Niki Nakayama & Carole Iida-Nakayama

n/naka - Los Angeles, CA

Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama are the visionary culinary minds behind the acclaimed Los Angeles restaurant n/naka, where they bring a modern interpretation to the art of kaiseki. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Niki Nakayama began her culinary career at the esteemed Takao restaurant before embarking on a transformative three-year journey across Japan, immersing herself in both traditional techniques and contemporary cuisine. n/naka is her deeply personal project, telling an evolving story through each seasonal menu, which has earned two Michelin stars and widespread acclaim.

Carole Iida-Nakayama, sous chef and partner at n/naka, brings her own rich culinary heritage to the kitchen, shaped by her family’s legacy of sushi restaurants in Los Angeles. Her approach is rooted in honoring tradition while pushing it forward, applying the philosophies of kaiseki to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection. Together, Niki Nakayma and Carole Iida-Nakayama blend technical mastery with thoughtful innovation, exemplified not only at n/naka but in their newest endeavor, n/soto, a second concept that continues their mission of moving Japanese cuisine forward in a meaningful and inclusive way.