The Most Flavorful Izakaya in Los Angeles

Tsukiyo Sushi

★★★★★ 5 (88)

"Tucked away in the corner of a plaza, it's hard to see from the outside. Inside is cute and even has traditional seats where you sit on the floor, with your feet dangling.Everyone is super friendly and when you walk in they greet you with the typical "irashai mase!" And a smile on their faces.Tried so many food items and ALL of the fish was so fresh. It literally tasted very comparable to Japan's sushi. Some of my favorites:- Literally ALL of the sushi (especially the monkfish liver & the Uni & the Handroll... IT HAS CAVIAR)- Oysters (super fresh, has ponzu jelly)- Fried oyster- Mentaiko Pasta (creamy, yumminess) Parking in a lot, sometimes will have valet."

Izakaya Tora

★★★★☆ 4.4 (491) • $$$

"Delicious sushi, friendly staff, perfect vibes. The otoro and salmon sushi were both delicious. The restaurant is small inside, but in a cozy way. I would definitely recommend this to friends and family."

Izakaya Mi Young

★★★★☆ 4 (115)

"Sushi tasted fresh. Loved the scallop with uni. Highball drinks were delicious, husband enjoyed yuzu. Service felt warm and genuine. Can't wait to visit again."

Izakaya Gazen

★★★★☆ 4 (551) • $$

"You think you know the hot spots in Little Tokyo & then Gazen slaps you in the face -- & it's been there in front of you all along: the superstars here are the servers, sushi, shishito peppers, & fried chicken wings! Do not underestimate those wings: crispy, succulent, and with a sauce that will have you sucking on your fingers. (They do provide perfunctory wet naps when you order; definitely a sign of respect for the guests & good things to come.) If you're looking for a chill & intimate location (no TV's here & soothing music to keep your blood pressure insulated from the madness outside the windows), Gazen is your spot Special thanks to server Ai-jun & Ryu for exemplary care."

Kappo Miyabi

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$$

"Very authentic Japanese restaurant with ambience of a non touristy restaurant in Tokyo. You can order on a tablet or with a server. Prices somewhat high but not outrageous. Doesn't have the Americanized sushi. Lots of cooked options. Black cod and miso eggplant phenomenal. Individual sushi wonderful too."

Ramen Izakaya

★★★★☆ 4.4 (650) • $$

"I recently had the norovirus, and it really wrecked my stomach. I haven't been able to eat well for the past 72 hours. Thankfully, my wife orders from here on DoorDash, and she swears by this place, it always makes her feel better when she's sick. So, we decided to dine in. The place is very small, but the staff is friendly, and the layout is nice. It does get busy during dinner time, so be prepared for that.Since I was limited in what I could eat, I kept it simple with just a miso soup with vegetables and no chicken or meat, but I did squeeze a little lime in for extra flavor. My wife, on the other hand, had the spicy chicken miso soup with a bunch of ingredients. I swear, the bowl is huge and it's big enough for two people to share. Unfortunately, I couldn't dive into her bowl since I was still feeling sick, but I did sneak a sip, and wow, it was delicious! The bowl also comes with noodles, and everything was just so good. I've never been much of a ramen fan before, but once I'm feeling better, I'll definitely be back for a big bowl of their best ramen!"

Gyoza Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (167) • $$

"I was in the area waiting to ride the swan boats and decided to check out the Gyoza Bar in Echo Park...so glad I did! It's such a cute, cozy spot, perfect for a date night. The drinks were amazing (seriously, so good), and the gyoza were delicious. The music and atmosphere were a vibe! I was able to walk in and order because they had a standing bar while you wait for your table, which is pretty cool. I'll definitely be back!"

Ramen Izakaya

★★★★★ 4.5 (146) • $$

"I ordered this via Uber, honestly expecting it to be mediocre--but I was so wrong. I absolutely loved it! The ramen, the broth, the sides--everything was a delight. My only regret is not going to the restaurant to enjoy it fresh. Now I have the perfect reason to visit next time I'm craving ramen!."

