Budonoki

4.6 (347 reviews)

Izakaya, Sushi Bars, Beer Bar

Closed • 5:30 pm - 10:00 PM

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Budonoki - Aburi Salmon - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Interior - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Seafood pancake - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Budonoki - Tso's Octopus - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Eric L.

Excellent food and vibrant bar atmosphere. This place is a great place to start a weekend night. Every dish we order was delicious. Some dishes Iike the crispy nem is worth ordering doubles. I will be back to try the rest of the menu.

Tristen S.

Loved the food and ambiance in here. The service was also very friendly and helpful. Standout dishes for me were the spicy tuna hand roll, the sweet potato, the scallop crudo, and the banana soft serve. The banana soft serve is a must order!!

Jessica G.

Having been hunting to get a reservation here, we finally made it on the Memorial Day! Entering the venue for first time got us stunned as we totally didn't expect this kinda bar-ish vibe LOL. It's pretty impressive though, especially amidst summer when dinner time was still bright outside then suddenly entering the venue felt like transported us into a venue with minimum lighting. It's pretty packed as early as 6pm-ish with almost all tables occupied. The servers were all so nimble though in taking orders and waiting time was relatively short. As the concept was more like Tapas bar, we shared some dishes, most of which were those from their popular ones. We started with Spicy Tuna handroll, so fresh and tasty with just right amount of everything. Then we got the Charred Sweet Potato, which totally worthed all the shoutouts from different review, being so so good with savory touch from the miso butter perfectly paired to sweetness from the sweet potato. From the bigger portion selection, we got the Iberico Char Siu, super juicy thinly sliced and well-seasoned pork. The only downside was the sticky rice side being tad dry. Not to forget, skipping their dessert was illegal! The Tokyo Banana softserve was like perfection. Despite the banana tasted more like flavoring, really hooked by the peculiar salty hint within the mix. We just couldn't stop digging into the cup!

Derek D.

After getting adjusted to the dim lighting I had a Lovely dining experience. The menu is meant for sharing. You can sample their various sakes. I would recommend. Parking can be tricky.

Brandon S.

I was recommended this spot for aburisushi and oishizushi. I came on a weekday night and still hade to make a reservation. Parking on the side streets is free and not too difficult. I ordered salmon and shrimp aburisushi, a diy handroll set, and yakisoba. Once the food got to my table I realized that the aburisushi is also oishizushi, which was a huge plus. I loved the seared taste of the salmon and shrimp and the box shape making it easy to take double bites. The insides of the rice also had their own respective filling. Yakisoba that is like an okonomiyaki without the gooiness. It was very enjoyable though I could have done with any meat aside from their offered wagyu. The diy handroll was a fun concept but otherwise just exactly what I expected from making my own handrolls, an absolute mess. It did taste good but nothing special or memorable. For dessert, I ordered both ice creams thinking it was gonna be small. These two cups were huge and I could only finish about 80% of each before tapping out. Overall, great food for a decent price. If I'm ever in the area, I would come back but I don't know how bad the walk in situation is. I also heard about their kichikichi omurice collab but unfortunately wasn't able to make time to go.

Jessica G.

My friends and I visited on a Sunday night and it wasn't too busy. We made reservations ahead of time and were seated right away. The space is small, with dim lighting, bar seating, and tables along the side. We started with drinks and I ordered the Girls Night Out cocktail and it was delicious! For food, we tried the spicy tuna hand rolls which were cool to prepare ourselves and the scallop crudo which came with a great, flavorful sauce. The biggest surprise of the night was the sweet potatoes which were warm and buttery. The service felt a bit rushed but overall would recommend to give it a try.

Johnny C.

Listed on Top 100 LA restaurants for 2025 definitely worth the hype! Casual, fun, and yet elevated dining experience makes the food so enjoyable. Each dish is made to be more finger food and fun to eat. | F O O D | Spicy Tuna Handroll 9/10- DIY perfection! Curry Pan 10/10- Rich, flaky, give me 19 more of them Aburi Salmon 6/10- didn't enjoy the pepper on top, but overall flavor was good Sweet Potato 7/10- Delicious just a little much after the curry pan Soft Serve 8/10- Have their own soft serve machine and you can tell with how good it tastes! Martini 7/10- Server recommended and pretty good since I dislike martinis Girls Night Out 5/10- Way to sweet, but cute is just too cute! | O V E R A L L | Will 100% be back to try their other dishes as everything on the menu sounded amazing! The atmosphere is one of a kind fun to go on a date, with friends, or after work dinner! Every drink and dish is fun creating a nice talking point and just gets better the more you drink.

