News Summary
Chef Ki Kim’s newly opened restaurant, Ki, has rapidly gained acclaim by receiving its first Michelin star. Located in Little Tokyo, the restaurant features a unique 12-course tasting menu that perfectly marries traditional Korean ingredients with modernist techniques. With an intimate seating arrangement for just 12 guests, Ki is redefining Korean fine dining in Los Angeles, drawing inspiration from Chef Kim’s extensive experience in Michelin-starred establishments. The restaurant’s exclusivity and innovative culinary philosophy make it a standout destination in the vibrant LA food scene.
Los Angeles – Chef Ki Kim’s restaurant, Ki, has made headlines by earning its first Michelin star shortly after opening in January 2025. Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, this cutting-edge culinary establishment is turning heads in the world of fine dining by redefining Korean cuisine with a modern twist.
Ki boasts a 12-course tasting menu, offered at $285 per person, that features an innovative blend of traditional Korean ingredients and modernist cooking techniques. This unique fusion has helped the restaurant stand out in a city rich with culinary options. The seating is intentionally limited to just 12 guests, creating an intimate dining experience that emphasizes exclusivity and personal service.
The critical acclaim for Restaurant Ki speaks to its high-quality culinary execution, with food critics praising its originality, unique flavor combinations, and the overall dining experience. Each seasonal menu reflects Chef Kim’s commitment to delivering both comfort and excitement, showcasing a creative narrative that parallels his culinary journey.
Among the notable offerings, the initial courses include a distinctive cod milt gimbap served with bugak seaweed, which has been highlighted for its remarkable taste. Other signature dishes feature a crispy octopus drizzled with an octopus head sauce, a surprising grilled lettuce ice cream, and perilla noodles topped with truffles. The culmination of the meal is a frozen dessert made from omija, a complex Korean berry known for its multi-dimensional flavors.
Prior to opening Ki, Chef Kim operated Kinn, a now-defunct Korean restaurant in Koreatown. While Kinn received praise for its menu offerings, it faced challenges with portion sizes and a fluctuating patron base. Kim’s inspiration draws heavily from his experiences in Michelin-starred kitchens across New York City and San Francisco, informing his bold approach to contemporary culinary techniques at Restaurant Ki.
The location of Ki adds to its allure, situated in an underground space shared with Bar Sawa and Sushi Kaneyoshi, enhancing its unique ambiance. The restaurant aims to reshape preconceived notions surrounding Korean cuisine in Los Angeles, establishing itself as a peer to other esteemed fine-dining establishments like Atomix.
Reservations at Restaurant Ki are released on a monthly basis, reinforcing the limited availability and building anticipation among potential diners. This move aligns with the restaurant’s brand philosophy of exclusivity and heightened dining experience.
With a rapidly growing reputation, Chef Ki Kim continues to push the boundaries of Korean fine dining, merging elegance with comfort and creativity. As Ki evolves, it promises to be a significant player in Los Angeles’s restaurant scene, contributing to a broader appreciation for the depth of Korean culinary arts.
In brief, Chef Ki Kim’s Restaurant Ki is not just earning stars; it’s also establishing a new benchmark for what Korean fine dining can be in one of the world’s most vibrant culinary landscapes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Dining Spots Bloom in Los Angeles
Exploring Los Angeles’ Diverse Late-Night Dining Scene
Los Angeles Restaurants Achieve Three Michelin Stars
Los Angeles’ Culinary Resilience Amid Challenges
New Culinary Venues Transform Los Angeles Food Scene
New Dining Hotspots Transform Los Angeles Culinary Scene
Additional Resources
- Eater: Restaurant Ki Opening
- Wikipedia: Michelin Guide
- The Infatuation: Restaurant Ki Review
- Google Search: Korean fine dining Los Angeles
- Secret Los Angeles: 2025 Michelin Starred Restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Korean Cuisine
- Los Angeles Magazine: Michelin Guide 2025 Winners
- Google News: Los Angeles Michelin Star Restaurants 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
