LA | Cozy & Refined Japanese Izakaya – A True Hidden Gem! 🍶🍣

I was completely blown away by this izakaya! Fresh ingredients, artistic presentation, and an atmosphere that transports you straight to Asia — it hardly feels like the U.S. And I think I might be the first to share this spot! 😉 🍣 Flame-Seared Smoked Salmon Sushi The salmon was incredibly fresh and buttery. I was worried the smoke would be overpowering, but it was subtle and perfectly complemented the rich fish. 🎨 12-Piece Sushi Set A feast for the eyes and the palate! The variety was impressive — the scallop and white fish were absolute standouts. 👌 🍝 Creamy Uni Pasta Al dente pasta coated in a luxurious creamy sauce, topped with sweet, fresh uni. Each bite was pure happiness! 🍤 Crispy Fried Shrimp & Corn Fritters The fried shrimp is wrapped in shredded potato — yes, POTATO! 🥔 It’s as delicious as it sounds. Served with three dipping sauces — I could’ve eaten these all night. The corn fritters reminded me of the classic Chinese "honeycomb corn" — crispy outside, soft inside, perfect with drinks. 🍚 Unagi Don with Avocado & Tamago So elegant and satisfying! The combo of unagi, avocado, and egg roll had me scooping up every last grain. 🍸 Lychee Cocktail A beautifully crafted drink — fragrant, floral, and full of vibe. 📍 Located a bit east of central LA in Fullerton — a charming area perfect for a relaxed post-dinner stroll. 👩💻 By day: data scientist in tech. By night/weekend: longtime LA food explorer sharing delicious finds! Follow for more food & fun across SoCal. #LAIzakaya #JapaneseFood #HiddenGem #SushiLovers #UniPasta #CozyVibes #FullertonEats