Haru Sushi & Izakaya

★★★★★ 4.8 (48) • $$

"Extraordinary sushi bar with a staff that treats you like family the moment you walk in the door. With traditional sushi choices plus extra special dishes like Godzilla tacos served with the highest quality toro - this place is a hidden treasure! Made with only kind of high caliber fresh rare toro tuna I've only had in places such as Nobu on previous occasions to be exact! Plus a crème Brule dessert that would impress Julia Child - it's that delectable! Easy parking inside the lot in the center of this mini mall on Hollywood Boulevard. Fun party vibes plus happy hour specials daily. Thai Town sushi exists! I haven't ordered anything in this establishment that hasn't been delicious. Eat here asap!"

Tokyo Haus

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (254) • $$

"Tokyo Haus has been a long awaited destination. I am happy to report that they did not disappoint the boyfriend and me. Their all you can eat menu tiers are more than tempting to try. We started with their A menu, which was all you can eat sushi. Three rounds of their wide selection, kinda had us overwhelmed but excited. First round we went light with sashimi, miso soup, and garlic edamame. Second round had our sweet server worried and suggested that we were ordering too many rolls. I just want to add that my boyfriend is a bottomless pit when it comes to eating. Seven rolls of variations did not have him beat. But it surely had me beat. The rolls were made to perfection! Third rounds were went light, with sashimi and miso to end. The dining ambiance was brightly lit and decorated delightfully. It truly captures the essence of being in Little Tokyo at night. We are excited to go back soon!"

Hakata Izakaya HERO

★★★★☆ 4.2 (194)

"If you want an authentic Japanese izakaya (pub) experience, Izakaya Hero is the place. I'm originally from Japan (but I have lived in the US a little over half of my life).It's a small establishment near UCLA. As soon as you walk in, you're in an izakaya in Japan. The workers, the chefs and the waitstaff, are mostly (if not all) Japanese. Their offerings are very authentic. They serve several dishes that contain cow intestines, dishes with mentaiko (cod roe), Hakata (city in Kyushu) style ramen. Their food is NOT Americanized at all. If you are opened about trying authentic Japanese food, this is an excellent place. If you want teriyaki or sushi rolls, this is not your place. I don't think they even serve teriyaki. My girlfriend and I ordered/shared 6 dishes and hot sake. See my pictures for details. I have included my ratings in the caption. After sharing 6 small to medium size dishes, we were completely full. The total only came to $113 (including a 9.5% sales tax) plus a tip. This is a GREAT deal. I recommend you to try this restaurant if you want authentic Japanese izakaya food."

Aikan Sushi & Ramen

★★★★★ 4.7 (625) • $$$

"If you're looking for an amazing all-you-can-eat sushi spot, this is the place! The sashimi was incredibly fresh, the ponzu sauce that it comes with is delicious. I also love their crispy philly roll and spicy tuna crispy rice.Service was fantastic--Jamie took great care of us, making sure we had everything we needed and keeping the experience smooth and enjoyable. Super friendly and attentive!The only downside is the parking, which can be a bit challenging, so plan ahead if you're coming during peak hours. Other than that, highly recommend this place for sushi lovers!"

Sola Japanese Izakaya Dining

★★★★★ 4.6 (247) • $$

"Awesome awesome food. Legit Japanese authentic.I mean... plus it's fire AF. Just look!!!!"

Northern Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (220) • $$

"You have to get the House Special Beef Noodle Soup here! I went with the knife-cut noodles, and they were nice and chewy. If you prefer flat noodles, you can have that option as well. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the beef was super tender. Plus you get quite a few slices of beef, which you don't always see at noodle restaurants. The potstickers were also fantastic-- crispy on the outside and very juicy inside (careful when you bite into it! It literally explodes with flavor).One downside was the tableside chili oil, which I felt lacked any heat at all. I also was a tad disappointed that the skewers weren't on the menu like the last time I'd been here. Still, the overall quality of the food more than made up for it, and I'll definitely be back. I think next time I'll try the hot and spicy noodle soup, so I can get the spiciness I tried to get with the chili oil."

