Tsubaki

Tsubaki is a sleek but unpretentious modern izakaya tucked away in Echo Park, where Japanese small plates, charcoal-grilled skewers, and an exceptional sake list take centre stage. It’s the kind of spot that feels intimate yet effortlessly cool—a place for long, sake-fuelled dinners where every dish is thoughtfully crafted and packed with umami.

The wagyu beef tataki, lightly seared and melt-in-the-mouth tender, is a standout, as is the miso-marinated black cod, which is delicate, buttery, and perfectly caramelised. The yakitori skewers, cooked over traditional binchotan charcoal, bring a deep, smoky flavour, and the crispy chicken karaage with yuzu mayo is pure comfort food. The sake menu is one of the best in LA, with bottles sourced from small Japanese breweries that take their craft seriously.

With its warm, minimalist interior, a focus on seasonal ingredients, and a sake selection that could convert even the most reluctant drinker, Tsubaki is a love letter to Japanese drinking culture—and one of the best izakayas in the city.