16 Best Izakaya in Los Angeles

For those looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience in Los Angeles, exploring the city's numerous izakaya options is a must. Izakaya, which are traditional Japanese pubs that serve small plates of delicious food along with a variety of drinks, have been gaining popularity in LA in recent years.

Whether you're in the mood for some mouthwatering skewers, savory noodles, or refreshing sake, there is an izakaya in Los Angeles that will satisfy your cravings. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. That's why we've compiled a list of the 16 Best Izakaya in Los Angeles to help you find the perfect spot for your next night out.

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Japan at one of these top-rated izakaya in Los Angeles!

Our method for this guide

Our ranking of izakaya in Los Angeles is editorial. It combines public reputation, how focused each business is on this service and the information it gives about its work.

No business can pay to be included. Those already in the guide may buy extra visibility, and it is always shown.

The leading options

Select an option to read its summary.

Ramen Izakaya NoHo

4.8171 reviews

Kinjiro

4.7124 reviews

Hakata Izakaya HERO

4.7112 reviews

Browse 16 local options

Notable strengths

Food was great! Ramen was very spicy but delicious. Service was attentive and friendly.
Good place to try out. Spicy ramen was amazing. Great experience on Christmas Day.
Loved this spot. Great service and delicious ramen. Perfect portions and appetizers.
Best Ramin place in the valley. Fresh, flavorful bowls with kind service.

Ramen Izakaya NoHo

4.8171 reviews

10829 Oxnard St, North Hollywood, CA 91606, United States

Ramen Izakaya NoHo is a renowned Ramen restaurant located in North Hollywood. They offer a variety of services such as Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their delicious dishes. The restaurant is known for its fast service and is popular for Dinner and Solo dining.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is described as Casual, Cosy, and Trendy, catering to a diverse crowd including families, LGBTQ+ community, transgender individuals, and university students. Customers appreciate the friendly service provided by the staff, making their dining experience memorable.

Here are some summarized customer reviews:

Visit Ramen Izakaya NoHo to indulge in a delightful ramen experience!

Notable strengths

A delightful experience with unique and tempting offerings, perfect for any occasion
Outstanding service and delicious food in a clean and minimalist setting
Impeccable presentation and impeccable service make for a memorable dining experience
Phenomenal dishes, beautiful presentation, and impeccable service from start to finish

Kinjiro

4.7124 reviews

424 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

Kinjiro is a renowned Japanese restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. This establishment offers a variety of services, including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers appreciate the great tea selection and often visit for lunch, dinner, or solo dining.

With a stellar rating of 4.7, Kinjiro has received glowing reviews from satisfied customers. Here are some key points from their Opiniones:

With a focus on alcohol, beer, healthy options, and wine, Kinjiro ensures a diverse menu to cater to various preferences. Whether you're seeking a cosy, trendy, or upmarket atmosphere, this establishment offers a unique ambiance for all diners. Don't forget to make a reservation in advance to secure your spot at Kinjiro!

Hakata Izakaya HERO

4.7112 reviews

1929 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, United States

Hakata Izakaya HERO · Restaurant · 1929 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, United States

The Little Izaka-Ya by Katsu-Ya, Los Angeles

Notable strengths

Packed house and excellent service
High-quality sushi with lightning-fast service
Flavorful dishes and a lively atmosphere
Great food, service, and a cool environment

The Little Izaka-Ya by Katsu-Ya

4.6299 reviews

4517 Sepulveda Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, United States

The Little Izaka-Ya by Katsu-Ya is a modern izakaya restaurant located in Sherman Oaks, CA. This bustling spot offers a variety of services such as no-contact delivery, takeaway, dine-in, and delivery. Customers rave about the fast service and great tea selection that the restaurant offers. With a ranking of 4.6, it's no wonder 299 reviews praise this establishment.

The reviews highlight:

Notable strengths

The atmosphere is perfect for a family night out, not too loud or quiet for conversations. The service is attentive at the right moment. The food has great flavor and variety.
The ramen, appetizers, and mixed drinks are consistent and delicious. The miso ramen with pork and Pablano Popper with spicy tuna are recommended. The cocktails are also a hit.
Very good spot with excellent service, food, and atmosphere. The ramen selection and appetizers are on point, making it a must-visit for ramen lovers.
One of the best tasting ramens ever, with well-packed takeout options and amazing flavors. Recommended dishes include seafood ramen with mushrooms.

