The latest trend in Los Angeles dining is the rise of next-gen izakayas, Japanese drinking taverns that put a fresh spin on traditional dishes. This culinary movement, characterized by small, shareable plates served with a touch of irreverence, is taking the city by storm.
One of the pioneers of this trend was Echo Park’s Tsubaki, known for its yakitori and innovative dishes like a Caesar salad with panko breadcrumbs and a creamy miso parmesan dressing. Another standout is Budonoki, a high-energy izakaya in the same neighborhood, offering unique dishes like charred Japanese sweet potato with miso butter and gnocchi with Shimeji mushrooms.
In Venice, Gran Blanco has shifted its focus to Japanese cuisine, serving up chicken katsu sandwiches and furikake salt fries. Chef Travis Lett has also joined the izakaya craze with RVR, a contemporary spot that sources seafood from Monterey and pork belly from San Diego County.
One of the newest additions to the scene is Rokusho, a Tokyo import located in Hollywood. This moody hideaway offers hyperlocalized ingredients and unconventional dishes like uni tostadas and kombucha tempura with a truffle-honey glaze. Executive chef Carlos Couts, a Los Angeles native, is pushing the boundaries of traditional izakaya cuisine to cater to Californian palates.
If you’re looking to experience the next wave of izakayas in Los Angeles, be sure to check out these innovative spots that are redefining Japanese dining for a new generation.
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