Yamashiro’s peaceful ambiance set the tone for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.
By Olivia Nerpouni
When it comes to romantic dining in Los Angeles, Yamashiro Hollywood stands as the most magical setting of all. High above the city, this Japanese-inspired restaurant provides stunning views of Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Mid-Wilshire. It is a spot where couples, families, and friends can come together to enjoy delicious food and a peaceful ambiance. And this past Valentine’s Day, Yamshiro went above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience for their guests. With the holiday landing on a Friday this year, the restaurant decided to extend the celebration throughout the weekend. Reservations were fully booked months ahead, and the staff made sure every guest felt special from the moment they arrived.
On Valentine’s Day, diners were greeted with fresh roses and a warm smile. Tables received complimentary champagne, setting a festive tone for the evening as Yamashiro introduced a Valentine’s Day Specials menu, just for the occasion, that featured four standout dishes. For instance, the Sakamushi Vongole was a hit amongst seafood lovers. This dish featured sake-steamed clams served over linguine with a rich sake butter sauce. Another favorite was the Oysters Half Shell, served fresh with six pieces on a plate. These oysters were chilled to perfection and guests seemed to enjoy the simplicity of the dish, which allowed the natural brininess to shine. For diners who preferred fish, the Miso Poached Salmon was tender and flavorful, served with Swiss chard miso cream and a side of fragrant bay leaf rice. Lastly, meat lovers were drawn to the A5 Sukiyaki. This exclusive dish included tender A5 wagyu beef with mushrooms, noodles, Napa cabbage, and chrysanthemum. Together, these dishes were perfect for couples or friends enjoying a Valentine’s (or ‘Galentine’s’) dinner with a view!
Although the Valentine’s Day Specials were the stars of the weekend, Yamashiro still offered its classic dishes to guests. Executive Chef Jae Hee Lee, known for his creative style, prepared each dish with fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors. The Ginger Soy Pork Chop was a popular choice, the meat glazed with ginger and shoyu and served with a tangy house mustard. The Uni Pumpkin Cream Udon offered a more unique option, serving thick udon noodles coated in a creamy pumpkin sauce with sea urchin notes. Sushi lovers had plenty to choose from as well, as Yamashiro serves everything from fresh salmon to specialty rolls. And to compliment these dishes, Yamashiro’s cocktail menu features several unique options year-round. Drinks like the Umi Garden and Hibiscus Highball were popular choices over the weekend, each with their own refreshing twists.
Yamashiro’s famous sushi boats are the perfect option for couples and groups.
Yamashiro Hollywood’s sushi boats are a must-try for sushi lovers looking to share a delicious meal with friends or loved ones. These beautifully-arranged boats offer a stunning selection of fresh sashimi, rolls, and other raw delights. The Small Boat is ideal for 1-2 people, while the Large Boat serves 3-4 guests. And for bigger gatherings, the impressive Sushi Yacht can feed up to 8 diners. Each boat features a colorful mix of favorites like tuna, salmon, and yellowtail sashimi, along with creative rolls topped with avocado, spicy mayo, and other tasty ingredients. The presentation is as eye-catching as the food itself, making it perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner or a fun night out with friends.
Yamashiro’s iconic setting further added to the romantic atmosphere this past weekend and all throughout the year. The restaurant’s architecture, inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, was well-maintained as always. Guests strolled through gardens with koi ponds and intricate woodwork while taking in the sweeping city views. Yamashiro’s rooftop seating was especially popular during the Valentine’s weekend, where couples cuddled up under heaters while enjoying their meals. From the smaller touches like roses and champagne to the exclusive Valentine’s Day Specials menu, every detail over the weekend was planned with love in mind.
If you missed out on this year’s Valentine’s Day celebration, don’t worry. Yamashiro has many other seasonal events throughout the year, and their rotating menu always offers something special. However, if you want to secure a spot for next Valentine’s Day, it is best to book early. With its beautiful setting and delicious offerings, the restaurant is sure to fill up just as quickly next year. So, whether you are planning a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends, Yamashiro Hollywood provides an unforgettable dining experience. And who knows? Maybe next Valentine’s Day you will find yourself sipping champagne, savoring a plate of A5 Sukiyaki, and watching the sun set over Los Angeles at this iconic hillside gem.
Yamashiro Hollywood is located at 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068. Reservations are recommended; walk-ins are welcome based on availability.
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