A landmark restaurant set on the eastern edge of the Hollywood Hills, Yamashiro is renowned for its spectacular views over Los Angeles. The structure dates back to 1914, when the wealthy Bernheimer brothers commissioned the construction of a suitable showcase for their extensive collection of Asian treasures. The resultant building is a replica of a palace in the Yamashiro mountains near Kyoto, Japan. Most of the original art collection was auctioned off in 1922 following the death of one of the brothers, but the building itself grew in importance, beginning in the "roaring twenties” when it became the host of the exclusive 400 Club, whose members included prominent personalities in the film industry. It’s no surprise that such a charismatic building has been used in many movies over more than five decades, among them Marlon Brando’s The Teahouse Of The August Moon (1956) and, more recently, 2005’s Memoirs of a Geisha. Yamashiro is an outstanding restaurant where the talent in the kitchen more than matches the location. Everything we tried – even the lattes – was excellent, and, although you leave with your wallet noticeably lighter than when you came (we paid around $75 per person including service, for two and a half courses and one drink each), I reckon it's worth every cent. For a special occasion or just a 'what-the-heck' moment, a visit to this restaurant is justified. In fact, the only downside we can think of is that the restrooms are located downstairs, so plan your beverage consumption accordingly!
