Café 2001 (Los Angeles, CA)
Cafe 2001
2001 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
213-335-9951
cafe2001.com
Sun 01/25/2026, 03:10p-04:20p
A while back, I wrote about an experience I had at Junya Yamasaki's beguiling neo-Japanese eatery Yess. At the end of that post, I mentioned that the team was planning on launching a more casual daytime offshoot, set in the same building. It took a while, but after months of hosting various pop-ups and events, Café 2001 soft-opened at the end of December 2024 with Chef Giles Clark (former sous at Yess--please see that post for his background) running the kitchen. He was joined by Kota Kawamura (another Yess alum) on pastry, while Masakazu Matsuba (of IFNi Roasting) would come on board later to head the coffee program.
I had wanted to check the place out ever since it opened, but unfortunately, dinner service didn't last all that long, and I'm usually not up in Downtown during the day. However, it was recently announced that both Café 2001 and Yess would be shuttering on January 25th, so the impending closure ended up forcing my hand, and I paid the restaurant a visit during its final service (after dropping off my first batch of menus at the Central Library--might as well kill two birds with one stone).
Shown above is the view from Café 2001's entrance on the north side of its Arts District edifice.
The bulk of the seating is actually located upstairs.
Given my late-ish arrival time, much of the menu was already sold out, so I opted to order one each of the remaining four items. Also pictured is Café 2001's beverage selection, and although wine is available, I opted to bring my own. I'm not sure what the official corkage policy is, but I was not charged a fee to open my bottle, which was certainly a pleasant surprise. Click for larger versions.
Benedictine Bacon Sandwich [$12.00]
We'll start with what's essentially a BLT, in fact, the best BLT I've ever had. The key here really was that cool 'n' creamy Benedictine spread, which served as the cohesive force in the sandwich, bringing together salty bacon, bright veggies, and shattery toast in admirable fashion.
As previously stated, to mark this blog's twentieth anniversary, I'm primarily drinking 20-year-old wine in 2026, hence today's BYOB option, the 2006 Bonneau du Martray Corton Grand Cru. On the nose, the Burgundy initially brought aromas of forest floor and warm spices, while the palate presented itself in a smooth, structured manner, with flavors highlighting perfumed red fruit. Mid-meal, the bouquet mellowed and offered more of those baking spices, while taste-wise, I found additional earth and herb along with that aforementioned fruit. Finally, at the end of my time here, the Pinot noir began smelling meatier, funkier, with a distinct mintiness to go along with its tart berry scents. On the tongue, the wine evolved even more handsomely, delivering additional nuances of tobacco and woodsy spice that really completed the equation for me.
Smoked Trout with Horseradish & Toast [$16.00]
The trout was spot-on with its level of smoke and its soft, slightly "sticky" consistency. Both the horseradish cream and red onions were a consummate pairing with the fish, and I was a fan of that super toasty, salt-sprinkled, butter-smeared bread, too.
Pork Tenderloin Katsu Sandwich with Turkish Pickles [$14.00]
Clark's version of the iconic katsu-sando was a winner as well, featuring a tender, toothsome cutlet with a light, crisp, panko-coated exterior. Naturally, a sweet-n-savory tonkatsu sauce was deftly applied, as was a touch of mustard I believe, while those supple slices of shokupan helped it all coalesce. The pickles on the side did offer a contrasting crunch and acidity, though the usual turşu had run out, so red onions and cornichons were offered instead.
Japanese Omelette Rice [$20.00]
Last up was the omurice, composed of a delightfully fluffy egg draped over a cozy, comforting, tomato-y chicken rice. It was a delectable combination to be sure, though my one quibble was that the meat could've been juicier.
All things considered, we're talking about casual daytime fare here, sure, but there's a certain charm to the cooking that appeals to me, and I'm bummed that this place has closed. Officially, both Yess and Café 2001 are slated to reopen in February in a new location (perhaps at 1509 South Mateo, the address originally planned for Good Brown?), but from what I've heard, Clark's future in LA isn't absolutely secured. It'd be a shame if we lose the Chef, so I'm definitely hoping he'll stick around.
