Their Fried Chicken is Incredible! 🍶🍗

Recently started getting into sake, but the Bay Area doesn’t really have dedicated sake izakayas 😔… so I made a trip to LA just to try this spot that’s known for having one of the best sake selections in the city! 📍 OTOTO 1360 Allison Ave, Los Angeles No reservation needed – just put your name on the waitlist when you arrive, and seats open up pretty quickly! Their sake menu is seriously well-organized – categorized by flavor and brewing style, with detailed notes for each one. Super helpful for beginners! 🧠📖 While they don’t carry super rare cult favorites, the variety is still way beyond what you usually find in North America. ❤️ Food All dishes are meant to go with drinks, but the quality is solid – no surprise since it’s the sister restaurant of the izakaya next door! ▪️ Karaage – Honestly the best fried chicken I’ve ever had! Perfectly crispy, well-seasoned, using juicy thigh meat, and not heavy on the ginger like at many other Japanese spots. ▪️ Hamachi Crudo – Pairs perfectly with sake; tender and light, not greasy at all. ▪️ Live Botan Ebi Sashimi – Sweet and fresh, though the portion is a bit small. ▪️ Negi Tempura – Thought it was green onion tempura, but it’s actually spring onion – super juicy and sweet, no strong onion taste, and so crispy! ▪️ Okonomiyaki – A bit on the salty side, but the portion is generous. ▪️ Scallop Tempura – The scallop had a slightly waterlogged texture. ❤️❤️❤️ Sake We tried four kinds: ▪️ Manatsuru Mana 1975 – Relatively spicy, stronger alcohol presence, slightly bitter finish. ▪️ Hanagaki Kimoto Junmai – An aged sake, golden in color, with notes of pear tea and goji berry – almost whisky-like. ▪️ Kawatsuru Olive – Brewed using yeast from olive trees – very clear and acidic. ▪️ Takachiyo Chapter 8 Hatsuhazakura – Well-balanced fruitiness and freshness, goes down super smooth. Ototo serves pretty generous pours, so we couldn’t try too many this time… next visit for sure! 🍶 Have you been here? What’s your favorite sake or dish? Share below! 👇 #izakaya #losangelesfood #lafood #lajapanese #sakenotes #lasake #sake #laexplore #socalFun #japanesefood #sakebar #izakayavibes #eatanddrink