LA's Best Charcoal Grill Izakaya 🏮

📍 Aburiya Raku 521 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048 This Beverly-adjacent charcoal grill izakaya was a Michelin Recommended restaurant in 2019. The ambiance, decor, and service are all top-notch 👍🏻. You can order à la carte or choose between two omakase options ($75 / $100) — we went with à la carte. Fresh fish 🐟 and beef are flown in daily for grilling or sashimi. Average per person: around $180. Let’s talk about the food — every dish pictured was a hit 💯 (except the sashimi). If you love Japanese grilled meat, do not miss this spot — it’s one of my personal favorites! Uni and foie gras lovers, this one’s for you too!!! 🔥 Kobe Beef Outside Skirt with Garlic Sliced Kobe beef served on a hot stone, flambéed with Hennessy right at your table — seriously flashy! The beef is tender, juicy, and delicious, though rich in flavor. A must-order! 🍮 Homemade Tofu The perfect palate cleanser when things get heavy. Fresh, delicate tofu with a sprinkle of green tea salt — light and refreshing. 🥚 Poached Egg with Sea Urchin MUST ORDER! Break the poached egg and mix the yolk with uni — one bite and you’re in heaven. Highly recommend! 🍜 Uni Soba Another uni favorite! Mix the uni thoroughly with the soba noodles — the sweet uni coats each strand, silky and chewy. So good! 🍢 Iberico Pork Skewer Juicy, bursting-with-flavor grilled pork — high-quality meat + expert grilling = absolute perfection 😍. 🍖 Foie Gras with Glazed Soy-Based Sauce I’m usually not big on foie gras, but theirs is well-prepared — no gamey taste, and the glaze complements it perfectly. (Note: foie gras is now banned in CA — this was from late last year.) 🍵 Matcha Crème Brûlée Matcha ice cream with a sweet, creamy crème brûlée — such a delicious combo! 🐟 Sashimi Mariawase The only letdown compared to the other dishes. If you’re craving sashimi, this isn’t the place for it. Overall, this Japanese charcoal grill spot is my current favorite Japanese restaurant in LA. Highly, highly recommended 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 #LAEats #JapaneseIzakaya #MichelinRecommended #CharcoalGrill #UniLover #FoodieFavorites