In an age when, for the sake of innovation, fusion cuisine often marries ingredients less compatible than a Real World cast, Beacon is a source of light for purists who cherish the value of simple and focused fare. Kazuto Matsusaka and wife Vicki Fan's smart Culver City bistro is sexy in that looks-great-in-sweatpants kind of way: seemingly familiar dishes with surprisingly fantastic tastes. Miso-braised short ribs, duck confit and grilled hanger steak with wasabi relish burst with bright flavors, amicably blending fine California ingredients with adept Asian technique. Reasonable prices and reliable execution keep an adoring local fan base returning to Beacon night after night to try something new, if they can stray from tried-and-true favorites. Beer, wine and sake available. Serving lunch Mon–Sat, dinner Tue–Sun.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Top 100 Restaurant, Los Angeles
"Lauded for its focus and simplicity, Beacon in Los Angeles is a good example of everything that's right with fusion."
—Restaurant Hospitality
"Formidable and intent, he [Kazuto] is crafting a formula wherein the prices are low while the quality is stunningly high."
—Los Angeles magazine
"The reasonably priced cuisine is simple yet superb, combining fresh California ingredients with traditional Asian cooking styles and a dash of Vicky [Fan, the general manager and Kazuto's wife]'s family recipes."
– Frommer's
"Imagine the neighborhood restaurant of your dreams and you've got a pretty good idea of what Beacon is like – smart and stylish, with the kind of food you can eat every night. The flavors are focused and bright. The dishes are thoughtfully edited, with only a few carefully chosen ingredients that somehow always seem to taste even better than you think they will."
– S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times
How others rate Beacon
Zagat 2008
22 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)
Los Angeles Times
**1/2 (Very Good to Excellent)
Los Angeles magazine
L.A.'s Top 25 Places to Eat, 2005
Los Angeles Weekly
Gold 99, 2005-2007
Frommer's
*** (Exceptional)