Izakaya Bizan

★★★★☆ 3.7 • $$

"Chicken thigh is the best one but the other skewers are pretty good. I think the pork belly needs a bit of work and some more options for skewers would elevate. But I wasn't disappointed and my party all enjoyed the food and sake."

Aikan Sushi & Ramen

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$$

"Loveee all you can eat sushi with Aikan. Already reviewed the Burbank location but Pasadena was my go to- ever since moving to LA. Came here with my family for a celebration and the service was very welcoming. We ordered a lot of premium sushi and it came all together. There's a variety of appetizers to choose from. our fave sushi was the seared yellow tail and tuna belly! We also ordered the tonkatsu ramen, the broth was comforting and delicious. The ambiance was inviting. Will always come back to Aikan sushi. Mike was our waiter he was inviting and friendly!"

Katsumura

★★★★☆ 4.3 (363) • $$

"Simply AMAZING!Amazing is the simple and only way I can describe this restaurant. The servers are friendly, helpful, and welcoming. The ambiance reminds me of some restaurants you will find in Japan, which I've personally been and can attest to. Last but not least, the reservation process over Yelp is a stellar way to stake a claim on some seats and avoid the wait.Everything from the Chicken and Beef Katsu to the seared ahi sashimi was a winner! The drink list was impressive with many drinks you would find served at restaurants in the Land of the Rising Sun. From the Whisky Highball, to the Calpis Sour. Lastly, the dining experience here did not break the bank or fracture the wallet. Cheers!I will absolutely be coming back here again soon!"

Taberu

★★★★☆ 4.1 (296)

"We stumbled upon a gem of a spot during a quick trip to LA for an exhibition. My friend and I didn't have reservations, and while it seemed like you needed them for indoor seating, we ended up on the cozy patio with heaters. Honestly, I think we lucked out--the patio was super inviting! That said, the inside looked amazing, with its dim lighting, great color scheme, and comfy seating.We came for a light bite and left very satisfied. My friend loved her picks, and so did I.I went with the Toro Taku roll on the server's recommendation. While it was delicious, it was smaller than I expected--just four pieces and not a lot of fish. I couldn't help but envy some of the sushi I saw at other tables, which looked amazing. Next time, I'll stick with my instincts and try the roll I was originally eyeing. What I did love, though, was the pork belly-wrapped Portobello mushroom--an absolute standout pick. Note to self: order more of this next time. There was a little mix-up about whether they had matcha iced tea, but our server brought it out eventually, and it was worth the wait--delicious!My friend ordered the A5 Premium Wagyu Uni and the Spicy Avocado Cucumber appetizer, and she raved about both.The only downside? Parking. Like most places in LA, you have to hunt for it and pay. But we found a cheap $5 lot just half a block away, so not too bad--yay!All in all, this was a delicious experience, though we probably should've ordered more since portions weren't as big as we expected. I'm already eyeing the Half Ramen for next time--sounds like a perfect way to start or finish the meal. What do you think? Is Half Ramen a starter or the grand finale?"

Moto Ramen

★★★★★ 4.6 (556) • $$

"Our first time here and a little nervous because we're not very familiar with how to order ramen bowls. But everything is very easy to understand on the menu and easy to order. We ordered edamame, gyoza and albacore sashimi for appetizer. The gyoza was probably the best I've ever had! The albacore sashimi was fresh and melted like butter in my mouth. We both had the Tantako (I think that's what it was called) Ramen bowl. And it was huge! We left so satisfied and stuffed! The people working there are very friendly and helpful. It's a little bit loud for anyone with sensitive ears and it gets busy very quickly. We're visiting the area, but made a point in our notes that we will definitely come back when we're back in the area again!"