2001 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
213-335-9951
cafe2001.com
Sun 01/25/2026, 03:10p-04:20p
A while back, I wrote about an experience I had at Junya Yamasaki's beguiling neo-Japanese eatery Yess. At the end of that post, I mentioned that the team was planning on launching a more casual daytime offshoot, set in the same building. It took a while, but after months of hosting various pop-ups and events, Café 2001 soft-opened at the end of December 2024 with Chef Giles Clark (former sous at Yess--please see that post for his background) running the kitchen. He was joined by Kota Kawamura (another Yess alum) on pastry, while Masakazu Matsuba (of IFNi Roasting) would come on board later to head the coffee program.
I had wanted to check the place out ever since it opened, but unfortunately, dinner service didn't last all that long, and I'm usually not up in Downtown during the day. However, it was recently announced that both Café 2001 and Yess would be shuttering on January 25th, so the impending closure ended up forcing my hand, and I paid the restaurant a visit during its final service (after dropping off my first batch of menus at the Central Library--might as well kill two birds with one stone).
Shown above is the view from Café 2001's entrance on the north side of its Arts District edifice.
The bulk of the seating is actually located upstairs.
Given my late-ish arrival time, much of the menu was already sold out, so I opted to order one each of the remaining four items. Also pictured is Café 2001's beverage selection, and although wine is available, I opted to bring my own. I'm not sure what the official corkage policy is, but I was not charged a fee to open my bottle, which was certainly a pleasant surprise. Click for larger versions.
Benedictine Bacon Sandwich [$12.00]
We'll start with what's essentially a BLT, in fact, the best BLT I've ever had. The key here really was that cool 'n' creamy Benedictine spread, which served as the cohesive force in the sandwich, bringing together salty bacon, bright veggies, and shattery toast in admirable fashion.
As previously stated, to mark this blog's twentieth anniversary, I'm primarily drinking 20-year-old wine in 2026, hence today's BYOB option, the 2006 Bonneau du Martray Corton Grand Cru. On the nose, the Burgundy initially brought aromas of forest floor and warm spices, while the palate presented itself in a smooth, structured manner, with flavors highlighting perfumed red fruit. Mid-meal, the bouquet mellowed and offered more of those baking spices, while taste-wise, I found additional earth and herb along with that aforementioned fruit. Finally, at the end of my time here, the Pinot noir began smelling meatier, funkier, with a distinct mintiness to go along with its tart berry scents. On the tongue, the wine evolved even more handsomely, delivering additional nuances of tobacco and woodsy spice that really completed the equation for me.
Smoked Trout with Horseradish & Toast [$16.00]
The trout was spot-on with its level of smoke and its soft, slightly "sticky" consistency. Both the horseradish cream and red onions were a consummate pairing with the fish, and I was a fan of that super toasty, salt-sprinkled, butter-smeared bread, too.
Pork Tenderloin Katsu Sandwich with Turkish Pickles [$14.00]
Clark's version of the iconic katsu-sando was a winner as well, featuring a tender, toothsome cutlet with a light, crisp, panko-coated exterior. Naturally, a sweet-n-savory tonkatsu sauce was deftly applied, as was a touch of mustard I believe, while those supple slices of shokupan helped it all coalesce. The pickles on the side did offer a contrasting crunch and acidity, though the usual turşu had run out, so red onions and cornichons were offered instead.
Japanese Omelette Rice [$20.00]
Last up was the omurice, composed of a delightfully fluffy egg draped over a cozy, comforting, tomato-y chicken rice. It was a delectable combination to be sure, though my one quibble was that the meat could've been juicier.
All things considered, we're talking about casual daytime fare here, sure, but there's a certain charm to the cooking that appeals to me, and I'm bummed that this place has closed. Officially, both Yess and Café 2001 are slated to reopen in February in a new location (perhaps at 1509 South Mateo, the address originally planned for Good Brown?), but from what I've heard, Clark's future in LA isn't absolutely secured. It'd be a shame if we lose the Chef, so I'm definitely hoping he'll stick around.
posted by kevinEats at
3:10 PM
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