Renowned Tokyo restaurant La Bombance has expanded to Los Angeles with the opening of Asakura, a refined kaiseki destination located on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Los Angeles. The restaurant occupies the former Yamakase space, retaining much of its original wooden decor. Chef Makoto Okamoto, known for his work at La Bombance, has appointed Takumi Nakamura, his long-time colleague, as Head Chef. Asakura offers a traditional multi-course tasting menu experience, with prices starting at $200 for six courses and $300 for an eight-course meal. The menu includes luxurious ingredients like snow crab, wagyu, uni, and truffle, prepared using techniques rooted in Japanese culinary tradition.
Chef Nakamura and his team serve dishes in elegant presentations, with produce sourced from the Santa Monica farmers market. Highlights include lobster chawanmushi, yellowtail soup with daikon, seared wagyu tartare over brioche, and cold noodles topped with smoked caviar. The dining experience lasts under two hours and maintains a warm, personalized style of service. Asakura aspires to earn a Michelin star, following the legacy of La Bombance, which held a star for a decade.