What’s Good to Eat in LA’s Sawtelle? 😋

The cover photo features Millet Crepe—a local favorite! We ordered the matcha brûlée with matcha ice cream—definitely add strawberries to cut the richness. The small, stylish shop fits perfectly into the Sawtelle streetscape. (Fair warning for fitness friends: enjoy in moderation! 🏋️‍♂️) Here are more Sawtelle highlights: 🍜 Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Recommended by a childhood friend who used to go with his Japanese roommate. A solid, classic tsukemen (dipping noodle) spot. I got the basic version paired with their house light beer—simple and satisfying. 🍺 🍶 Chinchikurin Japanese okonomiyaki (savory pancake) cooked right before your eyes. Portions are huge! Best with Sapporo or sake. Use the provided metal spatula to cut it neatly. I tried the basil & cheese version, but there are meatier options too. 🥬🧀 🥠 Dan Modern Chinese Modern, fusion-style Chinese food—think “Chinese food through a Western lens.” We ordered Dan Dan noodles, soup dumplings, and a light “Young Master” beer (pretty good!). If you're curious about Chinese-inspired dishes adapted for an international palate, give it a try. 🥢✨ 🍗 Torisoba Sumiya Intensely flavored charcoal-grilled chicken—so savory I almost cried! Delicious but very salty, so order it with rice or ramen to balance it out. 🍣 Sushi Enya One of my favorite sushi spots in Sawtelle! The chef that day was skilled—especially with mirugai (geoduck). When he overheard me explaining sushi to a friend, he offered us chutoro and shared his passion for the craft. Also try nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) if available. A truly thoughtful experience. 🎌 📌 Nearby, Nijiya Market sells Japanese skincare and sake, and upstairs there’s a promising omakase spot. Across from Millette Crepe, Yakun offers more casual bites. If you’re near UCLA, just take the Big Blue Bus #17 toward Sawtelle—it’s closer than Little Tokyo and packed with flavor. Today, after a good meal and a drink, I sat staring at empty plates—a calm moment in a busy life. Since starting my fitness journey, my relationship with food has changed, and that’s okay. A clear mind sees a confusing world, but we grow steadier step by step—in workouts and in life. Accepting ourselves lets us dream bigger, help others, and be kinder to ourselves, too. After all, a good researcher—or doctor—knows how to live well, not just work hard. #SawtelleEats #LAFood #UCLA #JapaneseFood #Ramen #Sushi #Okonomiyaki #FoodAndThoughts #EatWellLiveWell 🍱🌸