Shibumi offers one of Los Angeles most-impressive Japanese whisky collections and cocktail menus that match its Michelin-starred dishes and surroundings.
Behind the 400-year-old cypress bar top at Michelin-starred Shibumi sits one of Los Angeles finest collections of Japanese spirits. Like everything else at this heralded DTLA 40-seat eatery, it’s impressive, yet not not intimidating. The intimate 40-seat eatery continues to dazzle and surprise, eight years after it opened.
From great cocktails to small batch sake and shochus to difficult-to-find Japanese whisky, Shibumi offers a beverage program unlike any other in LA. Plus, it comes alongside some of the city’s best food to a soundtrack featuring 70s and 80s post punk.
Dave Fernie tells us…
Please describe Shibumi as if you’re explaining the experience of walking through the doors and ordering your first drink.
From DTLAs historic core you duck below an indigo noren beside a decorative oyster shaped window into a nondescript but certainly intriguing facade. The darkened interior is adorned with wooden accents but the main feature is a long, 400 year old cypress bar top that spans the length of the southern side of the room. A veritable library of Japanese spirits rises to the ceiling and the sweet aroma of Katsuodashi, light woody incense, and grilled fish of the moment linger in the air. You’re not sure if you’ve been instantly transported to a Kyoto dining den or just found your new favorite downtown hang.
How would you describe Shibumi in a three-word text to a friend that you’re trying to convince to join you?
Expectation defying Japanese
Other than Shibumi, what else is happening in the neighborhood that you’re in?
The Freehand hotel is just steps away. There are great coffee shops and amazing markets during the day. At night, Crypto.com arena and the Novo are constantly buzzing with activity.
Aside from Happy Hour, when is the best time to get to the bar?
Late night – catch the bar just after dinner service wraps and sip on a great cocktail in a relaxed setting or let the bartenders guide you through a tasting of some of the most reasonably priced Japanese whiskey in town. Whiskey isn’t your vibe? — dive into a transformative sake or shochu tasting and pair it with a few small bites.
Describe the average drinkers that you serve?
Diners and drinkers alike are delighted to discover our unique and exciting offerings. It’s a beverage program unlike any other I’ve seen in Los Angeles.
Please tell us more about your drinks menu.
We feature small batch sakes from storied Shuzos, honkaku (small batch, single distilled) shochus and awamori, and often difficult to find and incredibly pedigreed Japanese whiskeys. The cocktails feature culinarily complex and seasonally driven Japanese ingredients and spirits.
What’s your signature drink–or your favorite drink currently on the menu–and why should I order it?
The Unami Martini – or Shibumi Old Fashioned
Both are unique and compliment the food. They feature incredible Japanese ingredients and techniques that cannot be faked or rushed. The umami martini requires roughly 11 days worth of prep time and develops amazing texture and umami depth. The old fashioned features a kaki-koso (2yr aged persimmon) gomme that you won’t find elsewhere,
How much do drinks cost?
$9-$20
Is there anything to eat? If so – what’s your favorite dish on the menu?
The sashimi of the moment is always a show stealer. You can never go wrong with the tempura or the rice, soup and pickles. The chinmi (delicacy or rare taste) are excellent accompaniments to a sake tasting or a sipping cocktail experience.
What are the distinguishing features of Shibumi?
Uncompromising dedication to tradition. Opportunity to experience new and novel flavors. Mind-bending and expectation-changing omakase trajectory.
What’s that music we hear playing on the Shibumi stereo?
Cocteau Twins, Kwaito, Proto and Post Punk from late 70s and early 80s.
Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Reservations:
Reservations can be made via Tock.
Website:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/shibumidtla/?hl=en
Address:
815 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
