Shibumi is a Japanese word which refers to an aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty. The LA restaurant Shibumi more than lives up to its name. Hidden away behind a signless facade and located on the ground floor of a parking structure in Downtown LA, the dimly lit restaurant has a cool minimalist vibe.
The food is modern Japanese and it’s across-the-board excellent; small plates of understated elegance featuring highly nuanced and subtle flavors. To describe my three favorite dishes at Shibumi, I’m going to employ another Japanese creation that also features simplicity and understated grace: the Haiku.
White Miso Almonds
Creamy, crunchy perfection
My new obsession
Hello yummy pork
Perfectly seasoned and grilled
Get in my belly
Sakura Mochi
Cherry leaf-wrapped sweet rice treat
Best happy ending
Shibumi is located at 815 S. Hill St., Los Angeles (Downtown). My book of food haikus will be published later this year.
Lotus, Sweet Potato and Young Burdock Chips
Steamed Rice Bread stuffed with Mushrooms and Pine Nuts
Rice Balls with Cherry Blossom and Green Peas
Grilled Heritage Pork in Koji, Pickled Daikon and Leek
Holstein Beef Strip, Fresh Wasabi and Nara-zuke Pickle
Japanese Chizu-keki (Cheesecake) and Pear
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Mochi
Hidden away at the bottom of a parking structure in Dowtown
Dimly lit with a cool minimalist vibe
