Small space with cozy interior and a charcoal grill dominating the room creates a warm atmosphere. Beatles music plays softly, adding to the relaxed vibe. Frequented by those seeking authentic Japanese yakitori in an unpretentious, lively setting.
Expertly grilled yakitori shines here with incredible skewers. The menu blends authentic Japanese BBQ with California-inspired flavors.
Expertly grilled yakitori stands out here with incredible skewers that capture authentic flavors. This spot serves some of the best Izakaya-style Japanese food around.
"I loved the Japanese food, especially the expertly grilled yakitori skewers."
"I found the Yakitori here to be a happy adventure."
Good to know
Reservations are highly recommended as it gets busy.
On-street parking is available nearby.
The menu features a wide variety of skewers and dishes.
Open kitchen with charcoal grill flames creates a cozy, lively atmosphere accented by warm wood and modern decor. Seating is tight but inviting, with a large wooden bar facing the kitchen and about 10 tables. The vibe blends authentic Tokyo style with casual comfort, making it quietly distinctive.
Chicken gets cooked perfectly, especially in the yakitori skewers and char shu. Yakitori Ramen combines both flavors well, though skewer size stays small due to kitchen limits.
Charcoal grilled chicken adds a smoky aroma and rich umami to the ramen. The broth is rich and flavorful, complementing the flame-kissed chicken and thick scallions for a unique taste.
"The Japanese Food here has a uniquely smoky, charred chicken."
"The rich chicken broth here is really filling."
Good to know
Parking is free with validation in the basement parkade.
Expect a five-minute wait before being seated during peak hours.
They stop accepting new guests at 9 pm, so arrive early.
Small, intimate bar-style seating with Asian-inspired decor creates a focused dining experience. Atmosphere feels sleek and inviting with dim lighting and a lively vibe despite the compact space. Fresh sushi and hand rolls prepare quickly in front of diners, emphasizing quality and swift service.
Tasty yakitori includes a standout shrimp skewer. The menu pairs fresh fish with solid hand rolls and a large variety of yakitori options.
Yellowtail sashimi stands out with thin slices, fresh jalapeรฑo, and a delicate drizzle. The bluefin sashimi is fresh, clean, and flavorful. Hand rolls and yakitori offer solid options, all at reasonable prices.
"The Japanese food omakase here is excellent and a great value."
"The omakase yakitori here is a great value."
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait during peak hours.
The restaurant has only bar seating, which may not suit larger groups.
Lunch specials offer great value, with deals around $24 for five hand rolls.
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.
Handrolls feature crispy nori and perfectly seasoned rice with sashimi that melts in your mouth. Yakitori options include chicken thigh and green onion. Lobster dashi pasta stands out as a notable dish.
"The Japanese food here, especially the hand rolls, is so fresh and delicious."
"The yakitori here is flame-kissed and full of smoky, savory flavor."
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 5:00-6:30pm with special menu items.
Parking is free for two hours with validation from the restaurant.
Validated parking is available on E 3rd St and Aliso parking.
Japan-inspired interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere with a stylish, inviting design. Large TV screens show NBA games, adding a sports-friendly vibe. The place draws a crowd seeking authentic Japanese izakaya experience with sushi, skewers, and sake.
Lots of yakitori options come grilled to order. The garlic lamb chop stands out as a flavorful choice. Yakitori pairs well with other authentic Japanese dishes like sashimi and stir fry.
Fresh sushi and sashimi melt in your mouth with every bite. The menu offers authentic Japanese food including yakitori skewers and unique dishes like monkfish liver and wasabi-marinated octopus.
"The sushi and sashimi here are incredibly fresh and delicious."
"The yakitori here is amazing, especially the succulent teriyaki wings."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.
Happy hour runs from 5 to 6:30 pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Validated parking is available in the nearby lot with a restaurant receipt.
Intimate yakitori restaurant with open kitchen counter seating and traditional Japanese decor creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Small space fills quickly, offering an upscale yet vibrant dining experience where watching chefs grill skewers adds to the energy.
Yakitori here features authentic Japanese style with local ingredients. The skewers come seasoned with just enough salt and offer a delicious, intimate dining experience at both table and counter seating.
Yakitori stands out with authentic flavors and just enough salt seasoning. Grilled onigiri, Soboro Don rice, and black cod offer nicely grilled options alongside an intimate setting with table and counter seating.
"I thought the yakitori here was the best I'd ever had."
"I thought this was the best Japanese food, my new local yakitori place."
Good to know
Reservations are a must to dine at this popular yakitori restaurant.
Expect to wait if you don't have a reservation, especially on weekends.
Bring your vaccination card as it's required for entry.
Intimate Japanese izakaya with cozy atmosphere and refined design featuring heated patio and creative cocktail presentation. Lighting and lively soundtrack create an electric vibe that blends fun with attention to detail. Signature drinks come in animal-shaped mugs, adding a playful touch to the experience.
