When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
NIKU X | Premium Seafood & A5 Wagyu Steak Buffet
Why NIKU X | Premium Seafood & A5 Wagyu Steak Buffet is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
NIKU X stands out as an exceptional dining destination in downtown Los Angeles, offering a unique all-you-can-eat buffet featuring premium, fresh A5 Wagyu beef and an extensive selection of high-quality seafood. Located in the Wilshire Grand Center, NIKU X is renowned as the first restaurant in the United States to offer a fresh A5 Wagyu steak buffet, perfectly blending luxury and indulgence with a casual buffet experience. What makes NIKU X a great place to meet up with friends is its wide variety of over 50 dishes, including top-grade Wagyu cuts, unlimited lobster tails, King Crab legs, and refreshing Japanese sushi. The buffet includes specialties like the Wagyu fried rice, miso sea bass skewers, and options like sashimi with uni and caviar that cater to sophisticated palates. The atmosphere inside is spacious and modern, enhancing the dining experience with a vibrant yet relaxed environment. Whether you are a steak enthusiast or seafood lover, NIKU X provides a unique communal dining experience where guests can enjoy limitless portions of gourmet dishes, perfect for celebrations or gatherings that seek both quality and quantity.
Here's what people think of NIKU X | Premium Seafood & A5 Wagyu Steak Buffet
As of recent, NIKU X | Premium Seafood & A5 Wagyu Steak Buffet holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1216 reviews.
Reviews of NIKU X reflect a generally positive dining experience with emphasis on the premium quality of the A5 Wagyu beef and seafood. Many reviewers praise the quality and flavor of the Wagyu steaks, noting the melt-in-your-mouth texture and the impressive variety presented at the buffet. The lobster tails and King Crab legs are often highlighted for their freshness, and the Wagyu fried rice receives particular commendation for its preparation. Positive feedback also mentions the generous buffet selection and the sleek, spacious environment that suits groups and special occasions. However, some negative reviews point out inconsistencies, such as occasional menu items not meeting expectations and elements of the dining experience that feel more casual than the high-end standards suggested by the pricing. Some reviewers note that while the food is good, they expected a more refined service atmosphere to match the luxury pricing. The wine list, though impressive, is described as heavily skewed toward very high-end bottles, which may not suit all guests. Overall, the review consensus appreciates the innovative concept of a premium Wagyu and seafood buffet, recognizing NIKU X as a vibrant venue for those wanting a luxurious yet unlimited feast experience in Los Angeles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Wes L
From seeing all the reviews and recommendations from YouTube, I have to say, the whole experience was somewhat a letdown, given the cost to dine here. The entire setup of the restaurant is definitely not suitable for a get up and grab your own food style buffet and the selection to grab is also very limited. It was honestly a weird experience since the menu itself is actually pretty standard in size, but the presentation and idea to get up to grab the food from the serving area was awkward. You would have to wait for a refresh of new food to grab, and given that the restaurant had a decent size, felt somewhat awkward when there wasn't any food left, or very few left to grab. Some of the appetizers were pretty good, but others were really surprisingly lackluster. The ceviche that is always offered has a very bland flavor, it felt like it was missing some core flavor profiles. For the price of $100+ before tax and tip, I honestly felt like I could've went anywhere else for this price and had a more positive memorable meal.
Jim Hung
First of all, the food is good and fresh but the dining experience will be good ONLY IF you reserve the right menu option. We had the $159/person menu Without Grill on table although the menu we got as well as the web clearly says $149/person( kind of misleading). First round we tried the JP A5 Ribeyes and Striploin which both melts in your mouth with an aroma that is indeed A grade JP Wagyu beef. We also grab some crab legs from the station and crab meat is warm and fresh. Everything seems to be good for the first 30 minutes and then things went south. It took them 30 minutes to get the 2nd round of the Wagyu steak from the kitchen AFTER we complained to the waiter for wait 20 minutes for nothing. Although the waiter and the manager did manage to get the steak speed up later on, even offering free drinks, we ended up with lots of Wagyu steaks on the table at the same time and it soon became too overwhelming while eating too much oily steak for such a short period of time. Till the end, we realized that we never even get the lobster tail we ordered earlier while they will never forget your appetizers. As for the dessert, they have a limited selection of cake flavors. Make sure you order the ones you like in between the dining otherwise you might not be able to get the flavor you want at the end. Overall, crab labs are good, shrimp is okay, sashimi is average but at least they all taste fresh. A5 Wagyu only the Premium 5 oz Wagyu Worth the try but not the special Wagyu cut. If you like seafood, just go with the basic menu option. If you want Wagyu, make sure you reserve the table WITH GRILL or you will get GRILLED. By the way, for the owner, you need to update your website about the pricing otherwise it is misleading for the table with or without a grill.
David Singer
This place is awesome! The meat and sushi offerings just melted in your mouth. The service was outstanding; our server explained the process, food selections and was always available to us. This is an amazing for a small band of friends to hang out and enjoy.
Oby Li
It was our first time here, and we had pretty high hopes. We went with the premium option since it was our first visit and we wanted to try everything. The food was good and there were a lot of selections. That said, the experience wasn’t as enjoyable as we hoped. The server didn’t explain anything or walk us through the menu. I even mentioned that it was our first time, but we were still left totally confused about how it all worked. Instead of helping or offering any recommendations, he just kept pushing the potstickers and asked if we wanted rice because it would “go well” with what we already had. Since he kept suggesting the potstickers, we figured we’d give them a try—but they never even came. I ordered the Yakisuki thinking it’d be something cool to try, but it didn’t come with the egg yolk dip, which made it feel incomplete. Honestly, the whole experience felt like if you didn’t already know what to order, too bad—the server wasn’t going to guide you. After the meal, I did some research and realized I missed out on a bunch of items I would’ve liked to try. Overall, the experience felt overrated, and I wish I had spent that $400 somewhere else.
