one would think Tokyo Table is pure Japanese, but the Pan-Asian menu includes influences of French, Italian, Korean and Japanese, among others. This variety of menu choices makes it a must to return as to be able to taste more than a few of the diverse menu dishes. The menu is several pages long, with helpful colorful pictures and descriptions of the affordably priced food. A cordial wait staff adds to the fun. Servers are fully informed on each item, and pleased to help you make your selections to make up a satisfying and unique meal.
We had a great selection of dishes, generously portioned. We started with a tasty Calamari Salad, Shrimp Pot Stickers, and Albacore Tuna with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes. The dishes were flavorful and seasoned so that they have universal appeal. This is the second TOKYO TABLE with the first in Hawaii, so the chefs know what works.
Our fantastic waiter Daniel checked on us regularly and the food kept coming from the kitchen.
Homemade Tofu and Chicken Cutlets were next, and they were moist and delicious. It’s no surprise that 20 chefs work in the large Tokyo Table kitchen, and the silky, signature tofu is made fresh every few hours.
We liked the final two dishes best. We had the Incredible Miso Salmon and 5-Grain Rice with
Garlic Shrimp. A classic, hot sizzling stone bowl cooks the rice more to make it more
crunchy, the longer you leave it on the sides of the bowl.
The trio of Gelato, Banana Flambee and the "house favorite": Toasted Honey Bread with a variety of sauces are the best choices for dessert. Any one (or several) of the many saketinis with fresh fruits or frozen drinks among a full bar list are the perfect addition with your meal.
This place is fun and the food is great. One feature unusual to Los Angeles is that Tokyo Table’s kitchen is also open late, making it perfect for an after-event meal, drinks or simply shared snacks.
Yuji Matsumoto, the Sake Sommelier, oversees the tastings and sake pairings and he represented USA Westcoast Region at the 2006 World Sake Sommelier competition.
Open daily from 11:30 AM- 1:00 AM. Reservations can be made by calling 310-657–9500 or visiting their website at www.tokyotable.com. Street, valet and underground parking.