LA | Izakaya Akatsuki: A Second Visit Thanks to the Comments 💬

After I shared a post about their mentaiko nabe (spicy cod roe hot pot) last time, many noticed—and one follower insisted their kamameshi (clay pot rice) was the true star. 😲 I missed it on my first visit because they’d stopped serving it for the night, which was a real pity. Having fond memories of kamameshi from Okan in San Diego, I knew I had to return. 🍚✨ And the verdict? It was delicious. The small mushrooms added subtle depth, though their flavor was gently overshadowed by the rich burst of fish roe—in a good way! The texture was delightful, warm and comforting with little pops of briny goodness. The fried mochi soup was just as satisfying as I remembered—chewy, savory, and soul-warming. The tuna and grated yam combo felt authentically Japanese—a unique, almost slippery texture that works surprisingly well with a generous touch of wasabi. 🐟🧅 That said, this place has a curious split personality. While their specialty dishes shine, many of their standard izakaya items fall flat. To put it plainly: if you can order something at a typical izakaya—like chicken wings, tempura, or grilled tongue—skip it here. They’re just not their strong suit. 😅 Instead, focus on what’s harder to find elsewhere: the mentaiko nabe, the kamameshi, and other unique offerings. It’s a spot of hits and misses, but when they hit—they really hit. Perfect for when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and just a little different. ❤️🔥 #LifeAbroad #IzakayaFood #JapaneseCuisine #StudentEats #Food #HiddenGems #FoodPhotography #ImmersiveDining #SoCalLife #LAEats