Yummy yummy yummy 😋 r u serious! Delicious and delivered to our table. We indulge in miniature golf before dinner, sunset in the bean bag chairs with a skateboard 🛹 for our pleasure. Gratitude for Pops and his crew for doing us for the best yakitori dinner this side of the Japanese Border. Much Love and Respect 🙏 🫡 Fam is always what the doctor ordered!
PeccatorImpius
This has got to be the best yakitori restaurant in Los Angeles. Heck, there is even a book about chef Toshi Sakamaki and his artful work with chicken (you can find it on Amazon, see the photo included here). Unless you come on a Friday or Saturday night, the restaurant will likely only be worked by Toshi and his wife, so be patient at the door. They are often very busy, even on weeknights, so reservations are highly recommended. I have seen many people turned away, because they are simply overwhelmed. This restaurant literally has a list of rules that you will be asked to assent to before being seated (e.g. 5 sticks per person, at least one drink per person, at least $30 per person, 20% tip automatically added to the bill, etc., etc.). It is a little quirky, but just roll with it, because the food is well worth it. The yakitori is 🤩🤩🤩 awesome 🤩🤩🤩!!! They do offer lamb chops, scallops, ramen, and some other options, but come for the yakitori. This is chicken at its best. Toshi prepares each skewer with love and in his own expert way. It is seasoned as he sees fit. The wings are amazing. The meat balls are wild. And I really love the shishito peppers with chicken as well. The salad and soboro rice are also quite good for appetizers. And you should definitely try the yaki-onigiri (grilled rice balls). They take a long time, but are so good. Finally, they make their own yuzu ice cream and black sesame ice cream and both are outstanding. Come hungry. We usually end up spending around $150 for the two of us, so it isn't a cheap dinner. But the food is so fantastic, we just keep coming back. Street parking can be very difficult in this area of Sawtelle. There is an underground parking lot at the NW corner of Sawtelle and Olympic (beneath the shops) that Yakitoriya provides a 90 minute validation stamp for. I have never made it through dinner in less than two hours, so parking usually ends up being $5 or $10, but sometimes the attendant leaves early on a slow night. Treat yourself to some of the best Japanese food in Los Angeles by enjoying Toshi's amazing yakitori!
semanticvision
This is a Japanese grilled chicken restaurant that also serve a variety of dishes. The meats are skewered and expertly grilled to perfection. There are also some vegetable choices for the grill as well. These type of restaurant usually has a very intense chicken broth that is a must have. It is a small outfit that is run by a husband and wife team. When it gets busy, it could take a while, the Sake list is short but good.
Max G
I am surprised by the number of 1-star reviews for this restaurant. The place was not very crowded and the wife asked us if we were familiar with their $20/5 skewer minimum before we were seated. We tried a number of skewers and non-skewer dishes. All were very well prepared, delicious, and were served without great delay. I particularly liked the chicken wings, thighs and breasts. The service was good. Was I surprised by the $136 bill for 4 people? A little, but we ordered a lot of food and had a $20 bottle of beer. I wouldn't eat here regularly, but it's the best yakitori I've had in LA.
mightyIAMpresence
Chef Toshi is the best. His Yakitori is the best. Without a doubt this is my favorite restaurant in the world. His uncanny ability to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken is unparalleled. His tsukune is unbelievable — simple, elegant, perfect.
amirk973
I eat here often and I like it. Good staff, decent food. You be satisfied base on money you paid. Yakitori is good , also sushi are decent. Opens late which is really helpful
Dori S
This restaurant has quality foods, if there's anything left. Their service tho is horrible. Slow, disrespectful and of they feel flustered, there's no hospitality. We tried to give them another chance. And they were still slow. And rude. I'm a regular foodie and go to the restaurant around the area a lot. And I have never experienced this in my life. They need to hire more ppl. And learn something or two about customer service in the restaurant business.