Budonoki

★★★★★ 4.6 (172)

"5 Stars:A Sublime Culinary Journey at BudonokiIn a city teeming with exceptional dining establishments, Budonoki distinguishes itself as a true gastronomic gem. This unassuming restaurant delivers an unforgettable culinary experience, expertly marrying impeccable service with inventive, expertly crafted dishes.From the moment we stepped through the doors, the service was top-notch, with a warm, attentive staff that anticipated our every need. The atmosphere, while understated, provided an intimate backdrop for the culinary fireworks that were to come.And then, the food. Each dish that emerged from the kitchen was a masterclass in flavor, technique, and presentation. Standouts included the Naem, with its delicate balance of spicy and sour notes; the Aburi Salmon, seared to perfection and boasting a satisfying crunch; and the pork jowls, which melted in our mouths like a tender, unctuous cloud.But the true pièce de résistance was the Budo Black truffle gnocchi. This sublime creation - at once earthy, rich, and indulgent - redefined our understanding of comfort food. Each bite was a masterful harmony of textures and flavors, with the truffle's deep, loamy notes elevating the dish to unprecedented heights.In short, Budonoki is a must-visit destination for any serious food enthusiast. With its unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction, this restaurant has earned its place among the culinary elite.Rating Breakdown:- Food: 5/5- Service: 5/5- Ambience: 5/5- Value: 5/5Recommendation: Budonoki is an absolute must-visit for foodies and anyone seeking a world-class dining experience. Be sure to reserve well in advance, as tables are likely to be in high demand."

Kopan Sushi & Ramen Bar - Beverly Grove

★★★★☆ 4.2 (418) • $$

"I'm not the biggest ramen fan so we went crazy with the sushi. We got a lot of the new menu items like the yuzu miso black snapper crudo, tuna on crunchy spinach, and hotate crudo, of which I recommend in that order. The yuzu miso sauce was incredible and the presentation of all of them were beautiful. I'm also a huge crispy rice with spicy tuna person so we shared that as one of our apps along with takoyaki, cucumber avocado salad, and king crab bites. I'd say they were all pretty solid as sharing dishes. One of the ones I would skip next time though would be the sweet pork ribs. The meat itself was pretty dry. I did, however, enjoy the trio tartar. I found it surprising that it came with saltine crackers but they paired pretty well with the assortment of fresh sashimi. I almost never like alcohol but the yuzu chu hai was unforgettable. It was the perfect balance of sweet and citrus-y that I ended up drinking half of it even though it was my boyfriend's, whoops. The service is great with the waitresses coming by often to refill water and clearing plates. We went on a Friday night and there was plenty of seating."

Izakaya Osen - Los Angeles

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$$

"This place has my heart :) I've been here multiple times in Silverlake and it's always one to savor. I love it so much - the food is AUTHENTIC, AMAZING, FRESH, FANTASTIC, & FLAVORFUL. I've tried many, and this restaurant is probably my #1 favorite in LA for Japanese. The service is always impeccable, Brandon took most care of us - everyone that greets you is always a kind soul. The ambience does remind me of being in Japan with the architecture inside, plus the patio is spacious and is pet friendly :) the matcha dessert is seductive and not too sweet. Absolutely delicious meal 10/10"

Roji Sushi

★★★★★ 4.9 (29)

"Great food and service. Nice new place with great music. Beautiful looking food. We loved it"

