The iconic Hollywood restaurant Yamashiro and the surrounding 7.3-acre property, known as “Mount Hollywood,” are set to go on the market with an asking price of $100 million.
The Japanese restaurant, owned by producer and nightlife pioneer Elie Samaha, has appeared in dozens of films including “Sayonara,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Kill Bill,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Blind Date,” and “Tea House on an August Moon,” as well as numerous TV shows.
Avison Young is the broker for the property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The site could be developed in a number of ways, perhaps at low density — with potential uses including a museum, foundation, private family compound or resort, said Peter Sherman, a principal at Avison Young and head of U.S. capital markets. “Everyone is familiar with the Japanese villa,” Sherman noted. “But this site is not just the villa, it’s more than seven acres.”
“There are a variety of opportunities, depending on the vision,” he added.
The 20,432-square-foot building, built as a private residence in 1914, will be protected as a historic site, Sherman said. The property also includes a small apartment complex.
As for Yamashiro, Sherman said, “It’s doing very well.” The restaurant operators could sign a long-term lease and continue operations with the new owners of the property, or the buyers could decide on another use. “All options are on the table,” Sherman said.
The team handling the listing of Samaka LLC, owned by Samah, consists of Sherman, Managing Director Chris Bonbright, and Director Chase Gordon.
Up to 280,000 square feet of additional development could be added to the property, which also includes a Japanese garden and a 600-year-old temple.
“It's unusual to find something like this within the city itself,” Sherman said. “It's an incredibly quiet and private place.”
A recent report said that Samaha is interested in buying the Dolby Theatre, which hosts the Oscars, as part of an investment alliance.
The adjacent 3.27-acre Magic Castle property was sold for $50 million in 2022 to video game entrepreneur Randy Pitchford.