eddie336
Great taste but service there can sometimes be lacking. First, you can't just sit anywhere you want. Secondly, they'll try to sit you close to other people when the rest of the place is empty! Oh and there's also a minimum of 5 sticks per person when you dine there. Just a heads-up! lol
Jessica L
For those who don't know. Yak is skewered foods cooked over charcoal. It's delicious if done right, and in our opinion, no restaurant is better! The food is pure and minimalistic, so you get to taste each ingredient at its finest. The only animals served are chicken and duck. My boyfriend started coming with his friends on and off about ten years ago and ever since I moved to L.A. from Michigan, we make it a point to eat here every month (yes, it's that good!). Go in knowing the drill: Try to order your drinks and food at the same time. We recommend asking for a large bowl of soboro rice first (rice, ground chicken, spring onion, and a quail egg which you mix together and it's the best thing ever). Alternatively, if you are feeling under the weather or it's cold, the zuisui is delicious too (think chicken and rice soup). Then you will have to order your skewers. There is a 5 skewer minimum (don't worry it's not a lot of food). Skewer recs for the non-adventurous = 2 chicken breast and 3 vegetables (onion, asparagus, ocra, zucchini, eggplant, etc). Note: I remove the wasabi from my chicken. In between the vegetable pieces are maybe mushrooms and chicken sliced like bacon. If you are more adventurous: tail, skin, softbone, liver, gizzard, heart, or quail eggs. However, know that tail runs out early so unless you come at the beginning, the chances of you getting to try the delicious tail are slim. Regarding the service. So long as you know what to expect you are fine. The staff is very polite and if you keep coming back, will recognize you and welcome you by name. Generally, there are two staffers working the floor, the wife and one other. If you need anything you have to get their attention which is why we recommend ordering food and drink together (the only exception is for refills which they are very good about checking on). Otherwise, the goal is to let you enjoy your meal and your company, thus you shouldn't expect them to come up every five or so. Re an earlier review, I've NEVER heard of the 18% rule for new customers that the previous person referenced, nor did we have it applied. Not sure what happened there but DON"T let it scare you away! So worth it! Final helpful hint is to make reservations. Since it is a small restaurant, there are areas designated for walk-ins vs reservations so it pays to call in advance. (They open at 6 p.m. and are closed on Tuesdays). OH AND YOU CAN GET SOBORO TO GO!!! This was great for us because we could split it for work the next day.
lamolivia
(IT DOESN'T DESERVE ANY STAR. HOWEVER, I CAN'T PUBLISH THIS WITHOUT PUTTING ONE STAR. And if you have never been to this restaurant before, PLEASE READ!!!!) Today, my husband, my 3 years old daughter and I went to this restaurant for a dinner. The food is fine. However, the service are terrible. When we get the check, they add 18% gratitude on our check!!! She said it is because we are new customer! But the fact is we are not a new customer! Besides, I never heard the a restaurant will change 18% for 2 adult and a 3 years old kid! The woman (I guess is the owner) is just horrible! So, if you never been there and have a kid, think twice before you step in! They will definitely rip you off!!!!!
The hostess (slim thin Japanese lady) is extremely rude. Not sure maybe it's because she can't speak English but she acted liked that restaurant is the only restaurant in town and we all need that restaurant to survive. It also has a weird policy to charge money here and there. We went in a large group and one of them could not eat due to stomach irritation from previous meal. My friend just ordered a hot tea to clam her stomach down but that slim lady came and gave my friend options to pay $2 for the seat or order min. 5 sticks or leave. (yes! she actually said to customer that she has to LEAVE unless to pay $2). Also when we tries to pay for our bill, we could not split the bill with more than 2 credit cards. It has this policy of charging fees for splitting a bill with more than 2 credit cards. (Is this Japanese custom???) Maybe it's just me but that place gave me the vibe that non-Japanese is not welcomed. I would not go to this place. I'm sure there are other yakitori place in town somewhere.
case29
Great little hole in the wall with yummy yakitori and soboro (chicken rice bowls)
Yummy yummy yummy 😋 r u serious! Delicious and delivered to our table. We indulge in miniature golf before dinner, sunset in the bean bag chairs with a skateboard 🛹 for our pleasure. Gratitude for Pops and his crew for doing us for the best yakitori dinner this side of the Japanese Border. Much Love and Respect 🙏 🫡 Fam is always what the doctor ordered!
