Restaurant permanently closed and building demolished, December 2023.We will miss you Chef Kaz!
Blanca R.
me encanta esta comida. Especialmente la order 14. El servicio es bien rápido y me encanta el sushi. esta muy fresco.
Slim J.
Best Japanese BBQ in LA! Hands down. If you don't eat beef, you can ask Chef Masa if he can do a seafood based menu. There are other off the menu items that are amazing. For example, the lamb chops and also crab porridge are must orders.The service is great but the ambiance is very old and dark. You will need to know someone to introduce you to get a reservation.
Jae K.
Totoraku is one of those restaurant that has its own level or status as we can say. Kaz san is not only a chef but just really an artist in every aspect. It's really interesting to see his take on everything in life from food to wine to golf. Its not really luxury lifestyle but let's say its more of a developed sense and taste in life. Its very refined and organized, clean yet delicate. He has this special touch in life or talking, or even as he expresses the sensualness coming from the wine or sake. At the same time the restaurant is very comforting and almost like everyday yakiniku barbeque. In not anyways I felt this was some special luxury restaurant or eating the dining experience of life or the most amazing meal. It was just great, casual and comforting meal that can be spent for great time with friends with couple drinks of fine wine and sake. The food in general was not in anyways anything special, but again it was greatly executed. Everything hits the notes and at the end of the night, Its a well executed meal with nothing lacking to be honest. Only thing I would say that was bit extra ordinary was the pricing but really its experience of its own class. Its just two tables and Chef Kaz only focuses on that two table and making sure the journey is nothing but perfect simple yakiniku experience. I would definitely return here again and I wrote this review, because I read review before going from invitation from my friend whom is a friend with Kaz. It was great night out and lovely place to open special occasion wine and sake to share with friends.
Robert Bell
Now at 9111 west Olympic
Randy N.
Amazing!!! You will read this and want a reservation... you won't get one. Trust me tho it was AMAZING!!!
Sebastian K.
Unless you know Kaz and get a personal invite, forget it don't even try. This is perhaps one of the best meat restaurant in the US.
Sahar M.
It happened. We got invited to totoraku. It's the kind of "if you know, you know" kinda place. If you're not in the restaurant game and you're used to eating at places like the Cheesecake Factory (no offense) you shouldn't be allowed in here. Also, you're not allowed to take photos. So guess what? Sorry not sorry. I had to remember this. First, this place is invite only. The chef has to invite you otherwise you're not going. It also looks like crap from the outside, making it even better. An unassuming terriyaki house with the wrong phone number listed outside- across the street from McDonald's. Enter and it's a NYC restaurant kinda vibe. Small space and empty wine bottles everywhere since it's customary to bring wine for the chef. The chef is cool as F btw. He will come chat and drink with you while food is cooking and if he likes your guest, they get a card too. Which means they're welcome back anytime. So the food- if you're on a protein diet you won't be mad here. So much meat is brought out for you and the flavors are seriously one of a kind. Not only was everything they brought out well thought out and in perfect sequence, but literally every bite was an "OMG" moment. Just when we were full, and then fuller, and then stuffed, the courses kept coming! It was endless! Almost to the point of like okay when is this meal going to end, we're exploding and we will keep eating anyway because "OMG". I'll just say this was one memorable dining experience. If you have the opportunity to go here (and most people don't)- jump on it. You won't regret it :)
Berta R.
IF you call you get a reservation, and if you are willing to pay whatever price of the day and how much they think you can afford to pay, its always a seat for you, WAY TOO EXPENSIVE AND the guy drinks 1/2 of your wines.
Jenn T.
Feasting at Totoraku is a one-of-a-kind experience, but it's is close-knit network- you must be invited. If you are, you come here, in the same manner, you would to a friend of a friend's house, to get together while eating delicious food with excellent wine ;) that is the driving factor - the experience. Chef Kaz has such a kind heart; you just want to hug him! Otherwise, pass. There's a reason it's not open to the public. The whole course was incredibly delicious! Chef Kaz's comes out and enjoys a glass with the party. He keeps a collection of wine bottles people have brought, it's interesting to see. My favorite part is the wine; getting to bring your favorite bottle of wine to share; a miniature wine tasting party with top-notch meat with some of your favorite people...doesn't get much better than that! However, you could totally be unimpressed and hate it, especially after the bill comes.
One of the best restaurants in my life.Japanese style yakiniku restaurant. course only. Referral system. It is run by a Japanese couple.A shop where cult wines and fine wines gather and delicious ingredients gather.I was able to eat natto here when I was young?If you go to LA, make a reservation.The store is visited by many Japanese celebrities, athletes, and foreign celebrities.
kui Q
Food is normal . Very normal . Disappointing
April Vera
OMG - never again - I was a taken there as a treat -but what a disappointment - this place was unsanitary - no ventilation - they cooked the food with charcoal at my table which I believe is a health code violation and charcoal at the table is even legal. Plus with all these negatives the owner was rude and the owner yelled at other guests. For the price tag - save your money and eat elsewhere- Please do not support this horrible establishment.
Michael Lin
Great!
Angel N.
