Sa’moto’s Doheny Combination. Photos by Karin E. Baker for The LA Beat.
Chef Masaharu Morimoto (“Iron Chef” and “Iron Chef America”) has opened a new restaurant in LA. Located within the Doheny Room on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, Sa’moto serves pan-Asian cuisine in a glamorous setting.
Chef Morimoto is internationally known for the “Iron Chef” TV shows and his restaurants located around the globe. His many eateries include locations in Mexico City, Tokyo, Hawaii, Mumbai, and Las Vegas. Morimoto has earned a Michelin Star and a James Beard Foundation Award, and authored two award-winning cookbooks.
Though Chef Morimoto’s menu here leans toward Japanese, it’s accented with global influences. You’ll want to watch Sa’moto’s chefs artfully assemble sushi and smoke ceviche in front of the huge, mural-like photo of Raquel Welch on the beach.
Don’t miss the addictive Popcorn Shrimp Tempura. Presented three ways, the flavorful shrimp is coated in sweet gochujang, wasabi cream, or spiced aioli.
Dining Room at Sa’moto, West Hollywood.
Also noteworthy: the Duck Tacos (house-roasted duck nestled in crispy gyoza skins), the Doheny Combination (a beautiful, specially selected plate of nigiri and maki), Shrimp Tempura sushi rolls, and Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls served with apricot chili sauce.
Dessert options include crème brûlée with fresh fruit, tofu cheesecake with green tea sauce, and mochi ice cream. You’ll also find Asian-inspired cocktails, along with sake, wine, and beer.
The elegant dining room’s sophisticated palette features aquas and grays with a bit of art deco flair. Snake plants abound, as do stunning photos of such icons as David Bowie and Twiggy (from the cover of “Pinups”), Johnny Cash, Amy Winehouse, Sammy Davis Jr., Mick Jagger, and Bruce Springsteen.
Sa’moto opened on September 2. If you’d prefer to savor Chef Morimoto’s offerings at home, you’ll want to know that the menu will soon be available, with free delivery, via the Go by Citizens app.
Located at 9077 Santa Monica Blvd. (next to The Troubadour), Sa’moto is open from 6 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