Helen W.

Came here for an early triple birthday celebration. Service was attentive and we were seated outside which was nice. The noisy level was a lot lower than inside which allow for a more intimate dining experience. Everything we had was excellent. My favorites were the scallop Crudo and Handroll.

Arlene B.

Had such a great experience that I can't wait to go back again. We had a table for 4 at 5pm on a Sunday and while it was empty when we got there, by the time we left it was packed. The inside was small but the music and vibe was just right. I was a little worried about the menu because my husband is picky and the menu itself is small, they call it snacks on the menu. However, there is a variety of options for everyone. We ordered the wagyu twice! That tells you how good it was. Other must items are the spicy tuna hand roll and Japanese sweet potato. The hand roll is really cool because you make your own hand roll. Will be back to try other options on the menu!

Arlene G.

This was a place where I had saved to go and finally did for my birthday. When I say everything we tried was DELICIOUS, believe me. The portions are not the biggest but flavors are massive! A small and cozy dim place that's probably good for a girls night out or a date. Service was also great! Exceptional food although the menu is not too big either. Drink were great too!

Krissy R.

It definitely lived up to our expectations and had an amazing time. Parking is around the area is not great. Luckily, we were able to find a street parking uphill. I believe they have valet parking. The restaurant's interior is modernized and functional. The moment we went inside, it's like we are transported in a different place until you step foot outside. The music choice just doesn't match the setting, it was rock and rap. Food was great. Our favorites are: -Mushroom Arugula- dressing was good but I still tasted the bitterness of Arugula. -Curry Pan- the breading was soft and fresh and the curry was delicous. -Budo Royale- it's their special for the night, it's a bowl of wagyu and otoro. They were fresh, generous portion and melts in your mouth -Naem was good, I enjoyed assembling the pork, veggies and crispy rice and dipping it on a fish sauce. -Sweet Potato was probably my list favorite. I'm not a big fan of butter. It was very buttery. -We added Negima and it was a great idea. The chicken was so tender and tasty. - Desserts . We had the Tokyo Banana and Strawberry Milk, huge servings and they tasted so good to cap off the night. Service was great. My glass of water was never empty. The only thing I didn't like is that they add 4% on your bill to help cover the cost of health benefits of their staff. You could ask them to take it out though.

Mona A.

Budonoki is such a fun little spot. My boyfriend and I came with his brother and his brother's girlfriend while they were visiting. The perfect place to fuel up before salsa and pretend we didn't just eat our body weight in small plates. We sat outside on the patio and it was soooo fun. A smaller bilevel space but they somehow make it work and can still fit big parties. There was a really huge birthday dinner next to us but they didn't seem crammed at all. The service also really stood out. Super personable staff who read the room well. They were so attentive without hovering. We shared a bunch of plates and everything hit: ** Curry pan (rich, cheesy, very hard to stop eating) ** Negima skewers (good on their own but the sauce makes them way better) ** Charred Japanese sweet potato (simple but so flavorful) ** Budo-gnocchi (favorite of the table, we kept going back for "one more bite") ** Yakisoba (savory, perfect to share) ** Tokyo banana soft serve (so delicious. Literally no Plenty of free 2-hour street parking on the hill nearby, you just have to hunt a little unless you get lucky. 10/10 would come back.

Ellen N.

Fun, cozy, and lively izakaya with a great Asian fusion menu. I forgot the bartender's name, but he was friendly and very helpful with both menu and drink selections for my husband and me. We ordered the agedashi tofu, yakisoba, grilled pork jowl, yellowtail sashimi, and Washugyu beef tataki (the last two were from a special menu). Everything was well executed, though some dishes leaned a bit too bold or sweet for our personal taste. It's slightly on the expensive side, but we loved the creative and interesting take on each dish. Definitely looking forward to coming back to try more.

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Michael M.