Ramen Izakaya Van Nuys

4.5498 reviews

13727 Victory Blvd, Valley Glen, CA 91401, United States

Ramen Izakaya Van Nuys is a popular ramen restaurant located in Valley Glen, CA. Known for its delicious ramen dishes and great service, this spot offers a range of service options including outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, delivery, and more. Customers rave about the fast service and the comfortable atmosphere suitable for various occasions like family nights out or solo dining.

Notable strengths

Delicious food
Friendly staff
Inviting ambiance

Hatch

4.5441 reviews

700 W 7th St Suite G600, Los Angeles, CA 90017, United States

Hatch is a renowned Japanese restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA, known for its exceptional service and delectable cuisine. The establishment offers a range of dining options, including outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in experiences. Their menu features a variety of offerings such as alcohol, cocktails, comfort food, organic dishes, and vegetarian options, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the highlights of Hatch is their fast service, perfect for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal. Customers rave about the restaurant's popular lunch and dinner options, making it a favorite spot for solo dining experiences. Additionally, the atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, appealing to a wide range of patrons.

Recent reviews praise Hatch for its delicious food, friendly staff, and inviting ambiance. Customers appreciate the wheelchair-accessible amenities and the availability of parking and outdoor seating. Overall, the restaurant has garnered a remarkable ranking of 4.5 stars, based on 441 reviews.

In summary, customers love Hatch for its:

Experience the best of Japanese cuisine at Hatch and indulge in a memorable dining experience.

Notable strengths

High-quality ingredients and fresh flavors
Great service with attentive staff
Authentic Japanese dishes with attention to detail
Cozy and lively atmosphere

Izakaya Hachi

4.5420 reviews

1880 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90501, United States

Izakaya Hachi is a popular Izakaya restaurant located in Torrance, CA. They offer a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The restaurant is known for its cosy and trendy atmosphere, making it a great spot for solo dining or dining with groups of friends.

Customer reviews rave about the quality of the food and service at Izakaya Hachi. Some key points from customer reviews include:

If you're looking for a memorable Japanese dining experience in Torrance, Izakaya Hachi is a must-visit spot!

Notable strengths

Delicious and reasonably priced sushi
Extensive menu with a variety of traditional Japanese dishes
Great service and welcoming atmosphere
Must-try dishes include tofu sampler, beef tongue, and sushi rolls

Izakaya Gazen

4.5317 reviews

362 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

Izakaya Gazen is a top choice for those craving authentic Izakaya cuisine in Los Angeles. With a ranking of 4.5 stars, this restaurant has received rave reviews from over 300 satisfied customers. Some key points from their reviews include:

If you're in the mood for some flavorful Izakaya dishes, Izakaya Gazen is the place to be!

Don't miss out on trying their Comfort food offerings and their traditional Japanese flair. Visit their website for more information and to make a reservation.

Tsubaki

4.5291 reviews

1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

Tsubaki · Authentic Japanese restaurant · 1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

#10

Notable strengths

Quality food with decent quantity and professional service.
Fun, lively, and casual atmosphere with perfect dishes and attentive service.
High-quality omakase sushi that is fresh and enjoyable.
Top-notch food, delightful atmosphere, and accommodating staff for large groups.

Izakaya Tora

4.5237 reviews

8908 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States

Izakaya Tora is a popular sushi restaurant located in West Hollywood, CA. This restaurant offers a variety of services, including outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The establishment is known for its fast service and is popular for lunch and dinner options.

Customers have left 237 reviews with an impressive 4.5-star rating. Some key points from the reviews include:

Visit Izakaya Tora for an intimate dining experience that promises delicious and diverse Japanese cuisine.

ILocal business

#11

Notable strengths

Food was fantastic. Great atmosphere. Friendly service. A lot of options on the menu that looked delicious.
The sushi and tapas tasted wonderful. Overall great experience despite a small service issue. Late-night happy hour is a highlight!
One of the worst dining experiences with slow service and inaccurate orders. Needs improvement in customer service.
Great Japanese cuisine, but service needs improvement. Excellent food but disorganized service. Willing to give it another try.

