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Best Izakayas in Historic South-Central

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6 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Bar Asobu restaurant
1. Bar Asobu
5.0
Exceptional(3)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Downtown
Booked 1 time today
New Japanese Izakaya. Very cozy and cool inside! Please enjoy Chef's special Japanese food
A photo of Norikaya restaurant
2. Norikaya
4.6
Exceptional(33)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Koreatown
Booked 8 times today
Norikaya, located in the vibrant Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, stands as a beacon of authentic Izakaya cuisine, crafted by the renowned Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back. This upscale Izakaya is celebrated for its meticulously curated menu featuring "delicately crafted temaki, fresh sashimi, and seasonal tasting menus" that embrace the art of Japanese simplicity and precision. Diners rave about the "super intimate, amazing lighting" and the "beautiful decor," creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience. With standout dishes like the pop rockin blue crab hand roll and yuzu sake, Norikaya offers an unparalleled journey through exquisite Japanese flavors.
A photo of SAMA Handroll LA restaurant
3. SAMA Handroll LA
4.3
Awesome(6)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Arts District
Booked 4 times today
Izakaya brought to you by Lester Lai, brand new to the Arts District.
A photo of Izakaya Tora restaurant
4. Izakaya Tora
4.8
Exceptional(71)
Price: Moderate
• Izakaya • West Hollywood
Booked 3 times today
Izakaya Tora in West Hollywood truly embodies the essence of authentic Izakaya cuisine, offering an unparalleled dining experience. Renowned for its "top-notch quality fish" and exquisite sushi, patrons rave about the "perfectly textured, perfectly balanced" dishes that melt in your mouth. The signature Omakase is a must-try, presenting a delightful journey through meticulously prepared sashimi and sushi. Guests enjoy the "great combination of flavor and texture" that characterizes every dish, from yakitori to the much-lauded miso Chilean sea bass. With a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, Izakaya Tora is not only a hidden gem but a go-to for genuine Japanese culinary artistry.
A photo of Happa Restaurant restaurant
5. Happa Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6)
Price: Moderate
• Izakaya • Hawthorne / Gardena
Booked 1 time today
Happa Restaurant, Gardena's hidden gem, is located within The New Gardena Hotel. We offer a diverse selection of Japanese cuisine accompanied by sake, wine, beer, and sho-chu. You can enjoy both indoor and patio dining options.Our menu features izakaya-style dishes, ranging from sizzling iron-plate steaks, homemade Mabo tofu, and stir-fried garlic sprouts to yellowtail jalapeno and delectable dinner plates, sure to satisfy your cravings.Additionally, our back room boasts a bar and dining area equipped with TV monitors, allowing you to catch sports games and stay entertained during your visit.Food last order 11:00 pm Monday - Saturday | 9:00 pm Sunday
A photo of Gokigen Tori restaurant
6. Gokigen Tori
new
4.0
Excellent(3)
Price: Very Expensive
• Izakaya • Culver City
Booked 12 times today
Gokigen Tori is an authentic Japanese Yakitori restaurant specializing in free-range chicken and fresh, additive-free ingredients to deliver the true taste of Japan.At our main counter, we exclusively serve Omakase, offering a curated course meal that captures the spirit of traditional Japanese dining. For those seated at regular tables, you can enjoy our à la carte menu featuring a variety of classic favorites.Pair your meal with our hand-selected premium sake, curated by our in-house Sake Sommelier, and indulge in an unforgettable Tokyo-style Izakaya night—right here in Los Angeles.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kasandra
    Orange County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Hello, I’m not big on writing reviews partly because I normally talk about the experience but what a great first impression. Everything was delicious and the recommendations was both adventurous and still amazing. I’m for sure coming back for the unagi strawberry which you would think is not even supposed to work. But now I definitely have a new craving for. Everything was clean and welcoming. The lighting let me see what I was eating and the food came out quick but everything felt thoughtful and not rushed which was so nice since I came in super last minute. Shout out to my server who was accommodating and adding a nice touch with her notes on each dish.
    More info
    NorikayaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Koreatown
    •
    4.6
  • Ann E
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 30, 2025
    Between the five if us, we ordered almost everything on the menu and so I'm just going to to go ahead recommend everything. 100 percent delicious. I recommend sharing the tapas plates as well as entrees such as the lambchops and the curry & rice.
    More info
    Bar AsobuPrice: Expensive• Izakaya• Downtown
    •
    5
  • Melody
    Los Angeles •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Mar 27, 2025
    Food was good at a great price, amazing options for non alcoholic drinkers and staff was very attentive
    More info
    SAMA Handroll LAPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Arts District
    •
    4.3
  • PatrickVIP
    Denver / Colorado •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Mar 23, 2025
    Highly recommend. Not only for the food but more importantly for their service :)
    More info
    Izakaya ToraPrice: Moderate• Sushi• West Hollywood
    •
    4.8
  • BenVIP
    Orange County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 26, 2024
    Been wanting to try Happa Restaurant for a while now since they opened at the Gardena Hotel, and they did not disappoint. All the dishes come out hot and delicious, and the service was outstanding. We will be back soon!
    More info
    Happa RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Izakaya• Hawthorne / Gardena
    •
    4.8

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