This has got to be the best yakitori restaurant in Los Angeles. Heck, there is even a book about chef Toshi Sakamaki and his artful work with chicken (you can find it on Amazon, see the photo included here). Unless you come on a Friday or Saturday night, the restaurant will likely only be worked by Toshi and his wife, so be patient at the door. They are often very busy, even on weeknights, so reservations are highly recommended. I have seen many people turned away, because they are simply overwhelmed. This restaurant literally has a list of rules that you will be asked to assent to before being seated (e.g. 5 sticks per person, at least one drink per person, at least $30 per person, 20% tip automatically added to the bill, etc., etc.). It is a little quirky, but just roll with it, because the food is well worth it. The yakitori is 🤩🤩🤩 awesome 🤩🤩🤩!!! They do offer lamb chops, scallops, ramen, and some other options, but come for the yakitori. This is chicken at its best. Toshi prepares each skewer with love and in his own expert way. It is seasoned as he sees fit. The wings are amazing. The meat balls are wild. And I really love the shishito peppers with chicken as well. The salad and soboro rice are also quite good for appetizers. And you should definitely try the yaki-onigiri (grilled rice balls). They take a long time, but are so good. Finally, they make their own yuzu ice cream and black sesame ice cream and both are outstanding. Come hungry. We usually end up spending around $150 for the two of us, so it isn't a cheap dinner. But the food is so fantastic, we just keep coming back. Street parking can be very difficult in this area of Sawtelle. There is an underground parking lot at the NW corner of Sawtelle and Olympic (beneath the shops) that Yakitoriya provides a 90 minute validation stamp for. I have never made it through dinner in less than two hours, so parking usually ends up being $5 or $10, but sometimes the attendant leaves early on a slow night. Treat yourself to some of the best Japanese food in Los Angeles by enjoying Toshi's amazing yakitori!
This is a Japanese grilled chicken restaurant that also serve a variety of dishes. The meats are skewered and expertly grilled to perfection. There are also some vegetable choices for the grill as well. These type of restaurant usually has a very intense chicken broth that is a must have. It is a small outfit that is run by a husband and wife team. When it gets busy, it could take a while, the Sake list is short but good.
I am surprised by the number of 1-star reviews for this restaurant. The place was not very crowded and the wife asked us if we were familiar with their $20/5 skewer minimum before we were seated. We tried a number of skewers and non-skewer dishes. All were very well prepared, delicious, and were served without great delay. I particularly liked the chicken wings, thighs and breasts. The service was good. Was I surprised by the $136 bill for 4 people? A little, but we ordered a lot of food and had a $20 bottle of beer. I wouldn't eat here regularly, but it's the best yakitori I've had in LA.
Chef Toshi is the best. His Yakitori is the best. Without a doubt this is my favorite restaurant in the world. His uncanny ability to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken is unparalleled. His tsukune is unbelievable — simple, elegant, perfect.
I eat here often and I like it. Good staff, decent food. You be satisfied base on money you paid. Yakitori is good , also sushi are decent. Opens late which is really helpful
This restaurant has quality foods, if there's anything left. Their service tho is horrible. Slow, disrespectful and of they feel flustered, there's no hospitality. We tried to give them another chance. And they were still slow. And rude. I'm a regular foodie and go to the restaurant around the area a lot. And I have never experienced this in my life. They need to hire more ppl. And learn something or two about customer service in the restaurant business.
