great fine- quite the food experience. highly recommend it to those who's after a quality food experience-
Erin
What a great find! Loved it! Everything was so delicious. Service excellent. Specials so delicious and unusual. We were out with friends and we all loved it. Will be back!
Opentable Diner
Such a fantastic spot. It's like being transported to Tokyo. The food is delicious, the service is excellent and the ambiance is wonderful!
Terri
We've been here a few times before and it never disappoints! Delicious, fresh, thoughtfully prepared.
Katie
amazing Valentine's Day experience!! the waitress was so polite and friendly that truly made the whole experience. the food was outstanding and although the portions are small we left feeling full and happy (without breaking the bank). the negi tofu and the corn ribs were outstanding!! truly such a cool interior with an entire samurai outfit looking down on the restaurant. Will def be back!!
Myrna
An absolute delight! The food, creativity, attention to detail, service and presentation were exceptional. This will be a place to come back to again and again.
Mukund
I visited this Izakaya (similar to a pub or tapas place) in Santa Monica. It's situated right next to a gas station, exuding an unassuming simplicity. This establishment is run by the sons of the founder, who holds the title of “Godfather of modern Izakaya” in Japan. Upon entering, you're immediately transported into a long, rectangular space that's stylishly lit. To your right, you'll find the sushi counter, while to your left, there are tables that can seat two, four, or six people. They offer a happy hour menu, a special sushi menu, and an extensive sake/soju list. We decided to order from the happy hour menu. While you won't find craft cocktails here, you can choose from a variety of Japanese beers or sake. The highlight of our meal was the Mackerel, which was prepared at the table with a blow torch. It was well-curated, tender, and simply melted in our mouths. The corn ribs were also a must-try, featuring baby corn infused in butter. The Karayage (fried chicken) was equally delicious, paired perfectly with the ponzu sauce. The garlic shrimp, which are only available on the happy hour menu, had a delightful crunch thanks to the garlic chili sauce. The service was efficient, the noise level was low, and there was something for everyone on the menu. Parking is available on the street, and the prices are reasonable, especially considering the happy hour menu.
Kory Kappel
I was astonished at how low the prices are for the food quality. One of the cheapest LA restaurants for this quality.
Highlights: dan dan udon, corn on the cob, pork belly taco (SO good for only $6), cod (perhaps best cod I've ever had), wagyu meatballs (sauce is delicious; wish the meat was a little more flavorful)
Wouldn't get again: the fried chicken was meh (seemingly low-quality meat); desserts were disappointing -- ube cheesecake had too much of an offputting sweet potato texture and idk if it even had cheese; Creme brûlée was okay.
One service complaint is we weren't told the meatballs pan was SCORCHING hot and my friend burned his finger on it.
Travis Fodor
Best Japanese on the west side. I was shocked at how little reviews this place had. Incredible service, better food, and an all around great experience. I can’t wait to come back back!!
Excellent all around. Toro tacos and corn ribs were favorites. Sat at the bar to see all the action. Wonderful service. Can’t wait to go back and try more things.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Miller
This place is designed beautifully with great service and delicious food!
My favs were the pork belly tacos, the corn ribs, table-side seared mackerel, the jumbo shrimp on a bed of seasoned mushrooms, and the spicy tuna with garlic bread. And the dessert- ube cheesecake was spectacular. I usually don’t like cheesecake that much but their cheesecake was delicious- not too sweet, served with ube crisps and had a crème brûlée topping. I’m looking forward to my next dinner date at this establishment!
great fine- quite the food experience. highly recommend it to those who's after a quality food experience-
What a great find! Loved it! Everything was so delicious. Service excellent. Specials so delicious and unusual. We were out with friends and we all loved it. Will be back!
Such a fantastic spot. It's like being transported to Tokyo. The food is delicious, the service is excellent and the ambiance is wonderful!
We've been here a few times before and it never disappoints! Delicious, fresh, thoughtfully prepared.
amazing Valentine's Day experience!! the waitress was so polite and friendly that truly made the whole experience. the food was outstanding and although the portions are small we left feeling full and happy (without breaking the bank). the negi tofu and the corn ribs were outstanding!! truly such a cool interior with an entire samurai outfit looking down on the restaurant. Will def be back!!
An absolute delight! The food, creativity, attention to detail, service and presentation were exceptional. This will be a place to come back to again and again.
I visited this Izakaya (similar to a pub or tapas place) in Santa Monica. It's situated right next to a gas station, exuding an unassuming simplicity. This establishment is run by the sons of the founder, who holds the title of “Godfather of modern Izakaya” in Japan. Upon entering, you're immediately transported into a long, rectangular space that's stylishly lit. To your right, you'll find the sushi counter, while to your left, there are tables that can seat two, four, or six people. They offer a happy hour menu, a special sushi menu, and an extensive sake/soju list. We decided to order from the happy hour menu. While you won't find craft cocktails here, you can choose from a variety of Japanese beers or sake. The highlight of our meal was the Mackerel, which was prepared at the table with a blow torch. It was well-curated, tender, and simply melted in our mouths. The corn ribs were also a must-try, featuring baby corn infused in butter. The Karayage (fried chicken) was equally delicious, paired perfectly with the ponzu sauce. The garlic shrimp, which are only available on the happy hour menu, had a delightful crunch thanks to the garlic chili sauce. The service was efficient, the noise level was low, and there was something for everyone on the menu. Parking is available on the street, and the prices are reasonable, especially considering the happy hour menu.
I was astonished at how low the prices are for the food quality. One of the cheapest LA restaurants for this quality.
Highlights: dan dan udon, corn on the cob, pork belly taco (SO good for only $6), cod (perhaps best cod I've ever had), wagyu meatballs (sauce is delicious; wish the meat was a little more flavorful)
Wouldn't get again: the fried chicken was meh (seemingly low-quality meat); desserts were disappointing -- ube cheesecake had too much of an offputting sweet potato texture and idk if it even had cheese; Creme brûlée was okay.
One service complaint is we weren't told the meatballs pan was SCORCHING hot and my friend burned his finger on it.
Best Japanese on the west side. I was shocked at how little reviews this place had. Incredible service, better food, and an all around great experience. I can’t wait to come back back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent all around. Toro tacos and corn ribs were favorites. Sat at the bar to see all the action. Wonderful service. Can’t wait to go back and try more things.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is designed beautifully with great service and delicious food!
My favs were the pork belly tacos, the corn ribs, table-side seared mackerel, the jumbo shrimp on a bed of seasoned mushrooms, and the spicy tuna with garlic bread. And the dessert- ube cheesecake was spectacular. I usually don’t like cheesecake that much but their cheesecake was delicious- not too sweet, served with ube crisps and had a crème brûlée topping. I’m looking forward to my next dinner date at this establishment!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corn Ribs, Mackerel, Kakuni Braised Pork Belly Taco
This is our new fav restaraunt in LA!
Every dish was impeccable.
The menu is super creative and delicious.
Sitting at the bar is fun and great vibes.
Great price point for what you get and for the location.
Will be back...maybe tomorrow.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Firstly....SAKE FLIGHT.
Yes sake Flight not just a dinky pour 3 full bottles. How baaddass amazing is that all delicious and different!
Food so good the Saba was amazing! And Saba is like so hard to do I find!
Fried chicken amazing, noodles yes please!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken, Mackerel, Aburi Shime Saba Fish
The food was so so so good! Especially the wagyu steak and meatballs!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wagyu Steak, Corn Ribs, EBI Chili Mayo Spicy Prawn Tempura
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