Sola Japanese Izakaya Dining

Read a one star review for this place on here and I had to post my own review. This is one of my favorite izakaya spots in LA and I need to call out Miss April on her egregious review. You sounds like a miserable customer wherever you go, can’t believe you’re comfortable enough to comment on the owner/server’s body just bc you’re mad she said hello to someone who walked in. Grow up. This place is a gem. Try the beef tongue.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Who knew tWow. Unexpectedly incredible.
Sola Japanese Izakaya is the kind of hidden gem that makes you feel like you've discovered something truly special in the San Fernando Valley.

The sushi was unbelievably fresh, beautifully presented, and every bite was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You can tell they care deeply about quality and craft -- nothing felt rushed or average. Every dish was balanced, flavorful, and clearly prepared with intention.

Whether you're a longtime sushi lover or just dipping your toes into Japanese izakaya-style dining, Sola is the real deal. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming without being pretentious -- the kind of place you want to come back to, again and again. It's clear this team puts pride into what they serve. The staff were amazing - very attentive, helpful in explaining things. They even let my friend and I stay until closing to work in a booth. Cannot thank them enough.

If you're looking for a place with elevated flavor, freshness, and a soulful dining experience, skip the chains and head here. You'll be so glad you did.

5 stars

#SolaIzakaya #HiddenGemSFV #SushiGoals #FreshAFish #sushi #sfv #losangeles #SushiObsession #SushiLoversUnite #FoodieFindsLA #SanFernandoValleyEats #IzakayaExperience #SushiThatSlaps #SupportLocalEats #LAHiddenGems #smallbusiness #NextLevelSushi #SushiInspo #SolaSensation #FreshFishOnly #EatWithIntention #BestSushiInTheValley #FoodieHeaven #FromFishToFlavorhat some of the best sushi in Los Angeles is in the Valley

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We tried like 10 dishes and all of them were excellent. We especially enjoyed the grilled mackerel, and the tofu with eggplant, the curry is also amazing. The service is outstanding, Miki is so friendly and warm, and gave us excellent recommendations. We will definitely be back!

I'm not sure why this place didn't have a wait list at 7pm on a Friday night. It seems like maybe there was a prior owner and these are new owners? It's the only reason I can possibly imagine there isn't a line out the door.

As I told my husband tonight, every dish we had, if I wanted someone to know what a well executed, authentic version was, this is it, beautifully prepared.

We had the potato salad, the smashed cucumber, gyoza, dashimaki tamago (savory style, not very sweet, I prefer the one here to the very sweet ones, the one here is delectable), sake-kama which was beautifully grilled, crispy edged, flaky, so juicy), and the menchi katsu, which isn't a common find but absolutely amazing. I also had the ume ochazuke which is something I always have to order when I see it. It's comforting and soul soothing in the way Americans find chicken soup, but lovely, delicate Japanese flavors.

Please don't come here expecting speedy service. It is not slow, but everything is prepared fresh, and the point of izakaya isn't to rush in and out. It's to eat a little, talk a little, drink a little.

Or you can do what we did and get there way too late after a busy day and eat way too much because you're ravenous. And enjoy every minute because it's exceptional.

So, here's hoping next time I'm back I have to wait because this is a gem you don't find every day. And I will definitely be back. I'm only here for a few weeks and I want to enjoy as much as I can while I'm here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolute hidden gem. Parking is kind of annoying but worth finding a street spot. Vibes are great and owner is the friendliest!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

So as a Japanese person living in Sherman Oaks.Thank goodness this place is a Oasis of Japanese food!!. When I miss home, I get some dishes here and I am happy for days. The wings and fried tofu takes a bit of time cause it's fresh. Great place to go as a huge party and eat family style!! Be back soon!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kid-friendliness: A+

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything is amazing! Great food, great atmosphere. The owner is just a delight. This is my go to Izakaya! It’s a must try!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We have been coming here for about two years now and we love the food and the service! We highly recommend it ?

Kid-friendliness: The owner is very kind to our toddler and always brings him his special plate and spoon

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Katsu Curry

Amazing food friendly staff. A true hidden. Gem in the valley if you like authentic Japanese food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Katsu Curry, Soba, Nagoya Style Chicken Wing, Spicy Shrimp Onigiri, Ramen, Grilled Atka Mackerel, Onion Salad, Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken

Amazing and authentic in so many ways.

Vegetarian options: I didn’t pay attention but I would guess there are plenty of options.

Parking: We parked underground and were there early enough. Had no issues with parking.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Katsu Curry, Nagoya Style Chicken Wing, Garlic Edamame, Spicy Shrimp Onigiri, Fried Calamari, Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken

Fresh quality food

We just learned about Sola a couple of months ago and we've gone five times already.The food is outstanding, the restaurant is nice, with a cool mellow vibe, and the owner is friendly and fun to talk to.I've tried almost everything on the menu by now, from the sizzling mushrooms to the grilled onigiri, to the special salad covered in fried onions. It has all been great.Try the grilled mackerel and mixed dumplings, too. Seriously, everything there is delicious.Fairly quiet, so it's a perfect place for a date or meet-up with friends. And there's free parking downstairs!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Katsu Curry, Soba, Tofu & Eggplant, Grilled Beef Tongue, Garlic Edamame, Onion Salad, Sake Steamed Clams

The food is absolutely amazing and they treated me like family. I absolutely recommend this location to anyone and everyone!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A decent izakaya with underground parking. While the food is decent, I thought it was a bit overpriced.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Grilled Beef Tongue