156

1 year ago

Service was really good and I appreciate the attentiveness and the help with the menu. The ambiance was fun, i am just glad i wasn't seated right next to the neon light of the Orion sign. That would have been no fun. The only knock i really give this place was that the food was good not great. I wish they committed to really doing a japanese izakaya but with california produce/fish/meat. It was just asian fusion which is cool but not for me. I would return to eat at the bar if i was in the area and there was no wait but, would not go out of my way for it. Very happy they are doing well and wish them success tho. read more

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Kristy W.

1 year ago

Loved our meal here. It was fun and original food. We tried almost everything on the menu and nothing was a disappointment. The cocktails were delicious as well. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Janet H.

237

3 years ago

I had a really great time here. Highly recommend for casual food and drink with friends. Their chicken skewer is amazing. read more

Budonoki - Kanpachi oshizushi - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Shinjo Katsu, neam - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Julia v.

1 year ago

Can't recommend this spot enough! My boyfriend and I will drive an hour in traffic film for our date nights. The ambiance is fun and swanky and they play great music. At this point we've tried almost everything on the menu and everything has been a hit. The service is quick and personal. Highly recommend the scallops, the girls night out cocktail, and the salmon oshizushi!! read more

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Aurélien B.

1 year ago

The food was great! The place busy with a good ambiance. But the service was bad and unfriendly. Sadly bringing the whole experience down.

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Barry V.

3 years ago

What a cool new spot! It was a vibe right when I walked in, with frozen drinks, soft serve and moody lighting. The menus offers food for a variety of dietary restrictions and is also non-alcoholic friendly. You can come with a date and share a bottle of wine or sake with the wagyu...or you can go as a group and get sake bombs and sushi. I loved the canned cocktail, so cute with the little bear on it and also the swizzle cocktail called Joshikai, this means girls night out! so cute. We got the delicious rich mushroom dish, eggplant skewers, chicken skewers and a few of the pressed sushi's. My friends and I talked for hours and really felt comfortable here. Samantha the bartender was a shining star and I can't wait to go back. read more

Budonoki - soft serve - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - cocktail manu - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - front entrance from instagram - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - joshikai and daitoshi cocktails - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - ume soda - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Swaga D.

1 year ago

I went to Budonoki last night for my birthday dinner and the food/service was amazing. Very friendly staff that made the experience fun. Everyone in our group loved the food...but best of all the music was fantastic. Really set the mood for a fun night. Highly recommend going to Budonoki and trying it out for yourself!!! read more

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Scott S.

2 years ago

The ambiance was lively, and though I've already heard the food and drinks were delicious... they definitely meet those expectations. Being Lao, I was skeptical of a deconstructed version of the naam... BUT THAT THING HIT ALL THE NOTES. read more

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Anjik V.

2 years ago

Excellent food, service and Ambiance, .. they made our evening a memorable one . Bravo to the management.

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Shaun O.

2 years ago

So I was skeptical when I was told we were going to Budonoki and I don't why but boy am I glad I went the food was so good, we had a large party and our server, she was awesome! Loved the ambience and the music was great too. Can't wait to go back. Oh ya we went on a Friday and we had no problem finding street parking. read more

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L Y.

237

2 years ago

Really good food. Unique dishes and excellent preparation and service. A little pricey but it's worth it for the flavors and quality of food. It's a hip spot but honestly a bit dark/loud for my taste. Cool decor though. read more

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Kingsley L.

197

2 years ago

My new favorite eating spot. Food is delish, we literally tried the whole menu and I would order everything again. Don't forget to get the pandas soft serve to top off the meal! read more

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Claire Y.

2 years ago

Best Thai and Japanese fusion restaurant in LA. We've been here multiple times and the food is consistently delicious. I've had the entire menu with multiple reorders over the many reservations and each item is absolutely amazing. From the wings, pork, crudo, waygu, to all the sushi, the sake options, and even the soft serve, it's always perfectly cooked and season every and each time. This is my favorite go to restaurant with my friends and family. Also helps when the staff and chefs are very friendly and caring with making sure you have a great experience each time. read more

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Karen B.

2 years ago

An intimate yet vibrant restaurant space, Budonoki gets 10 stars - 5 just doesn't do it justice. Welcoming, expert service, engaging staff, charming seating area, small but oh so enticing menu. And the food! Holy Budonoki! EVERY SINGLE menu selection was a culinary adventure. Presentation and bursts of flavor that lift dining out to pure art. And DON'T skip dessert. The flavors of their soft ice cream are unique and transformative. Share if you must, but I think this was my favorite part. read more

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Davide L.

