Otium…a brand new restaurant, now serving lunch

Look at all the Iga-yaki donabe in the front shelves!

This might be the most anticipated new restaurant opening of the year in LA. Located right by The Broad in Downtown LA, Otium, by Chef Tim Hollingsworth (formerly a chef de cuisine of Michelin 3-star French Laundry in Napa) finally soft opened last week. They are now open for lunch only and scheduled to start serving dinner next month.

I was lucky enough to be invited to their pre-opening friends and family day in the previous week to try their lunch for the first time!

This is such a gorgeous restaurant with a beautiful architectural design and interior. As soon as I entered, the first thing I noticed in the wide open kitchen was all the donabe in the front shelves! Yes, Chef Tim is a big fan of our donabe, and they have both donabe smoker, IbushiGin, and double-lid donabe rice cooker, Kamado San! I was so psyched to see them.


Lunch was really amazing. Each dish was so original and artistic. The flavors were unbelievable. Two of us ordered a various dishes to share. After every bite, we couldn’t help saying, “Wow” or “Oh my God”.


Otium is indeed the most exciting restaurant opening in LA this year. I just can’t wait to keep coming here over and over. And, I can't wait to try Chef Tim's donabe dishes!

Happy donabe life.