The HRB Experience: Bold Intensity and Simplicity All Rolled Into One
The Financial District in Downtown LA is slowly emerging as a dining destination. Before 2019, everything west of 6th and Hill seemed somewhat inaccessible due to the grandeur of L.A. Prime, La Boucherie, and 71 Above. On the ground level, there were hidden gems, but nothing exuberant in quality, at least not until now. The HRB Experience opened its doors on the ground level of the Pacific Mutual building and the flocks of patrons rushing to fill the seats along the counter are no joke.
“Experience” is an appropriate word to describe the time spent at HRB because it is not dinner and a show, but it is dinner as a show and the main stars are the ingredients. The menu is very simple. You don’t even have to choose for yourself. It’s meant to encourage the Omakase way of dining, a style in Japan that simply translates to “chef’s choice.” Truly, at this establishment, the chef knows best.
Once you place the order, the handrolls are served to you on a brown paper placemat fresh off the line, and meant to be devoured right away. No time for pleasantries here. It even says so on the menu. The rolls are meant to be enjoyed fresh, “As soon as they are served.” You’d miss out on the crunchiness of the fresh nori if you stare at it for too long or take too many photos. That is where their attention to detail shines.
The idea for the restaurant idea came from Ludovic Rahal, Kia Illulian, and Lionel Azoulay, who have always been fans of Japanese culture and cuisine, the finesse of Japanese simplicity, and the freshness of ingredients. During their planning stage, Rahal came across this section of Downtown 3–4 years ago and recognized immediate potential. Rahal saw the need that people in the area had for a place where they could grab a quick bite for lunch or a full-blown experience, without compromising quality and hospitality. “If a restaurant doesn’t work in a high traffic area like this, it’s not the people’s fault. It’s the concept that’s wrong. So we built something well rounded, something everyone can enjoy,” explains Rahal. This being their first restaurant, it is safe to say the concept worked, all too well, as they’ve already opened a second location at Westfield Century City Mall.
Clearly, there’s an ambitious team here and their ambitions are also reflected on the menu. There’s more than good rice and fresh seafood here. There are also tartares, special handrolls using soy wraps instead of nori, fresh uni, and sashimi. Though already proven to be a hit, Rahal plans to keep the creativity rolling on the menu, as it will go through changes every season.
The HRB Experience should be held in high regard and with applause for their success in opening a much-desired restaurant in one of the highest foot traffic areas of Downtown. The fact they’ve held their own and already expanding is what first-time restaurant owners dream of. Only the truly dedicated ever get this lucky. Go experience it for yourself, but call ahead of time to check on the line.
thehrbexperience.com | 529 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Written by Mariana Ramos | Photography by Jack Strutz, Prop Stylist Casha Doemland
