In a city that thrives on reinvention, it’s rare to find something that holds onto its roots while still flexing its style for the modern crowd. But high above the heart of Hollywood, Yamashiro isn’t just holding it down—it’s setting the vibe.
This place isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a time capsule, a cultural mashup, a sunset-drenched sanctuary. Whether you’re a local looking for a little magic in your weeknight or an out-of-towner chasing that quintessential LA moment, Yamashiro delivers with the kind of grace only 100+ years of legend can provide.
Let’s take it from the top. Literally.
The Lay of the Land
Translated as “Mountain Palace” in Japanese, Yamashiro sits 250 feet above the City of Angels. It’s wrapped in pine trees and bonsai, staring straight down the barrel of Hollywood Boulevard. The view? Absurd. Like postcard-worthy, no-filter-needed. From the DTLA skyline to the Pacific glow in the west, it’s one of the most iconic lookouts in the city.
Now pair that with centuries-old Japanese architecture, stone lanterns, and a courtyard koi pond that looks like it’s straight out of a Miyazaki film, and you’re entering a different world. One foot in old-world Kyoto, one foot in modern Hollywood. It’s a vibe. And it’s no accident.
From Silent Films to Fire Sushi Rolls
Built in 1914 by German-American brothers Adolph and Eugene Bernheimer, Yamashiro was originally designed to house their collection of Asian art treasures. Over the decades, it evolved into everything from a private club to a military school, before cementing itself in the 1960s as one of LA’s most iconic fine dining spots.
And while the Hollywood elite used to post up here for a stiff scotch and a cigar, today it draws a broader crowd—couples on a date night flex, influencers chasing golden hour, and people in the cannabis industry like yours truly here at Beard Bros Pharms looking to decompress after another stressful day. All are welcome. The dress code is “show up and soak it in.”
East Meets West with a Splash of LA Flash
Now let’s talk about the food—because yes, you can get lost in the view, but Yamashiro is a restaurant first, and the kitchen isn’t a joke.
The menu is a celebration of Pan-Asian cuisine done California style: fresh, flavorful, and designed for sharing.
Start with the Hamachi Truffle—thin slices of yellowtail sashimi elevated with yuzu truffle ponzu. It’s got that melt-in-your-mouth texture with a citrusy punch that hits you just right. The Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna? Classic. Crunchy, creamy, spicy—just how we like it.
Then there’s the Steak Garlic Noodles, which might sound simple but hit like a heavyweight. Rich, garlicky, umami-packed—this dish doesn’t just fill you up, it levels you out.
And let’s not forget the Yamashiro Roll—a signature roll that brings fire seared salmon, avocado, cucumber, and a spicy aioli together in a perfect bite that’s somehow nostalgic and brand new all at once.
Pro tip? Order family-style. Pass the plates, sip your cocktail, and get communal with it.
You’re not drinking just to drink here. You’re drinking to elevate.
The cocktail menu is tight, refined, and artfully curated. Think Japanese whisky meets SoCal mixology. The Kyoto Mule with yuzu and shiso is crisp and refreshing, and the Wasabi Margarita kicks in the best way possible—like a wake-up call for your palate.
For those who like their sips neat, the bar boasts an impressive lineup of Japanese whiskies, including some rare bottles you won’t find just anywhere. Sake lovers, you’re covered too—cold, hot, dry, fruity—whatever your mood, there’s a pour for it.
More Than a Meal
Yamashiro is a restaurant, sure. But it’s also an experience. The kind that lingers in your memory long after the valet pulls your ride around.
It’s the glow of lanterns as the sun dips behind the hills. It’s the koi surfacing as you take your last bite. It’s the soundtrack of laughter, clinking glasses, and the faint hum of a DJ spinning something sexy on the terrace.
At Beard Bros, we’re all about legacy—about telling the stories behind the smoke, behind the hustle. Yamashiro is a living legend. A restaurant that doesn’t just rest on its history but honors it while pushing forward. It’s what we aim to do with our brand, our products, and our platform.
So yeah, we appreciate a place that’s been around the block, stayed real, and still delivers every damn time.