Great taste but service there can sometimes be lacking. First, you can't just sit anywhere you want. Secondly, they'll try to sit you close to other people when the rest of the place is empty! Oh and there's also a minimum of 5 sticks per person when you dine there. Just a heads-up! lol
For those who don't know. Yak is skewered foods cooked over charcoal. It's delicious if done right, and in our opinion, no restaurant is better! The food is pure and minimalistic, so you get to taste each ingredient at its finest. The only animals served are chicken and duck. My boyfriend started coming with his friends on and off about ten years ago and ever since I moved to L.A. from Michigan, we make it a point to eat here every month (yes, it's that good!). Go in knowing the drill: Try to order your drinks and food at the same time. We recommend asking for a large bowl of soboro rice first (rice, ground chicken, spring onion, and a quail egg which you mix together and it's the best thing ever). Alternatively, if you are feeling under the weather or it's cold, the zuisui is delicious too (think chicken and rice soup). Then you will have to order your skewers. There is a 5 skewer minimum (don't worry it's not a lot of food). Skewer recs for the non-adventurous = 2 chicken breast and 3 vegetables (onion, asparagus, ocra, zucchini, eggplant, etc). Note: I remove the wasabi from my chicken. In between the vegetable pieces are maybe mushrooms and chicken sliced like bacon. If you are more adventurous: tail, skin, softbone, liver, gizzard, heart, or quail eggs. However, know that tail runs out early so unless you come at the beginning, the chances of you getting to try the delicious tail are slim. Regarding the service. So long as you know what to expect you are fine. The staff is very polite and if you keep coming back, will recognize you and welcome you by name. Generally, there are two staffers working the floor, the wife and one other. If you need anything you have to get their attention which is why we recommend ordering food and drink together (the only exception is for refills which they are very good about checking on). Otherwise, the goal is to let you enjoy your meal and your company, thus you shouldn't expect them to come up every five or so. Re an earlier review, I've NEVER heard of the 18% rule for new customers that the previous person referenced, nor did we have it applied. Not sure what happened there but DON"T let it scare you away! So worth it! Final helpful hint is to make reservations. Since it is a small restaurant, there are areas designated for walk-ins vs reservations so it pays to call in advance. (They open at 6 p.m. and are closed on Tuesdays). OH AND YOU CAN GET SOBORO TO GO!!! This was great for us because we could split it for work the next day.
(IT DOESN'T DESERVE ANY STAR. HOWEVER, I CAN'T PUBLISH THIS WITHOUT PUTTING ONE STAR. And if you have never been to this restaurant before, PLEASE READ!!!!) Today, my husband, my 3 years old daughter and I went to this restaurant for a dinner. The food is fine. However, the service are terrible. When we get the check, they add 18% gratitude on our check!!! She said it is because we are new customer! But the fact is we are not a new customer! Besides, I never heard the a restaurant will change 18% for 2 adult and a 3 years old kid! The woman (I guess is the owner) is just horrible! So, if you never been there and have a kid, think twice before you step in! They will definitely rip you off!!!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
The hostess (slim thin Japanese lady) is extremely rude. Not sure maybe it's because she can't speak English but she acted liked that restaurant is the only restaurant in town and we all need that restaurant to survive. It also has a weird policy to charge money here and there. We went in a large group and one of them could not eat due to stomach irritation from previous meal. My friend just ordered a hot tea to clam her stomach down but that slim lady came and gave my friend options to pay $2 for the seat or order min. 5 sticks or leave. (yes! she actually said to customer that she has to LEAVE unless to pay $2). Also when we tries to pay for our bill, we could not split the bill with more than 2 credit cards. It has this policy of charging fees for splitting a bill with more than 2 credit cards. (Is this Japanese custom???) Maybe it's just me but that place gave me the vibe that non-Japanese is not welcomed. I would not go to this place. I'm sure there are other yakitori place in town somewhere.
Great little hole in the wall with yummy yakitori and soboro (chicken rice bowls)
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