Located in a century-old, repurposed firehouse at the heart of the LA Arts District, kodō’s Japanese-American fusion restaurant and cafe is the foundation for the accompanying boutique hotel that opened its doors on January 23, 2024. The kodō Hotel launch was a night that welcomed bustling crowds to explore its vibrant menu downstairs before heading upstairs for a sensory experience of its own.
After almost two years in the making, the long-awaited launch used simplicity and luxury as inspiration for an opening cultural experience. While guests were invited to choose one of kodō’s intimate booths or the open-air concept to connect with others and enjoy the tasters offered that night, private tours were given of the eight rooms newly opened above them. Among those attending were droves of people excited to find an extension of kodō’s services offered in familiar Japanese fashion regardless of where they stood on the premises.
Kodō’s multi-experiential space works to celebrate a timeless connection to nature with massive historical boulders, tatami detailing layered atop ash wood furniture, and a rare selection of Japanese botanicals. Following the aesthetic flow of the restaurant and cafe, the experience of the kodō hotel is one that Emi Kitawaki curated with her Kyoto roots in mind. In collaboration with Jen Whitaker’s knack for clean lines and drawing on masculine sensibilities, both designers looked to impart balance in the midst of a bustling city.
The careful curation of Momiji (“Maple Room”) and all other rooms featuring artwork of the natural element that they are named after displays the simplistic essence of this cultural experience. A similar minimalistic concept and sense of calmness can be found when stepping into any of Kodō’s rooms, with sizing varying from room to room. Combined design elements like the wood-beam ceiling and open-concept showers offer an artistic celebration of nature, sustainability, and hospitality.
On the street level, kodō’s restaurant menu provides a sensory journey of its own that hints at the sights you can expect to encounter when booking upstairs. With bistro-inspired dishes, the Michelin-recognized restaurant offers a Japanese fusion full of locally caught as well as fresh fish from Japanese markets. When you choose kodō’s 12-course omakase experience, the chef takes the driver’s seat in food selection, which gives diners a chance to treat the palate to new foods and flavors.
Executive chef Alex Suzuki is a Los Angeles native who has stayed true to his beginnings at Bouchon, Thomas Keller’s French bistro, before his move to Japan. Upon coming to kodō with an extensive repertoire of fresh fish buying and preparation skills, he fused French and Japanese styles to give tradition a new feel that you can trust is authentic.
The influence of cultural artistry in Los Angeles is especially apparent when you dine in and stay for a weekend at kodō. Where simplicity meets sophistication, design techniques and inspired cultural food drives the atmosphere to a place that is intimate, luxurious, and contemporary. For that reason, be sure to keep kodō on your radar for Valentine’s Day dinner and a staycation with the special people in your lives.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