C.S. Kim
While waiting for our last party member, we stopped by the bar and sipped on whiskey (great choices available). Ordered from the base package and all the wagyu choices were delicious. The buffet bar was also great with crab and various sushi options.
How to reach NIKU X | Premium Seafood & A5 Wagyu Steak Buffet
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Why NIKU X | Premium Seafood & A5 Wagyu Steak Buffet may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at NIKU X with your friends?
NIKU X | Premium Seafood & A5 Wagyu Steak Buffet offers an exceptional dining experience that makes it an ideal place to gather with friends or family. The restaurant combines a luxurious buffet setting with the unique thrill of indulging in top-tier delicacies, such as premium seafood and exquisite A5 Wagyu steak, well-known for its intense marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This is not just about eating; it’s about sharing memorable moments over a spread that appeals to both seafood lovers and steak aficionados. The buzzing atmosphere encourages lively conversation and celebration, making it perfect for group outings. Furthermore, the high rating of 4.6 from over 1,200 reviews reflects consistent customer satisfaction, ensuring a quality experience that meets and often exceeds expectations. NIKU X’s sophisticated yet cozy ambiance provides a welcoming environment for groups to relax, dine, and enjoy each other’s company while savoring an extensive array of gourmet offerings tailored for diverse palates and preferences. This restaurant elevates group dining from a standard meal to an indulgent culinary social event.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at NIKU X for a group meetup?
At NIKU X, the primary activity centers around the premium buffet experience, where guests can savor an all-you-can-eat selection of impeccably fresh seafood and succulent A5 Wagyu beef. This interactive dining style invites groups to sample a variety of dishes, encouraging sharing and conversation as everyone tries their favorites and discovers new tastes together. Guests can grill their Wagyu steaks to their preferred doneness, turning mealtime into a fun culinary activity. The buffet also offers assorted sides and accompaniments that complement the main attractions, allowing for a full meal experience that keeps everyone engaged. Besides dining, the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere supports intimate conversations or larger festive gatherings, making it suitable for birthdays, celebrations, or casual meetups. The attentive and friendly staff enhance the experience by accommodating group needs efficiently, ensuring that everyone feels well cared for throughout the meal. This combination of exquisite food, interactive dining, and warm hospitality makes NIKU X a top choice for group activities revolving around shared food experiences.
What makes NIKU X perfect for hosting a group meetup?
NIKU X distinguishes itself as a prime location for group meetups by delivering a luxurious and versatile dining environment tailored to large parties. The spacious seating arrangements support groups of various sizes, ensuring comfort without feeling cramped. More importantly, the buffet format invites communal enjoyment and interaction—everyone at the table can pick and choose from a high-end selection of Wagyu beef and fresh seafood, promoting a shared culinary adventure rather than isolated individual plates. The premium quality of ingredients, reflected in the highly praised A5 Wagyu and seafood offerings, guarantees that every guest leaves satisfied, catering to even the most discerning palates. Moreover, the restaurant balances sophistication with an inviting ambiance, which helps groups feel at ease, whether they are celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a night out. Attentive service and a well-organized buffet system minimize wait times and disruptions, allowing groups to focus on the social experience. All these factors combined ensure that NIKU X creates not just a meal, but a memorable gathering that strengthens bonds through exceptional food and atmosphere.
Why is the food experience at NIKU X outstanding for groups?
The food experience at NIKU X stands out remarkably due to its dual focus on premium seafood and the famously luxurious A5 Wagyu steak, both of which are rare treats in buffet settings. The A5 Wagyu, known globally as one of the finest beef varieties, is offered in generous portions that guests can grill themselves or choose expertly prepared versions, ensuring personalized perfection. Seafood lovers also enjoy an impressive range of fresh options, from sashimi to grilled delicacies, which complement the rich flavors of the beef. This diversity of choice caters well to groups with varied tastes, allowing everyone to find something they love without compromise. Coupled with carefully chosen side dishes, sauces, and accompaniments that enhance the primary offerings, NIKU X’s culinary spread is not only vast but meticulously curated to deliver quality in every bite. The freshness, flavor, and presentation meet the high expectations that come with a premium buffet, making it a standout dining experience that turns group meals into joyous, foodie celebrations.
How does the ambiance and service at NIKU X enhance the group dining experience?
Beyond the exceptional food, NIKU X offers an atmosphere that balances elegance with warmth, creating a perfect setting for groups to connect comfortably. The interior design features tasteful decor that exudes sophistication, yet the layout encourages social interaction without overwhelming noise or distractions. Lighting and seating arrangements are carefully designed to accommodate conversation, celebration, and enjoyment simultaneously. The staff play a crucial role in elevating the experience; being attentive and responsive, they help manage the flow of the buffet and attend to individual group needs promptly, which ensures a smooth and pleasant visit. This combination of refined ambiance and exemplary service helps groups feel valued and well cared for, reinforcing the enjoyment of sharing a meal together. It’s these thoughtful details that transform a simple meetup into a special occasion, making NIKU X a beloved venue for social gatherings centered around food, friendship, and celebration.