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Yakitori and tempura

A spread of crispy tempura and grilled yakitori is the only way to satisfy a hunger for variety.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Gokigen Tori – Best Yakitori in Culver City image 1
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Small space centers on a U-shaped counter with a charcoal yakitori station at its heart. Atmosphere blends cozy and stylish with a modern izakaya vibe, balancing lively music and intimate conversation. Authentic Japanese design and cooking methods create a genuine dining experience.

Yakitori here features fresh and carefully cooked skewers with juicy, refined quality that closely matches authentic Japanese flavors. The experience offers a premium yakitori taste that stands out in the area.

Corn tempura stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. The menu offers a variety of tempura options alongside sashimi, noodles, and rice dishes.

People are saying

"This yakitori tasted just like the authentic kind I had in Japan."

"The sake here is amazing and flavorful, reminding me of Japan."

"The corn tempura here is so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

2

The restaurant is on the pricey side, costing over $100 per person.

3

Street parking is available near the restaurant.

02
Prime BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Interior blends subtle Japanese decor with upside-down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, creating a cozy and refined atmosphere. Music complements the vibe without overpowering, supporting a chill dining experience. Tables feature heated trays to keep skewers warm, enhancing the relaxed pace of meals.

Yakitori here offers tons of flavor with selections like pork yakitori, chicken skins, and mushroom. The combo of five yakitori tastes great and rivals standards found in Japan.

Vegetable and green bean tempura stand out with a variety of vegetables and two shrimp included. The tempura pairs well with dishes like bacon wrapped lychee and shishito peppers.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and tasty."

"The yakitori here is bursting with juicy, rich flavors."

"The tempura came with a variety of vegetables and two shrimp."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9:30 to 11:30pm, offering buy-one-get-one-free beer.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to all bills.

3

Parking is available, but it may require a short walk.

03
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 1

Sleek design and minimalistic branding create an upscale and inviting atmosphere with perfect lighting and beautiful wall art. Spacious interior suits families, large parties, or intimate dinners with a calm, non-flashy vibe. Sake cocktails and exceptional hand rolls stand out alongside fusion dishes and quality grill options.

Chicken thigh and green onion yakitori come off the grill with a perfect char and juicy center. Yakitori is a rare offering here and pairs well with hand rolls and crispy rice tuna.

Green bean tempura stands out with its crispiness and flavor. Eel tempura and lobster dashi pasta complement the dish lineup with rich, savory notes.

People are saying

"You have to try the crispy rice at this Lunch Spot; it's perfectly crunchy."

"The yakitori here is flame-kissed and full of smoky, savory flavor."

"The tempura green beans were a standout."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5:00-6:30pm with special menu items.

2

Parking is free for two hours with validation from the restaurant.

3

Validated parking is available on E 3rd St and Aliso parking.

04
Hinotez image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with traditional tatami seating and Japanese-themed decor creates a cozy, authentic izakaya vibe. Lounge area gets overcrowded and hot, while dining side offers a quieter experience. Late nights bring a lively atmosphere with locals enjoying unique ramen and yakitori dishes.

Asparagus bacon stands out among the yakitori options. The menu offers a wide variety including beef and pork, served in pairs from 5 to 8 pm. Yakitori here matches quality found in Japan and suits a nice night out.

Avocado Tempura stands out as a flavorful and fresh option, often highlighted for its quality. Mixed tempura served with hot udon and shrimp tempura in rolls also show well-cooked, tasty results.

People are saying

"The tonkotsu ramen here is extremely flavorful and delicious."

"The yakitori here is juicy, especially the pork shiso."

"I thought the Avocado Tempura was worth dying for."

Good to know

1

Hinotez offers happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

2

Parking is available in the rear, off Balboa, with plenty of spaces.

3

Expect a wait time during peak hours on weekends, especially after 7pm.

05
Enka Japanese Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with intimate low lighting and soft music creates a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Decor and drinks evoke Tokyo eateries, offering an authentic Japanese vibe. Tables are arranged to avoid crowding, supporting a relaxed dining pace.

Charcoal grilling gives the yakitori an authentic flavor. Chicken with sauce and beef with uni stand out as delicious highlights. The assortment includes binchotan grilled dishes that satisfy many.

Fried items have a deep golden color and crisp texture. Assorted and mixed tempura include duck breast and mushroom, standing out among the dishes.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and fresh."

"The yakitori here is authentic and surprisingly delicious."

"The tempura here is fried to a deep golden color."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features unique dishes not found at other Japanese restaurants.

2

Reverse happy hour is available, offering great deals late at night.

3

Lunch menus are available on weekends, providing more options.

06
HATCH image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a beautiful space with calm, peaceful vibe suited for intimate dining. Loud 90s music and low lighting create a lively yet dim atmosphere. Bar seating provides views of kitchen prep and creative Japanese dishes stand out alongside interesting cocktails inspired by Japanese whiskey.

