Like practically everything else in Los Angeles, trendsetters among the general public always seek out the next big thing in fine dining especially when there’s a celebrity chef involved. With that in mind, Hinoki and the Bird, though a few years old, remains hip, relevant and fresh in its execution of mingled Asian and Californian influences, a decidedly unstuffy ambience and staffers who enjoy their work and customers.

Executive Chef and Los Angeles (Koreatown) native Brandon Kida still presides over the kitchen. His team turns out beautiful and slightly experimental seasonal bites (like those featured on a breezy summer Tanabata Festival menu) as well as permanent fixtures, such as the Thai-seasoned lobster roll with black bread, hinoki-scented black cod, Szechuan-style wild boar ribs and crispy marinated chicken.

Even as the Century City standout has no trouble holding on to its status as one of the best restaurants and executive power-dining magnets (along with the aptly named classic fine-dining stalwart Craft), there is something new and exciting: It is found at the bar with Aiden Deirmenjian taking the reins as bar manager. His cocktails are not just in tune with the season, but done with a keen eye and a steady hand that meshes well with Kida’s menus. His recipes manage to make the simplest drinks memorable and more complex brown spirit drinks as lighthearted as fresh yellowtail in an herbaceous marinade.

Hinoki and the Bird

10 W. Century Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90067
tel  310 552 1200
hinokiandthebird.com