LDH Kitchen The Robata, a new restaurant in Santa Monica, integrates modern technology into the fine dining experience. LDH Kitchen The Robata is a part of LDH restaurant group, known for 14 established restaurant locations in Japan, ranging from shabu-shabu to coffee shops, this is LDH’s first venture into the North American dining scene.
LDH Kitchen The Robata
2518 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
https://www.ldhkitchen-la.com/
Fire Apple Cocktail
The ambiance is based on the idea of projection mapping- a projection technology used to turn objects into a display surface for video projection. Think legit TRON vibes. In the front of the restaurant, there is a display of fire as well as at the bar area. The front of the house, including the bar, represents fire.
The private VIP room is very calming, since it represents water. When you walk in, there is a long turquoise table, with images that resemble fish projected onto it. When you place a glass on the table, ripples of water react to the cool temperature. A plate being set down entertains with fish swimming around it. The wall also projects an underwater world, giving guests legit The Little Mermaid vibes. Additional seating includes a beautiful Omakase bar, that seats about eight people and another private room that can also be opened up for a bigger party.
Executive Chef Makoto and Sous Check Sato
This spot practices robata, the classic Japanese method of cooking meats and vegetables over hot charcoal. Cold appetizers, sushi dishes are also options. Executive Chef Makoto and Sous Chef Sato prepared many different items for the private dining event I attended. There were twelve dishes prepared and three desserts. Items included: the Dome Salad, Sashimi Plate, Salmon Carpaccio, Shishito, Dashimaki-Tamago with Blue Crab Sauce, Corn Kaki-Age, Chicken Nam-ban served with Tartar sauce, Robatayaki (Japanese Charcoal) Kobacha with Butter, Broccoli, Asparagus, Chicken Thigh, Wagyu Sirloin Prepared Sukiyaki Style Topped with Uni, Truffle Takikomi-Gohan served in Japanese Style Clay Pot, Sweet Potato Crème brûlée, Chocolate (Vegan) cake, and Japanese Style Rare Cheese Cake.
Chicken Thigh
My favorite dishes were the Dome Salad, the Salmon Carpaccio, the Robatayaki Vegetables and the Wagyu Sirloin topped with Uni. See the full menu here.
Wagyu Sirloin Prepared Sukiyaki Style Topped with Uni
Sweet Potato Crème brûlée, Chocolate (Vegan) cake, and Japanese Style Rare Cheese Cake
Mixologist Eric Jas made two outstanding cocktails that are showstoppers. The first one he created is called the Fire Apple- Pinot Noir, Apples Juice, and Cinnamon. Then there’s the Water Berry- Blueberry, Butterfly Sake (one of my faves), Soda Water, Mint spray, Blueberry garnish. Visual bonus: once you add lemon, it turns purple.
Water Berry
LDH is my new favorite restaurant this year, and I think it will be the hottest spot to check out in Santa Monica! Be sure to reserve a table in advanced here.
Myself and Veena Crownholm
Although this tasting was comped by LDH Kitchen The Robata and Creative Director Nelson Diaz, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