3 years ago

Great food. Amazing cocktails. Impeccable service. The Brussels sprouts were superb! Ambiance was a great mix of hip and fun. Great place to take a date. read more

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Peter P.

2 years ago

The FOOD (4 Stars for sure) is really really good. Highly, super recommended on the food. Our SERVER (4.5 Stars) was really good as well. He was great actually. Super nice, a was a great guide on the menu for us. I am fairly certain we ordered almost the entire menu. We tapped out at the very end. This is a place I would recommend every one tries at least once. BUT BEWARE!!! MANAGEMENT or OWNERSHIP are playing games on the BILL. So then why 3 stars? Two issues. One comment to make it right A - They added a 4% service charge. (I am beyond over this added FEE non-sense. The food already is expensive so stop Nickle and Diming me). What is this for anyway? Hint, there is no right answer here because anything that talks about any part of operations means you do have a viable business to begin with. B - They calculated the TAX based on the the total, so the service fee was TAX'd. Yes, you read that RIGHT, they TAXED the service fee they added. C - I would have tipped by 20% as I normally do, but I tipped at 15% and did the calculation before the tax as I am not paying a tip for the tax. Or the Tax'd Service Fee!!!! A & B show ownership or management either are trying to get a bit more in the pocket by basically ripping you off or they have no clue how to USE THE POS correctly. In either case, they should fix it. They have NO PARKING and street parking is REALLLLLLLY Hard to find. Give yourself enough time to find parking. Not their issue as we live in a sprawling city and that is the deal. I highly recommend UBER or LYFT instead of driving. read more

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Alex G.

2 years ago

dropped by with a resy because i had heard rave reviews about this place! we ordered the naem, aburi salmon, yellowtail, the pork jowl, and the skewers. Our top picks are definitely the naem and yellowtail. the other dishes were forgettable. we got Girls Night and the Lychee Daiquiri! the Girls Night was so good we ordered another round of it, but the drinks were a bit inconsistent because the second round was way sweeter than the first. service was great, overall worth the visit. read more

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Tatiana J.

2 years ago

What an incredible night!! Not our first time but certainly the best. Bruce, our wonderful server, made for the most amazing experience. We felt so welcomed and taken care of. We had a fantastic conversation with the owner, Eric. The food is perfection, the service is amazing; the room is beautiful. It's a 10/10. Highly recommend ! read more

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Melanie F.

Elite 22

572

267

150

3 years ago

Very delicious food. Surprisingly rich for how small & delicate the plates look. Prepare for a good greasy experience. Reminiscent of a "need to know" Brooklyn basement bar-meets-Tokyo dive with inky black walls, neon signs & a throwback playlist to greet you upon entry. The service was smooth, not too fast & not too slow. I'll be back. read more

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Alfonso L.

2 years ago

Came for date night and it was excellent... Food and service was amazing... I ordered the Salmon roll, Yellowtail roll, Spicy Black cod, and the Pork Jowl... They were all GOOD!!!! BOMB!!!! read more

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Amelia P.

191

2 years ago

10 stars! We have been 4 times now and each time the service is AMAZING! The staff is welcoming , fun and knowledgeable. The food is INCREDIBLE. We tell everyone we know to go here. We have had everything on the menu and it's a place we crave often. Great fun atmosphere too! Parking is difficult like everywhere in LA but they offer valet so make sure to prepare for that or ride share! We looove it here! read more

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teresa t.

2 years ago

Service was impeccable! I can't say enough about the staff and ...oh... the food!!! Our server Jeff gave us recommendations and they were spot on! You will definitely have a FUN night here! read more

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Sarah B.

2 years ago

I rarely write reviews but the food here is next level awesome! Every dish tasted amazing and the cocktails are great too.

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Leticia L.

2 years ago

Food was superb and the service was excellent. We will definitely be back to try more dishes. They recommend 4 to 5 dishes for 2 people and it was the perfect amount of food. The mushroom rice cake was the highlight. Definitely recommend the strawberry soft serve for dessert. read more

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Chelsey T.

2 years ago

The food is tasty with a wide variety of flavors. Ambiance is fun and relaxing. Service is very attentive. Will be going again. :)

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Christine P.

