| n/naka | |
| Image Alt: | Saki Zuke Kumamoto oyster at n/naka |
| Established: | 2011 |
| Current-Owner: | Niki Nakayama |
| Head-Chef: | Niki Nakayama |
| Food-Type: | Kaiseki |
| Dress-Code: | Business casual |
| Rating: | (Michelin Guide) |
| City: | Los Angeles |
| State: | California |
| Postcode: | 90034 |
| Country: | United States |
| Coordinates: | 34.0251°N -118.4122°W |
| Seating-Capacity: | 26 |
| Reservations: | 3 months in advance |
| Website: | https://n-naka.com/ |
n/naka is a one-Michelin-star modern kaiseki restaurant located in Los Angeles, founded by chef Niki Nakayama.[1] The name is a portmanteau of Nakayama's first and last name. In 2019, n/naka was named to Food & Wines 30 best restaurants in the world.[2]
Nakayama opened the restaurant after selling her first venture, acclaimed sushi restaurant Azami, in 2008. After selling Azami, she purchased the building that now houses n/naka, and ran her sister's restaurant in Arcadia. Nakayama originally intended to build an open kitchen, with food preparation visible to diners, but ultimately decided against it, preferring that diners not see her and focus instead on the food.[3] Carole Iida, is a sous-chef and partner at n/naka. She joined the restaurant in 2012, after closing her own sushi restaurant. As is the case with many kaiseki restaurants, most ingredients used at n/naka are sourced locally.[4]
In 2023, n/naka received two Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide, one of only five Los Angeles restaurants receiving two Michelin stars.[5]
The New Yorker called n/naka the most prominent kaiseki restaurant in America.[6]
The restaurant is featured in Season 1 of the critically acclaimed Netflix original series, Chef's Table.
In 2024, n/naka received one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide, making it one of four Los Angeles restaurants to lose a Michelin star compared to the previous year.[7]