Aikan Sushi

★★★★★ 4.6 • $$$

"Came here on Saturday for a late lunch. "All you can eat" is an instant turnoff for me, but they also have a regular menu.We were seated at the sushi bar without delay. Going over the menu, and doing the math, it was evident that we were going to order enough sushi that we were going to be in the same price range as just doing "all you can eat" ($42.99 for dinner). And while the portions are smaller, the food is otherwise the same. So we went with the all you can eat menu.The upside of this, is that we ordered a much broader range of food than we normally would. Appetizers, sushi, sashimi, rolls, rice-free rolls... all the stuff.The service is great, although it's the first time sitting at a sushi bar where there was no interaction with the sushi "chefs". But the wait staff is fantastic.The popcorn scallop appetizer was a favorite as were the stuffed muscles.The food is 4 stars. It's good, but not really good. The rolls are drowning in sauce. The sashimi was our favorite. We'll come back, but I think we'll stay away from the rolls.Overall, a fun and enjoyable meal and, as I say, we'll return. I did not manage to get a picture of everything."

Iki Ramen

★★★★★ 4.6 (886) • $$

"Iki has the best sushi AND noodles. My sister and I ordered Iki sushi, fried calamari (a special written on the white board again the wall by the kitchen archway), and uni mazemen. Everything was amazing. Their crab rolls are so good and the flavor of the mazemen always hits. Service was super quick but the mazemen arrived when we were halfway done with our other dishes (not a problem).I much prefer the cozy, intimate ambiance of their Koreatown location than their Hollywood location. I want to say I feeeel like the food is better at this location as well.There's a small parking lot out front. It's been here on an afternoon weekday and it was free, but on a Friday at 5PM, it was $4 for self-parking. Not sure what it'd cost to have valet park it."

Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori & Izakaya

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"Shin Sen Gumi is a really awesome Ramen shop down towards the end of Sawtelle. So parking is a bit easier and there is a lot less foot traffic. The food is affordable and the service rocks. It has great feel to the inside and they do there best to make it feel like they transported you to Japan. The classic Hakata Ramen and The Spicy Dan Dan Men are my go to but the Dan Dan is my favorite. It has great flavor and just the right amount of spice. Would definitely recommend it. The gyoza is always cooked well and tastes good. The curry was so flavorful and the rice was cooked well I would also recommend trying the curry from there."

Kochi

★★★★☆ 4.4 (369) • $$

"I came here because was seeing a show at the local comedy club. This place is a bit quiet, a bit mellow. It's probably better to order to-go. Great service. Good food. One of those places I tried once and can move into the next."

Robata JINYA - 3rd St

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"First time dining here. Everything was excellent, wagyu ramen, spicy chicken ramen, La Brea roll and baby scallop roll. Loved every single bite"

Toku Unagi & Sushi

★★★★☆ 4.2 (195) • $$$

"This place was DELICIOUS - but I have to admit... I liked everything else more than I liked the unagi, which is supposed to be their specialty. I came here with a friend for a friend date and we ordered a la carte. The eggplant dish was so good I devoured the whole thing and we had to order a second one. The uni dishes were so fresh and yummy. My friend LOVED the unagi, but for me, I thought it just tasted like any other unagi. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but I just liked everything else so much more.The restaurant is fairly small, but they have a bar area and it seemed like you can walk in and get a table. I had a reservation. The service was friendly and food came out quick! Next time I come here I am definitely trying the a la carte."

Sake House Miro

★★★★☆ 3.9 (534) • $$

"One of the best Sushi places I have ate in the city. My favorite is the Yellowtail Truffle Roll, I also had the Asparagus and a Salmon roll that was kind of like the truffle roll a bit. Customer service was also very good."

Kinjiro

★★★★★ 4.7 (477) • $$$

"If you're looking for an evening spot where you can take time savoring every flavor that gets put in front of you then look no further than Kinjiro. Each dish comes out like it was made specifically for Instagram and packs so much flavor that it could have its own episode on the Food Network.It's a super small spot and what sets it apart is how they take their time sending each dish out. No rushing between courses. Now, because it's small, you'll need to make a reservation. It's worth it.The must try items:1. Uni rissoto2. Mackerel3. Beef Tongue4. Black cod"