420

103

3 years ago

Delicious food, beautiful design, & great customer service. This is a great date night spot! We enjoyed every dish, with a highlight on the yellowtail and negima skewers. You must get these 2...seriously. There was a balance in every dish. The drinks are adorable and you have to get it with the cute mug! We met with one of the owners (Eric or Erik?) who spent some time chatting with us asking for feedback. He was kind and receptive. I would definitely come back and recommend this place to friends and family! Overall, they hit the mark on several categories which created a memorable experience. Still thinking about the yellowtail... read more

Budonoki - Negima skewers w/ delicious galangal sauce. Must try! - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Truffle "Gnocchi". Buttery, light truffle flavor and a nice texture - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Yakisoba. Classic comfort dish - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Seafood Crepe. If you like crispy edges, you'll be happy like me. Would use a little more sauce to perfect it - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Bear mug (refreshing lemon cocktail) and adorably design menu - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Wagyu Zabuton. Delicious meaty goodness - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Grilled Pork Jowl. Delicious balance of savory + pickled cucumbers + refreshing mint - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Aburi Salmon & Yellow Tail (Get. The. Yellowtail.) - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Panda/Coconut/Vanilla soft serve. A little more on the icy texture but still a refreshing dessert - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Menu - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Jaesu H.

2 years ago

Ate at the counter, great service with friendly staff. Great suggestions of what to try. Would definitely go back.

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Brett D.

2 years ago

One of my favorite LA spots. I love the izakaya kitchen combine with awesome bar and soft serve. Food is amazing, love you guys.

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Bita H.

Elite 25

365

416

2 years ago

This is a great spot for a group dinner of any kind. The restaurant is energetic and the playlist is superb. And of course the food!! Going with a group means you get to order just about everything on the menu and let the snacks stack up to be a meal. Two things not to miss are the sushi and the curry pan. Actually, the chicken wings also need to be ordered (maybe twice depending on how many mouths your group has). If I had to skip one, I would maybe hold off on the seafood pancake, but even that is a textural treat. I just don't know if it holds up to all the other gems on the menu. Drinks are really fun and and even though they don't serve hard alcohol, I was feeling pretty good after two Girls Night Out's. Service was friendly and they were able to guide our group into ordering just the right amount. Inside is pretty loud and buzzy, but the outside patio was perfect for catching up with friends while listening to great music. read more

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Paige M.

185

2 years ago

Delicious! I had a wonderful experience here. They provided good service with jokes and smiles. I'd say the overall ambiance is cool but in an approachable way. They also do $10 meals sometimes to make sure the community can have an affordable and tasty meal. The food is amazing and the owners work on the floor alongside their staff which is a nice touch. You can tell they care about this place! It's evident in their attention to detail from the food, decor, hospitality etc. read more

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Alex G.

3 years ago

I wanted to love this place. I really did! Am sad that it fell flat. The menu though is so confusing!!! Do I want to eat sushi with an empanada, a salad, seafood pancake and Brussels sprouts???? The food just did not sound appetizing together. While the dishes did taste fine, it's nothing I would crave again. I can tell a lot of thought was put into the restaurant, aesthetics, menu...just did not feel cohesive and wouldn't go back. Very friendly staff. So many servers with an empty restaurant. It's hard to run a restaurant, I feel for the owner. read more

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Emily G.

2 years ago

One of my new favorite restaurants in LA! Carefully curated, incredibly creative and delicious dishes. Whether you order the mind blowing sweet potato with miso butter charred to perfection, or the citrus infused scallop crudo, the creamy yet smoky salmon sushi or the spicy chicken... every single menu item is a win win. Foodie approved. Service impeccable, everyone who brought our dishes kindly informed us of the ingredients as well as the best way to enjoy the dish. Ambiance was delightful- festive and lively yet not so crazy that you can still have a conversation. I cannot recommend Budonoki enough! read more

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Brennon E.

100

3 years ago

This place is incredible. The food was A1, the service was the same. We came in 15 min before they closed and they still took care of me and my group in every way. Highly recommend! read more

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Lanie S.

3 years ago

Favorite new local spot! The vibe is fun, the food is incredible and unique, and the drinks are delicious. The soft serve dessert is out of this world. read more

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Hannah B.

