With a sushi bar in virtually every neighborhood in LA, it was inevitable that Nipponophiles would discover the colorful world of the izakaya, essentially a Japanese pub serving a wide assortment of small dishes meant to be consumed with sake (though beer works just as well).
In the heart of hip West Hollywood, Izakaya Kiichi's wood-and-glass room was just opened by the same Japanese company that gave Los Angeles the fabled (and long-defunct) Tokyo Kaikan – the restaurant universally credited as the birthplace of the California Roll (8351 Santa Monica Blvd.; 323-654-4404).
In July, Takashi Abe (Bluefin) debuted Izakaya Zero, whose clean lines and natural surfaces lend hip polish to communal digs suited to small plates shared over sake or other drinks from the full bar (412 Walnut Ave.; 714-960-1278).
Looking for more izakayas? Check out these spots.