Skewers shine with Chicken Meatball with egg yolk and tare and Wagyu & Wasabi offering rich but balanced flavors. The chicken and green onion yakitori also stands out for its excellent taste.

Crunchy and light textures define the Corn Tempura Tower, making it a fun dish to share. The corn fritter tempura pairs well with a green sauce that adds a fresh touch.

People are saying

"These dinner spots offer unique, crispy squid ink karaage and perfectly grilled yakitori."

"The yakitori is perfectly grilled and packed with smoky binchotan flavor."

"The corn tempura is so light and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Parking validation is available to avoid extra charges.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm with $10 Japanese highballs.

07
Mugimaru + Toritetsu image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Busy udon noodle restaurant offers plenty of seating both inside and outside, with a loud atmosphere during peak hours and quieter times off-peak. Menu features wide variety of udon, tempura, and rice bowls with crispy tempura and thick, chewy noodles praised for flavor and texture.

Offers a wide variety of yakitori served either hot or cold. Yakitori works well as a refreshing appetizer and pairs nicely with udon dishes.

Tempura stays warm and crispy with a wide variety of options to choose from. Each piece costs under $4, making it a budget-friendly choice.

People are saying

"The udon here is thick, chewy, and amazing."

"The tempura is so fresh and flavorful."

"I found the yakitori here to be consistently delicious."

Good to know

1

Each tempura item costs under approximately $4, making it budget-friendly.

2

The restaurant offered a great variety of udon, tempura, and rice bowls.

3

The food court gets crowded but seating is usually available.

08
Drunken Monk image 1
Japanese restaurant

Modern izakaya style with wooden accents and soft lantern lighting creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere suited for small groups and dates. Seating is nicely spaced to allow easy conversation without disturbance. Energy varies from calm to lively during larger gatherings.

Yakitori here stands out for its tender and juicy texture with careful attention to detail. The menu offers a wide selection including Teba saki and Tsukune, each with unique flavors and well-executed cuts.

Corn tempura stands out with its sweet and juicy flavor and a non-oily crispiness. Kakiage tempura corn and crispy chicken skin add variety with their distinct textures.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is stunning and delicious."

"The yakitori skewers were grilled to perfection."

"The corn tempura is surprisingly delicious, sweet and not oily."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.

2

Parking is very limited, with scarce street parking available nearby.

3

Expect to pay high prices for food, which some may find overpriced.

09
Sushi Yorimichi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi restaurant with intimate atmosphere and authentic Tokyo vibes. Limited seating creates a warm, inviting space often packed with charm. Music adds to the serene, chill energy, making it ideal for quiet meals or dates.

Small portions define the yakitori here, with servings around 3-4 pieces each. Despite the size, the yakitori remains tasty and part of a broad menu including ramen and sushi.

Shrimp tempura appears in several dishes like the tempura sampler, tempura udon, and specialty rolls such as the Yorimichi and Surf and Skate rolls. These rolls combine crispy shrimp tempura with ingredients like spicy mayo, eel sauce, and seared beef for varied textures and flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazingly fresh and well-priced."

"This tiny Yakitori spot is not suitable for large groups."

"The tempura udon was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 PM with discounted prices on select items.

2

The restaurant can only accommodate about 25 customers at a time.

3

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and popularity.

10
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design blends traditional Japanese elements with modern charm in a serene, elegant space. Open kitchen adds interactive dining energy while booths provide privacy. Atmosphere suits both casual and intimate meals with a calm, authentic vibe.

Yakitori grill stands out alongside sushi and noodle soups. Skewers come without dipping sauce and offer a simple, enjoyable flavor.

Crispy texture stands out in the tempura dishes. Soft shell crab tempura appears alongside other appetizers like lamb chop, creating a varied selection.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The tempura here is delicious, especially the soft shell crab."

"The chicken skin yakitori here is especially enjoyable."

Good to know

1

The Omakase experience offers a curated selection of sushi and sashimi.

2

A 22% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

3

Expect to pay around $35-$50 for udon dishes.

11
Okan Diner image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy Japanese diner with warm wood paneling and City-Pop music playing softly. Atmosphere feels laidback and nostalgic, resembling casual spots in Japan. Popular for authentic home-style comfort food and ideal for solo diners or small groups.

Chicken Thigh Yakitori comes out hot and juicy with solid flavor. Pork Belly Yakitori can be tough and unevenly cooked. Options include a variety of meats to enjoy different tastes.

Offers a variety of tempura and fried dishes with a focus on vegetable tempura. The tempura tends to be a bit greasy but still enjoyable.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the curry, is hearty and flavorful."

"I found the yakitori to be extremely good and juicy."