Every bite of the Yakitori hits with a sodium bomb flavor. It stands alongside dishes like Charred Sweet Potato and Wagyu Beef for a rich, intense taste experience.
Izakaya-style dishes mix with an LA twist, featuring pressed sushi with torch-seared fish and bright green wasabi cream. Unique menu items like ozisushi, katsu, and a cold noodle egg dish stand out alongside spicy tuna hand rolls and yakisoba.
"The Japanese food, especially the scallop crudo and pressed sushi, is amazing."
"I had an unforgettable dining experience with their Yakitori."
Good to know
Reservations are required for dinner service, especially for peak hours.
A 4% service charge is added to all bills for operational costs.
Street parking is the only option available, and it can be difficult to find.
Yakitori restaurant offers an authentic, lively atmosphere with worn tables and chairs that suggest long-term love and use. It gets very crowded on weekends, creating a loud and echoey environment. Seating includes wood benches and bar spots along the kitchen, adding to the casual, cozy vibe.
Yakitori here features a great selection including chicken hearts and cartilage. The cooks expertly fan the skewers, adding to the authentic experience. The smell is fantastic and the taste is very good.
Ramen features a flavorful broth, juicy pork belly that falls apart, and options for soft or hard boiled eggs. Takoyaki comes piping hot with green onions, cream sauce, bonito flakes, and a creamy filling with tender octopus. Yakitori is expertly prepared with authentic grilling techniques.
"I loved the yakitori, especially the chicken hearts and cartilage."
"I found the yakitori here to be so delicious."
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 9 pm to close, Monday to Thursday.
Parking can be difficult; consider arriving early or visiting on weeknights.
Bowls of ramen start at $30, with additional toppings costing extra.
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.
Yakitori skewers come out hot with an irresistible grilled aroma. Bone marrow with grilled mochi and shiso vinegar offers a rich, salty flavor balanced by tangy vinegar. Meat dishes include fresh grated wasabi, a rare find outside high-end spots.
"The yakitori skewers are perfectly grilled and packed with smoky flavor."
"The yakitori is perfectly grilled and packed with smoky binchotan flavor."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.
Parking validation is available to avoid extra charges.
Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm with $10 Japanese highballs.
Small yakitori spot with an open kitchen showcases charcoal-grilled chicken skewers and a relaxed Japanese vibe. Counter seating offers a close view of chefs grilling, creating an intimate dining experience. The place fills quickly, so reservations are essential to avoid waiting.
Authentic yakitori offers generous portions with high-quality ingredients. Specialties include a unique heart skewer and chicken nanban, all priced fairly for the area.
Yakitori stands out with authentic flavors and generous portions. The menu includes special heart yakitori and refreshing tako wasabi that balances spice well.
"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the perfectly grilled yakitori."
"The yakitori here is grilled to perfection, hot and smoky."
Good to know
Reservations are a MUST here unless you don't mind waiting.
Torigoya is walk-in only.
Street parking is available and safe, and I have been lucky to find an open metered spot.
Downstairs setting with ukiyo-e curtains at tables creates privacy while the bar offers a cozy appeal. Atmosphere feels lively and warm, suited for dates and casual nights. Decor channels an authentic Tokyo izakaya vibe, blending traditional style with inviting energy.
Skewers come out mouthwatering and packed with flavor. Yakitori pairs well with other perfect drinking snacks like cheesy eel and agedashi tofu.
Fresh sushi and uni-scallop sushi stand out with clean flavors and minimal sauce. Yakitori skewers, including a combo, come out mouthwatering and pair well with snacks like agedashi tofu and okonomiyaki.
"This Japanese food is a hidden gem tucked away downstairs."
"The yakitori skewers were so delicious, every single bite."
Good to know
Parking can be validated in the plaza for only 3 dollars.
The menu offers a wide range of dishes including sushi, sashimi, and grilled meats.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and drinks offered.
Sushi restaurant offers a modern, inviting atmosphere with cool izakaya vibes and fire and smoke effects on some dishes. The space feels larger than expected with a bar area and varied seating. Music is lively, featuring techno beats that energize the environment.
All-you-can-eat sushi here features fresh, flavorful nigiri with standout options like yuzu jalapeรฑo yellowtail and Salmon Egg without limits. The premium sushi selection offers great quality at a reasonable price.
"The all-you-can-eat Japanese food here is a great value."
Good to know
The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat options for $28 during lunch hours.
All-you-can-eat seating ends at 9:30 PM, with ร la carte dining after.
On holidays, prices increase to $38 and $46 instead of the usual $28.
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.
Grilled yakitori and skewers stand out with options like chicken oyster and fatty heart. Dishes like crab fried rice, hamachi collar, and light, fresh tempura add variety and quality beyond typical Izakaya fare.
"I loved the Japanese food, especially the yakitori skewers."
"I loved the yakitori; the chicken fatty heart was very good."
Good to know
Parking at Tsubaki can be challenging; consider valet or street parking.
Reservations are essential due to the restaurant's popularity among locals.
Tsubaki adds an 18% service fee that is not a tip.