Izakaya Gazen

362 1st St, Los Angeles
(213) 613-1415

Recent Reviews

Karpis Maksudian

Excellent Japanese izakaya

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Haruyo Miyake

I used it twice.On my first visit, the food was delicious. The Japanese woman's response was also good. However, when I visited the store for the second time,Perhaps because I was busy, I didn't have much food.The two images areThe first thing I ate was fried chicken.This is the second time I've had ginger grilled pork.Obviously the amount of rice is different.No matter when you visit, you can choose the amount of rice you want.I hope it remains constant.The female Hispanic staff offers hot tea after the meal.When I asked her to bring it,It was said in a very unpleasant way.I know, I'll bring you some tea.That was an annoying way to say it.For a moment, the expression on his face turned scary.I was surprised.This staff works in the wrong placeI thought there might be one.Why was this person hired?I do not understand.Attitudes that are not suitable for Japanese entertainmentwas.I felt really badI also paid less tip.Next time you visitI hope this woman doesn't exist.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Steve Lanza

First time here and I felt like I was back in Japan. A country I have come to love. Food was great. Service was great.Parking: At 1st Street and Central; with Isakaya Gazen on your right, turn right on central. Half block down is parking structure. 2 free hours with validated parking. Street Meter parking on Saturdays. Free meter parking on Sundays. If you can find a spot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Kara-Age w Original Sauce, Omakase Sashimi Platter 5kinds

Rosemari Martinez

It is absolutely delicious and a decent price for the number of us that had dinner there. Would highly recommend this spot if in town and hungering for great sushi.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Assorted Tempura, Sushi

SUNGJIN MOON

I went here yesterday. The food was food really good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Simon Dong

Top quality ingredients, as authentic as it gets for

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Kevin kim

The tofu dish is amazing...You have to be careful with fish.I couldn't eat it all. Inedible. Looks like a storage mistake...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Pierre T

Good food but

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Neo Wang

A little overpriced. Room is too dark.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Gustavo Ocando

The service is great and the sushi is so good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Claudio Ruiz

Great hot dogs on the stick, crunchy, with cheese, it is

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

C H Masiddo

We have visited here twice now. They validate parking as well.We've ordered the tofu sampler, beef tongue, yellowtail green onion cut roll, albacore and tomato, squid somen, grilled baby scallops, tuna and radish pickle cut roll, beef sukiyaki tofu, ume chazuke, corn tempura, cucumber with mentaiko. We enjoyed every dish we've ordered so far.We also ordered asahi and suntory draft to drink. The service is very attentive. We will continue to come back.

Helen Y.

I had a fabulous time here. This place is legit. It reminds me of Japan from the atmosphere to the food and to the service. I would recommend getting a reservation before coming. Sometimes for the people who walk in, the only available seating would be the outdoor patio. The presentation of the food is perfect. The flavors is perfect. I was very happy to be able to come here and try out their lunch menu. I got the pork cutlet and it was delicious. I love the different little sides that comes with the meal. You can tell that they truly care about their food. The meal is very comforting. I love the overall experience. It's a great place to catch up with friends.

Alice W.

Okay... So I've only been here once and it was for lunch. I came here for brunch/lunch with a friend on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We had reservations for noon, but we didn't need them since the restaurant had plenty of seating. My friend and I both got the make-your-own chirashi bowl lunch set. (Sorry idk what it was called...) I believe I chose salmon, yellowtail, and spicy tuna. Surprisingly, I really liked the spicy tuna bc it was so soft and buttery. :) The lunch set came with tofu, soup, salad, and little sides. Everything was yummy! Reasonably fair prices for Little Tokyo where I'm sure the rent is murderous. The staff was very kind, friendly, and attentive. Chill ambiance. Parking: It's little tokyo so parking will always suck. Paid street parking (except on Sundays or after hours) or plenty of paid lots. Pick you poison.

Ichika G.

Occasion: Sunday dinner with a friend. Because it was Sunday night the crowd died early around 7pm. Noise level was 6-7/10. Service: every server was very attentive and quick to notice when the glass is empty or close to empty as well as quick to notice when a plate is done. So solid 10/10.Food: I will list from the food I liked the most to least. Tofu sampler (especially the creamy one), surf clam sashimi, karaage, fries with wasabi mayo, and tomato salad. I think this place is for more like comfort food not something epic. Fries had dashi flakes sprinkled. That tasted good but fries itself was kind of soggy. Tomato texture was weird. It felt old. Karaage was nothing special. I'd definitely try the creamy tofu by itself next. Validation: they do validate for the village parking lot for the first two hours but after that it's on you which is $4 for 15 min. If you plan to stay longer I assure you to use Aiso parking garage. It's only 5 min walk!!!

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