LA Food Journal｜Ototo Dining Notes 🏮✨

First visit to Ototo, a well-known Japanese izakaya in Los Angeles—we ordered four dishes. Honestly, the fusion details were a bit beyond my palate, and I couldn’t fully dissect the layered flavors. But what I could taste was the clear thoughtfulness behind each dish. 🍗 Fish Roe Karaage: The chicken was crispy on the outside and not oily, with a rich savory flavor—though the fish roe didn’t really elevate it. 🐟 Yellowtail in Coconut Milk: The taste was unusual for me—not something I’m used to, but definitely unique. 🍳 Okonomiyaki: A bit too moist for my preference, but the seasoning was good with a noticeable umami sauce. Overall, the food leaned salty—probably designed to pair well with drinks. The sake was truly delicious: smooth and complex, and it complemented the dishes perfectly. After the meal, I felt curious about their main restaurant next door (which requires reservations). Would love to try it next time! Though the food wasn’t entirely my style, Ototo has a comfortable atmosphere, and the care in preparation was evident. And honestly? The great sake alone made it worthwhile. 🍶❤️ #LAEats #OtotoLA #LAIzakaya #LARestaurantRecs #JapaneseIzakaya #CreativeCuisine #FusionFood #FoodExploration #SakeBar #HiddenGems