Absolutely love this place! Chef Kaz is amazing and the food are always consistent! Came here last night after 2 years and oh how I've missed this place so much! Can't wait to come back!
Restaurant permanently closed and building demolished, December 2023.We will miss you Chef Kaz!
me encanta esta comida. Especialmente la order 14. El servicio es bien rápido y me encanta el sushi. esta muy fresco.
Best Japanese BBQ in LA! Hands down. If you don't eat beef, you can ask Chef Masa if he can do a seafood based menu. There are other off the menu items that are amazing. For example, the lamb chops and also crab porridge are must orders.The service is great but the ambiance is very old and dark. You will need to know someone to introduce you to get a reservation.
Totoraku is one of those restaurant that has its own level or status as we can say. Kaz san is not only a chef but just really an artist in every aspect. It's really interesting to see his take on everything in life from food to wine to golf. Its not really luxury lifestyle but let's say its more of a developed sense and taste in life. Its very refined and organized, clean yet delicate. He has this special touch in life or talking, or even as he expresses the sensualness coming from the wine or sake. At the same time the restaurant is very comforting and almost like everyday yakiniku barbeque. In not anyways I felt this was some special luxury restaurant or eating the dining experience of life or the most amazing meal. It was just great, casual and comforting meal that can be spent for great time with friends with couple drinks of fine wine and sake. The food in general was not in anyways anything special, but again it was greatly executed. Everything hits the notes and at the end of the night, Its a well executed meal with nothing lacking to be honest. Only thing I would say that was bit extra ordinary was the pricing but really its experience of its own class. Its just two tables and Chef Kaz only focuses on that two table and making sure the journey is nothing but perfect simple yakiniku experience. I would definitely return here again and I wrote this review, because I read review before going from invitation from my friend whom is a friend with Kaz. It was great night out and lovely place to open special occasion wine and sake to share with friends.
Now at 9111 west Olympic
Amazing!!! You will read this and want a reservation... you won't get one. Trust me tho it was AMAZING!!!
Unless you know Kaz and get a personal invite, forget it don't even try. This is perhaps one of the best meat restaurant in the US.
It happened. We got invited to totoraku. It's the kind of "if you know, you know" kinda place. If you're not in the restaurant game and you're used to eating at places like the Cheesecake Factory (no offense) you shouldn't be allowed in here. Also, you're not allowed to take photos. So guess what? Sorry not sorry. I had to remember this. First, this place is invite only. The chef has to invite you otherwise you're not going. It also looks like crap from the outside, making it even better. An unassuming terriyaki house with the wrong phone number listed outside- across the street from McDonald's. Enter and it's a NYC restaurant kinda vibe. Small space and empty wine bottles everywhere since it's customary to bring wine for the chef. The chef is cool as F btw. He will come chat and drink with you while food is cooking and if he likes your guest, they get a card too. Which means they're welcome back anytime. So the food- if you're on a protein diet you won't be mad here. So much meat is brought out for you and the flavors are seriously one of a kind. Not only was everything they brought out well thought out and in perfect sequence, but literally every bite was an "OMG" moment. Just when we were full, and then fuller, and then stuffed, the courses kept coming! It was endless! Almost to the point of like okay when is this meal going to end, we're exploding and we will keep eating anyway because "OMG". I'll just say this was one memorable dining experience. If you have the opportunity to go here (and most people don't)- jump on it. You won't regret it :)
IF you call you get a reservation, and if you are willing to pay whatever price of the day and how much they think you can afford to pay, its always a seat for you, WAY TOO EXPENSIVE AND the guy drinks 1/2 of your wines.
Feasting at Totoraku is a one-of-a-kind experience, but it's is close-knit network- you must be invited. If you are, you come here, in the same manner, you would to a friend of a friend's house, to get together while eating delicious food with excellent wine ;) that is the driving factor - the experience. Chef Kaz has such a kind heart; you just want to hug him! Otherwise, pass. There's a reason it's not open to the public. The whole course was incredibly delicious! Chef Kaz's comes out and enjoys a glass with the party. He keeps a collection of wine bottles people have brought, it's interesting to see. My favorite part is the wine; getting to bring your favorite bottle of wine to share; a miniature wine tasting party with top-notch meat with some of your favorite people...doesn't get much better than that! However, you could totally be unimpressed and hate it, especially after the bill comes.
Restaurantji Recommends
One of the best restaurants in my life.Japanese style yakiniku restaurant. course only. Referral system. It is run by a Japanese couple.A shop where cult wines and fine wines gather and delicious ingredients gather.I was able to eat natto here when I was young?If you go to LA, make a reservation.The store is visited by many Japanese celebrities, athletes, and foreign celebrities.
Food is normal . Very normal . Disappointing
OMG - never again - I was a taken there as a treat -but what a disappointment - this place was unsanitary - no ventilation - they cooked the food with charcoal at my table which I believe is a health code violation and charcoal at the table is even legal. Plus with all these negatives the owner was rude and the owner yelled at other guests. For the price tag - save your money and eat elsewhere- Please do not support this horrible establishment.
Great!
Absolutely love this place! Chef Kaz is amazing and the food are always consistent! Came here last night after 2 years and oh how I've missed this place so much! Can't wait to come back!