2 years ago

Great experience here. The food was delicious and the service was great! We sat at the bar and Samantha was our bartender / server. She was very attentive and helpful when asking questions about the menu. Overall loved her vibe & the atmosphere of this restaurant. Definitely worth it! Check it out. They're new but know what they're doing read more

Budonoki - Wagyu Yakisoba - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Their menu is so cute! - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Budo-gnocchi - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Zipporah R.

3 years ago

Perfect ambiance, great staff, and the best food!!!Definitely recommend the King Salmon Oshizushi, Negima Skewers, and Pandan Soft Serve. Love love love read more

Budonoki - Cutest cocktail mugs - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Travis M.

2 years ago

Came here Friday with a few other friends. I should say, not being familiar with the area, i was pleasantly surprised upon arriving. The atmosphere is lively with loud music and we liked that. It doesn't look like anywhere I've been in recent memory. We sat behind the bar but didn't seem like there was a bad spot in the house. More importantly, the food: loved everything we had. The pork and rice dish stood out, as well as the empanadas. The other pork dishes was maybe slightly salty but still delicious and just personal preference. Service: fantastic. Our server (forgot her name maybe started with an M) with long dark hair was nice and helped us navigate the menu. We kept thanking her for all the great recommendations. We will definitely be back, and next time I'll try and remember to take photos. read more

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Sarah B.

3 years ago

I want to gate keep this place but I can't. best new restaurant in LA. The vibes are immaculate and the food is incredible. This hidden gem should be on your list. can't wait to go back read more

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Jazz Y.

2 years ago

I don't know how to explain what happened to my friend and I in here tonight. It was just, just... sooo good! From literally the first bite to the last. Our server gave us his recommendations and they just kept our tastebuds hollering one after another even when we thought we were full, we couldn't quit. (Not all pictured below because we were too busy eating) Our first and favorite dish was the Scallop Crudo, the cilantro vinaigrette, unbelievable! Second favorite the spicy tuna hand roll. The staff was very friendly, very helpful and attentive. We sat at the bar because it seems as though if you don't have a reservation you might be relegated to that one area if they're busy, which at first kind of seemed like a bummer to us but actually turned out to be the best seat in the house. The cute neon signs, the decor and the nostalgic jams playing in the background were all just bonuses. We will definitely be back! read more

Budonoki - Scallion Pancake - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Takoyaki- Yellowtail - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Scallop Crudo - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Black Sesame and Pandan Coconut Vanilla - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Budonoki - Girls Night Out drink - Izakaya Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Kurt K.

3 years ago

We had an amazing meal. Service was fantastic. Could not decide what to order so we ordered almost everything on menu. It was epic. I highly recommend this place, but make reservations. read more

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Page 8 of 9

654 N Virgil Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90004
East Hollywood
Directions
(323) 928-2320
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.budonoki.la

Hours

What time does Budonoki open?

Budonoki opens at 5:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Budonoki opens at 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Budonoki close?

Budonoki closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 5:30 PM - 10:00 PMSat-Sun 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Budonoki serve alcohol?

Yes, Budonoki serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Budonoki allow dogs?

Yes, Budonoki allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Budonoki have outdoor seating?

Yes, Budonoki has outdoor seating options.

Does Budonoki have parking?

Yes, Budonoki has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Budonoki wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Budonoki is wheelchair accessible.

Does Budonoki allow outdoor smoking?

No, Budonoki does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Budonoki have free WiFi?

Yes, Budonoki has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Budonoki

What's the noise level inside on a Sunday evening?

This place is small and buzzin'. While it's not particularly romantic it is a fabulous spot.

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Can I make a reservation?

You absolutely can and should. Sitting at the Bar is very cool. Enjoy it.

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What is the dress code?

No real dress code - pretty low key and casual attire is fine.

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Is there street parking or valet?

There is a valet and street parking.

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Izakaya Osen

Wheelchair accessible

Izakaya OSEN in Silver Lake brings that intimate, late night Tokyo vibe with a menu that actually…read moredelivers. The space is cozy, dim, and stylish perfect for a slow, flavorful night of yakitori, small plates, and sake. The sushi is clean and high quality, the skewers come out smoky with that perfect char, and the wagyu dishes are the kind that make you pause mid conversation. Their sauces and marinades lean bold, and the plating always feels intentional without being pretentious. Service is warm, pacing is smooth, and the whole experience feels like a neighborhood gem that knows exactly what it's doing. A refined but relaxed izakaya with standout flavors, great energy, and a menu worth exploring bite by bite.

