Category: Eat & Drink

Izakaya in Los Angeles: Classy Japanese Dining!

By chubbuni13
updated 2 months ago

Japanese style pubs known as izakaya have become extremely popular in LA in the past few years. Much like chicken wings and fried appetizers most often served at American bars, izakayas tend to base their menus around certain types of alcohol. They are also usually much more relaxed than other types of Japanese restaurants, and it's nice to know that you can kick your feet up, get a little rowdy and satisfy your beer munchies with delicious Japanese food.

Musha Restaurant

424 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Despite flagrantly flouting California’s laws on using charcoal briquettes indoors, Musha seems to pack the customers in with their fusion style izakaya offerings. Which only makes me wonder why people follow rules at all in the first place.

Honda Ya Japanese Restaurant

333 S Alameda St Ste 314, Los Angeles, CA 90013

After enjoying resounding success with their Tustin location, Honda Ya decided to take Little Tokyo by storm. Their skewers and sushi are decent but their takoyaki octopus pastries in particular are ridiculously good.

Haru-Ulala

368 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located a block away from Ebisu, I can only surmise the baleful looks and hurtful things that the workers of these two respective establishments encounter daily. Still, the stiff competition makes for a delicious meal. Don’t miss the grilled mackerel here.

Ebisu Restaurants

356 E 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Still haven’t gotten a chance to frequent this restaurant after the employees at Haru-Ulala made me swear an unbreakable oath of loyalty to their restaurant. Still, this is America: land of the free and home of broken treaties and promises. Just ask the Native Americans! shaking my fist in the air “One day…”

Japanese Liquor

Sake: Made from rice, served hot or cold, best drunk with grilled meats and sashimi. Usually a 10-15% alcohol content.

Shochu: Commonly distilled from barley or sweet potatoes, shochu has a higher alcohol content than sake with an earthy, less floral taste. Usually drunk on the rocks or as a mixed cocktail.

Beer: Japanese beer tends to be dry and crisp. The most popular Japanese brands are Asahi, Sapporo and Kirin. Goes well with everything! But you knew that.

Yakitori

Literally “Grilled bird”, Yakitori is Japan’s answer to shish kabobs, and a popular mainstay at all izakayas. Cooked over a bed of special charcoal, these small 3 inch skewers hold different types of meat and vegetables grilled to perfection. And unlike shish kabobs, you can totally enjoy them not having to worry about whether or not your hard earned greenbacks are supporting terrorism. I kid, I kid! not kidding

Izakaya Yuzen Ken Restaurant

2755 Pacific Coast Highway A, Torrance, CA 90505

Hidden away off of PCH, Yuzen Ken is a great place to take in the ambiance of kimono clad waitresses and their vast selection of premium sakes. Ask them to bring you the sake list (more like a book) and be prepared to spend some money!