Aburiya Raku izakaya opens up in West Hollywood

Not to brag or anything, but L.A.’s got some pretty good Japanese food. Now you can add the best known izakaya in Las Vegas to the list. Mitsuo Endo’s Aburiya Raku has put down roots in West Hollywood and Jonathan Gold says it’s worth a visit.

At Raku, Gold recommends the tatami sardine Caesar-style salad, the tempura-fried ice fish that look like French fries with eyes and the oyaji “old dude” tofu with pickled mustard greens and spicy chile oil. Order off the menu at the end of the meal and go for the kamameshi, a pot of Japanese pilaf served with salmon and herbs. The Pulitzer Prize-winning food writer for the LA Times says to save room for sake since there’s no shortage of bottles to try.

Find more restaurant recommendations from Jonathan Gold here.

Recommendations: “Dried Tatami Sardine Salad,” “Oyaji Tofu,” fried ice fish, udon with foie gras egg custard soup, bacon-wrapped asparagus, salmon belly and the kamameshi.

Location: 521 North La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90048 | (213) 308-9393