"I found the vegetable tempura to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is tight in the area, so expect to park elsewhere or wait.

2

Happy hour offers many choices, including discounted appetizers.

3

Prices are generally modest, making it a budget-friendly option.

12
Izakaya Ichie image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Space blends modern sushi bar with classic izakaya vibe featuring cozy, intimate atmosphere and R&B music that sets a relaxed mood. Guests use magical girl wands to call servers, adding a playful touch. The spot suits casual dates and late-night hangouts with fresh sashimi and a wide sake variety.

Assorted skewers come with varied meats and sauces that enhance each bite. The Yakitori Platter Ultimate offers mini dishes on sticks, making it easy to share and enjoy multiple flavors.

Shrimp tempura appears in several dishes but comes in small portions, like only one piece in the Tempura Udon. It serves more as a side or garnish than a main feature.

People are saying

"The service at these dinner spots is so kind and attentive."

"The yakitori here is perfectly cooked and so flavorful."

"The tempura shrimp is so crispy outside and soft inside."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking is available at the Source Mall on the 1st floor, at the back.

3

No reservation is needed since there's plenty of space.

13
Tsubaki image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small space with beautiful decor and animal chopstick rests creates a cute atmosphere. Energy rises quickly as it gets crowded, with a great sake selection complementing the fresh seafood and standout dishes like Wagyu skewers and Japanese miso Caesar salad.

Grilled skewers shine with options like chicken fatty heart, chicken oyster, and duck meatball. Portions are small, usually 1-2 mini skewers per order, but flavors stay solid across choices.

Light and fresh tempura features perfectly crunchy and slightly salty batter. Dishes include sweet potato, cauliflower, and options like black cod, with some flexibility in vegetable choices.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the clams, has amazing broth."

"I loved the yakitori; the chicken fatty heart was very good."

"The grilled yakitori and skewer items started off strong."

Good to know

1

Parking at Tsubaki can be challenging; consider valet or street parking.

2

Reservations are essential due to the restaurant's popularity among locals.

3

Tsubaki adds an 18% service fee that is not a tip.

14
Opus Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a modern, cozy atmosphere with a spacious interior and bar seating to watch chefs prepare fresh seafood. The vibe stays low-key yet sophisticated, suitable for quiet dinners or casual gatherings. Signature cocktails and rare menu items like Kobe Beef Tongue add unique touches to the experience.

Yakitori comes with a little char outside and stays juicy inside. The Kobe beef, lamb chop, and sweet shrimp stand out in flavor and texture.

Mixed tempura offers a perfectly crisp exterior with a nice crunch in every bite. Shrimp and veggies come out perfectly cooked.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, especially the live lobster and uni."

"The seafood here is so fresh and sweet."

"I was surprised to find the Kobe Beef Tongue Tempura so tender."

Good to know

1

The parking is free, but it could be tight during dinner time.

2

They offer an online order special from Tuesday to Sunday, with 10% off pickup and free delivery.

3

Happy hour runs from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm with a buy two, get one free deal.

15
X-FISH Izakaya Brea image 1
Sushi restaurant

Spacious interior combines wood accents and stylish lighting with a modern vibe and plenty of open space for groups. Atmosphere is lively and often noisy, making conversation across tables difficult. Known for fresh sushi and an all-you-can-eat menu that includes ramen, udon, and skewers.

Chicken yakitori skewers come straight from the grill with chicken skins, green onion, and chicken breast. The omakase includes yakitori served right at the table.

Freshness stands out in the tempura appetizers, which taste house-made and high quality. The menu includes a great variety of tempura alongside sushi and other dishes like udon and yakitori.

People are saying

"The all-you-can-eat seafood here is 100% worth it."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is so fresh and good."

"The omakase included Yakitori served right at your table."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant is open until midnight every day for late-night dining.

3

Free parking is available in the adjacent parking structure.

16
Sake2me AYCE Sushi - Chino image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cubby booths create private dining spaces in a spacious, clean setting with simple, bright decor. The atmosphere stays cozy and quiet, suited for dates or small gatherings. Playful touches like a coin toss game add a unique vibe.

Skewers include grilled shrimp, scallops, mochi sausages, and mushrooms, all cooked well. Options are limited but cover a range from yakitori to Japanese appetizers and deep-fried items.

Golden and crispy tempura highlights the natural sweetness of vegetables and freshness of seafood. The unagi tempura stands out with its buttery texture, light batter, and complementary sauce.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the unagi tempura, was amazing."

"The yakitori skewers offered a great variety, perfectly cooked."

"The unagi tempura was so buttery and fatty, it was perfect."

Good to know

1

They offer a weekday game where tossing a coin can win a free all-you-can-eat pass.

2

Valentine's Day is particularly busy, so plan accordingly.

3

They were offering half off on nearly the entire menu during my visit.

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