Izayoi

HANDS DOWN the best restaurant in little tokyo

by sidandsophia

first of all, jparson, do us all a favor and 1) take down your review and 2) keep your quiznos-eating-in-another-resto opinions to yourself. now then. we recognized izayoi from an article we read in a magazine and finally made time to eat there. boy oh boy we were happy we did. i'm not a big sushi fan, but the fiance is and he always exclaims how fresh and fatty the salmon and toro are. the california rolls, too, are amazing, which may sound like an oxymoron but is no doubt very true. we've made our way through about a fourth of the menu and i must say, we are pleasantly satisfied every time. the tofu is beatifully smooth and creamy, the shrimp and jalapeno spring rolls are sweet and spicy, the mushrooms and scallops melt in your mouth, and the yam spring salad something or other was goooood. even the simple things like salad and edamame and miso are done so effortlessly you can't help but appreciate them. as we've always said, japanese food isn't just about the flavors, it's about the presentation and izayoi has it down pat. we've taken lots of our friends to izayoi and we're going to have my birthday dinner there tonight and i can't wait!

• Pros: kirin on tap, creamy fresh california rolls, awesome service
• Cons: parking can be a little hectic

A very special in-the-know spot

by sayulita94

Chef Jun is a master. His select specimens of fish are truly special and a real deal for the price. Some of the best aji, toro, and salmon you'll find in LA - nothing compares at this price. If you know sushi, you will be very happy here and even happier when you get the bill. Like all little secrets, it's hard to keep to yourself. Everyone I've taken here has been very impressed. I usually only eat sushi/sashimi, but next time I'm trying the cooked specialties too. This place rocks!

• Pros: Food
• Cons: small

Great Japanese Bar Food-Delicious Fun

by sverige74

Before I leave my review I must address jparson06s ignorant review-ok first of all you title it ?good food, bad service? ? since you have not brought your own food in (I will get to that point later) and you don?t like sushi, therefore did not eat their product-so technically you should not be reviewing their food.

Bringing your fast food to a fine establishment is such a faux pas, come on! Since you already got scalded by the tea I will stop.

AS for my review I have had about 4 dinners here and every time the service has been attentive and when busy apologetic for any delay.

It is a BUSY restaurant so they do the best they can. Now for the food; it is truly delicious and fresh product each time.

Chef Junichi Shiode is originally from Sushi Ryo and has a vast following that truly respects his newest venture.

Some of my fave not to miss dishes: the steamed mixed mushrooms (garlic & scallop goodness), simmered pork belly, shrimp tempura fondue (we ordered two), the large sashimi plate has about 6 different seafood variables (3 of each) for $20-great bargain and oh so fresh.

I will try to make this my place my weekly routine!

• Pros: Fresh Food & Attentive Service
• Cons: Crazy Busy on Friday nights

Good food--BAD service

by jparsons06

I went here with a four other coworkers for lunch the other day. Actually, I do not like sushi so I brought over a salad to eat from Quizznos while my coworkers ate. Not only was the service s-l-o-w (even after I had gotten my salad, which took 10 min, they still had not taken food orders from our table), one of the waiters spilled hot tea on my back!! Now granted, maybe it is insulting to them to bring in food from another restaurant, but did they need to SCALD me with hot tea? No thanks, I won't be stepping a foot in this place anymore, although my coworkers did seem to like the food in general.

• Cons: Careless waiters, slow service