Echo Park, Los Angeles · restaurant
Half‑indoor, half‑outdoor izakaya tucked just off Sunset, with dim lighting, exposed brick, and a vibe that feels both elegant and easy. The skewers steal the show (chicken hearts, wagyu, pork jowl), but the starters (Japanese Caesar, tempura, chilled soba) pull their weight. And yes, the sake list is serious; the kind you want to take your time with.
Creamy sea urchin, crisp toast. A rich, briny bite.
Charcoal-grilled chicken oysters, tender dark meat with bright yuzu kosho.
Steamed egg custard with Dungeness crab and mitsuba. Savory, rich, and a Tsubaki classic.
Shiso leaf, tomato, mozzarella. Japanese-Italian caprese.
Blue prawns, pristine and barely touched. For sharing.
Short ribs in sweet soy nanban sauce. Tender and tangy.
Cold somen noodles with chilled dashi. Japanese summer staple.
Seasonal salad with Japanese vegetables and vinaigrette.