Hollywood's Mountain Palace

250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard, 
perched in the Hollywood Hills, is this
family owned, east-meets-west
mountain palace and Hollywood's
landmark, where the serenity of
ancient Japan along with a rich
Asian heritage contrast the glitter
and rush of the present Los Angeles.
Yamashiro started as a fabulous
private estate, a dream of the
Bernheimer brothers to build a hilltop
mansion and with this establish a
noble shelter for their precious
collection of Asian treasures. FYI:
Yamashiro is an authentic replica of
a splendid temple nestled on the
outskirts of Kyoto in the Yamashiro
mountains.

For 92 years Yamashiro -- a 10-room
teak and cedar residence, pocketed
by impeccably manicured Japanese
gardens -- has watched over the
History of Hollywood. It has witnessed
the birth of the film industry and the
glamour of Hollywood's "Golden Age".
The who-is-who of the 20' -- actors,
writers, directors, and celebrities,
formed here their first social institution
as a monument to their achievements.
The ultra-exclusive "400 Club" --
created for the flashy elite -- served
as headquarters to the motion picture
industry.

Nowadays celebrities, movie moguls,
and civilians alike haunt this intimate
Chateau to indulge in the majestic
vistas of Hollywood, gormandize
award-winning Japanese cuisine in
one of the several distinctive and
beautifully arranged rooms, sip
artisanal cocktails while Los Angeles
is laid out like a shimmering carpet
below. A 600-year-old Pagoda --
brought over from Japan by the
Bernheimer brothers -- is said to
be the oldest building in California.
An opulent tranquility pervades this
tradition-steeped yet cutting-edge
business-lunch spot, while intriguing
and romantic scenic attractions
create an unmatched backdrop for
an exuberant night out, a festive
reception, or an intoxicating after-
work cocktail hour. The function
rooms can accommodate up to
1000 people.

Massive, hand-carved doors lead
into a little lobby that also links to
one of Yamashiro’s most charming
features: an open-air Japanese
garden, situated in the center of
this spectacular dining enclave,
completely enclosed by the four
wings of the building. This verdant
courtyard, filled with flowering
shrubs, a soothing waterfall and
limpid stone pools alive with Koi
fish, sets the mood for a one-of-a-
kind dining experience.
Carved rafters, lacquered in gold
and tipped with bronze dragons 
dominate over the main dining
rooms, which allow a fresh breeze
blow through the spacious patios.
During colder months heating and
an extensive canopy provide a
cozy atmosphere. The courtyard
is available year-round.

Sip a cocktail at the bar's lounge or
host a special event at the Skyview
banquet room. Bring your date to
experience romantic sunsets at
the west side Sunset Room or
dance the night away when a DJ
spins the latest sounds (Fr & Sa). 

Executive chef Jason Park and
chef de cuisine Brock Kleweno
have devised a well-considered
(and award-winning) menu of
CalAsian cuisine: it is eclectic yet
sophisticated; one thing is for
sure: fish and sushi lovers will be
in their element.
There is an extensive drink list
available for the thirsty souls:
California wines, hot sakes,
chilled sakes, bottled, and draft
beers. Various elixir tonics and
teas top off the list.