Izakaya M

4.5310 reviews

13573 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, United States

Izakaya M is a popular Japanese restaurant located in Sherman Oaks, CA. Known for their fast service and great tea selection, this eatery is a favorite spot for dinner and solo dining. Customers have praised the fantastic food, friendly service, and wide variety of delicious menu options.

#12

Notable strengths

Great quality dishes like Toro Uni Bowl and Blue Crab Uni Bowl.
Authentic Japanese spot with splendid fare.
Must-try dishes like the Omakase bowl and toro with uni.
Delicious sushi and variety of food options for a good dinner experience.

Izakaya Osen

4.4823 reviews

2903 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

Izakaya Osen is a popular Japanese restaurant located in Los Angeles. They offer a variety of services such as outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, and dining-in. Customers rave about the quality dishes served at Izakaya Osen, highlighting favorites like the Toro Uni Bowl, Blue Crab Uni Bowl, and Creamy Nagasaki Udon Navbe. The customer reviews praise the flavorful sushi options, including Spicy Tuna on crispy rice and Yellowtail sashimi. Here are some key points from the customer reviews:

#13

Notable strengths

High quality sashimi for those looking to indulge
Authentic cuisine tucked away at the top of the Galleria
Delicious Japanese yakitori with perfectly balanced flavors
Fresh assortment of fish and toppings in the Chirashi bowl

Izakaya BIZAN

4.3525 reviews

333 S Alameda St #314, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

Izakaya BIZAN is a renowned Izakaya restaurant located in Los Angeles, offering a wide range of services to satisfy its customers. With a ranking of 4.3, it is evident that customers appreciate the quality and experience provided by Izakaya BIZAN.

The customers praise the variety and quality of the dishes, highlighting the great value and the reasonable prices of both food and drinks. They also note the excellent service and recommend trying different dishes like the Chicken Liver, Beef Tongue, and Uni Chawanmushi. Some mention that the atmosphere could be improved to create a livelier experience for patrons.

Overall, Izakaya BIZAN stands out for its authentic cuisine, quality service, and delightful culinary experiences, making it a top choice for those looking for a memorable dining experience in Los Angeles.

#14

Notable strengths

Delicious and varied menu options
Small seating area, so reservations are recommended
Quick and friendly service
Great happy hour specials

Robata JINYA

4.5530 reviews

8050 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States

Robata JINYA is a popular sushi restaurant located in Los Angeles. With a ranking of 4.5 stars and 530 reviews, it's clear that customers love the experience they receive here. The business offers a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, and delivery. It is known for being popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

If you're looking for a cozy and trendy atmosphere to enjoy some authentic Japanese cuisine, Robata JINYA is the place to be!

#15

Notable strengths

Amazing food and excellent service
Great variety of dishes with fast service
Delightful atmosphere and fresh fish
Cozy dining space with attentive servers and amazing sushi

Izakaya Mi Young

4.280 reviews

3680 Wilshire Blvd Ste#B03, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States

Izakaya Mi Young is a top-rated Izakaya restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. With a ranking of 4.2 stars out of 5, this establishment offers a range of services and features to make your dining experience unforgettable. From outdoor seating to dine-in and takeaway options, they have it all. The restaurant is also popular for its fast service, making it a go-to spot for both lunch and dinner. They offer an array of dishes, from comfort food to small plates and a great selection of spirits and wine.

Customers have praised Izakaya Mi Young for its exceptional service and delicious food. Here are some key points from their reviews:

Experience the best Izakaya cuisine in LA at Izakaya Mi Young!

#16

Notable strengths

Fast service
Karaoke
Lunch and dinner options
Wheelchair-accessible facilities
Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, and a variety of food options
Cozy and trendy atmosphere
Acceptance of reservations
Multiple payment options
"Best and most authentic Japanese food, especially the chicken karaage and grilled skewer meats."
"Charming vibe despite the space being a bit rundown, great for romantic dates or private meetings."
"Unpleasant experience with rude staff demanding tips, even for small orders like a can of soda."
"Outstanding food quality, with favorites like duck skewers, salmon avocado rolls, and mentai-udon."

Izakaya Sasaya 居酒屋楽楽家

3.9268 reviews

11613 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, United States

Izakaya Sasaya 居酒屋楽楽家 is an authentic Japanese izakaya restaurant located in Los Angeles, California. The restaurant offers a variety of services and features that make it a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.

Some of the key offerings and highlights of Izakaya Sasaya include:

Customers have left 268 reviews with an average rating of 3.9 stars. Here are some summarized customer reviews:

Overall, Izakaya Sasaya offers a delightful dining experience with its delicious Japanese cuisine, efficient service, and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is a must-visit for those looking for an authentic izakaya experience in Los Angeles.

How the options stack up

#	Business	Rating	Reviews
#1	Ramen Izakaya NoHo	4.8	171
#2	Kinjiro	4.7	124
#3	Hakata Izakaya HERO	4.7	112
#4	The Little Izaka-Ya by Katsu-Ya	4.6	299
#5	Ramen Izakaya Van Nuys	4.5	498
#6	Hatch	4.5	441
#7	Izakaya Hachi	4.5	420
#8	Izakaya Gazen	4.5	317
#9	Tsubaki	4.5	291
#10	Izakaya Tora	4.5	237
#11	Izakaya M	4.5	310
#12	Izakaya Osen	4.4	823
#13	Izakaya BIZAN	4.3	525
#14	Robata JINYA	4.5	530
#15	Izakaya Mi Young	4.2	80
#16	Izakaya Sasaya 居酒屋楽楽家	3.9	268

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Map of Izakaya in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene. One popular dining option that has gained popularity in recent years is the izakaya. These Japanese gastropubs offer a casual and convivial atmosphere, perfect for enjoying small plates and drinks with friends or family. Check out our map of all the izakaya in Los Angeles to find your next favorite spot!

Choosing izakaya in Los Angeles

Cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Wide selection of small plates and drinks.
Knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Convenient location.

Frequent questions

What is an izakaya?

Izakaya is a type of Japanese bar where people can enjoy drinks and food in a casual setting. It is often compared to a pub or tapas bar, with a focus on smaller plates that are meant to be shared. Izakayas are also known for their wide selection of alcoholic beverages, such as sake, beer, and cocktails. Many izakayas in Los Angeles offer a unique dining experience, combining traditional Japanese flavors with local ingredients and influences. Diners can expect to find a variety of dishes ranging from sushi and sashimi to grilled skewers and fried snacks. Overall, an izakaya is a great place to socialize with friends, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, and sample a wide range of Japanese cuisine in smaller portions.

What can I expect from an izakaya in Los Angeles?

When visiting an izakaya in Los Angeles, you can expect a lively and bustling atmosphere. Many izakayas have a cozy and intimate setting, with dim lighting and traditional Japanese decor to create an authentic experience. As for the food, izakayas in Los Angeles often offer a mix of traditional Japanese dishes and fusion creations. You can look forward to a variety of small plates, ranging from fresh sushi and sashimi to crispy tempura and grilled meats. It's also common for izakayas in Los Angeles to have an extensive drink menu, featuring a selection of sake, Japanese beers, and creative cocktails. Whether you're a foodie or a beverage enthusiast, there's something for everyone to enjoy at an izakaya.

How should I order at an izakaya?

When dining at an izakaya in Los Angeles, it's common to order a variety of dishes and share them with your dining companions. This allows you to sample a wide range of flavors and textures, creating a fun and interactive dining experience. Start by ordering a few small plates to share, such as sushi rolls, skewers, or fried appetizers. As you enjoy your meal, you can continue to order more dishes to try different flavors and textures. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from the staff, as they are usually knowledgeable about the menu and can help you navigate through the offerings. And remember, it's all about enjoying good food and good company at an izakaya.

Is it necessary to make a reservation at an izakaya in Los Angeles?

While it's generally a good idea to make a reservation at popular izakayas in Los Angeles, it's not always necessary. Some izakayas accept walk-ins, especially during off-peak hours or on weekdays. If you're planning to visit an izakaya during peak hours or on weekends, it's recommended to make a reservation in advance to secure a table. This is especially important for larger groups or special occasions when you want to ensure a smooth dining experience. Keep in mind that each izakaya may have different reservation policies, so it's best to check with the restaurant ahead of time to see if a reservation is needed.

16 Best Izakaya in Los Angeles

The leading options

Browse 16 local options

How the options stack up

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Map of Izakaya in Los Angeles

Choosing izakaya in Los Angeles

Frequent questions

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