If you're ordering skewers, the scallop, sea bass, and prime beef kushiyaki are absolute standouts…read more The scallop is incredibly tender, while the sea bass is the must-order. Even if don't like seabass, you must try this one! it's buttery, perfectly charred and melts in your mouth. The prime beef is equally impressive: tender, packed with rich umami flavor, and cooked to perfection. For a larger dish, you can't go wrong with either the sea bass or blue crab hot pot. It's so rich and comforting, the fish is always perfectly cooked, and it's more than enough food for two people. Be sure to order a side of seaweed and make your own hand rolls at the table. The kabocha salad is also unexpectedly delicious and pairs well with the other indulgent items in this order. They recently moved next door and they may be overbooking themselves so expect to wait quite a while- even if you have reservations.

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Izakaya Gazen

Amazing homemade tofu, Tempura is lightly breaded and fresh and just flavorful!…read more Sukiyaki was also good. Attentive service.

My son asks to go here every time we go to Little Tokyo. He calls it the steak place because he…read moreloves the teriyaki steak. I like how the entrees come as a set meal with salad, miso soup, tofu, and small vegetable dishes. I've tried the nigiri sets, sushi rice bowls, and beef/rice bowls. Sushi is standard, nothing super wow but good enough. The servers are all nice and service is good. One of the servers was so sweet to my son last time. She was patient when he worked up the courage to ask for some items and brought extra cucumbers for him to snack on. We sit on the patio since our kids get a little rowdy and messy.

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Beef Tongue 9/10 super good with crunchy side and salty from soy sauce

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Salmon Chasuke 10/10 no need to say this is just, phenomenal. You need to try this!!!!

Izakaya Bizan

Looking for something light to eat is what everyone wants and found this Izakaya in downtown Japan…read moretown. Food % Service % Ambiance % It has a wide variety of dishes like yakitori, sushi, and robata skewers, alongside an extensive sake and beer menu. Located on the top floor of the Little Tokyo Marketplace! Check it out-food is delicious

Rarely being in the area because the vibe it offered just wasn't for me. If it's not my visiting…read morefriend, probably would never make it here and figured out about Bizan from Yelp. To my surprise, it's already pretty busy around 5-ish. It's quite easy to get a spot with walk-ins though, and the attendants were plenty so service was speedy. The vibe certainly reminded me of Izakaya spots in Japan. Coming for Izakaya experience, obviously we got multiple skewers including chicken, bacon wrapped enoki, chicken skin, pork belly, and many more. My friend got their Kake Udon while I got their Kimchi Tuna Rolls. Taste was decent at quite reasonable price. Wouldn't call it best of the best, but surely not bad at all.

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Chicken Skin

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Ankimo, Kanpachi, Blue Fin Tuna, Isaki, Kohada, Aji Horse Mackerel, and Katsu

Taberu

4.0

(333 reviews)

3.9 mi

Definitely would not recommend coming here, especially if you are in a bigger party. We had 9…read morepeople here for a birthday celebration - food and drinks were really slow and came out staggered. Almost 1.5 hours before all the dishes finally came out. And service was also not great - the server brought out a drink that we didn't order by mistake, told us we could have it on the house, but ended up charging us for it anyway. Had already left when we noticed it. Also told us cake fee was $10, but ended up charging us $20. Food-wise, very hit or miss. The unadon, hamburger steak, and curry udon were all really good, but the yakitori skewers tended to be disappointing. The Tsukune was dry, the Negima was quite bland. The Miso Black Cod was also quite overdone, became quite rubbery when served and also was cold. Overall, I would not come back again, or recommend it. Given the price point, I expected that the food and service left much to be desired.

Taberu is no longer Taberu…read more With new management, a new kitchen, and a completely new menu, it honestly feels like a totally different restaurant--and I think they should consider changing the name because it's pretty misleading if you're expecting the old experience. The menu now leans much more toward fine dining, and the prices definitely reflect that. As someone who's more of a casual diner and really enjoyed the previous menu, this new direction just wasn't for me. The staff were very kind and took the time to explain all the changes, which I appreciated. However, we ordered about six dishes and were surprised at how small the portions were. On top of that, most of the items were unfortunately pretty bland. Sadly, I won't be returning, and I really miss the old menu.

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Tan Tan Ramen in peanut butter miso sesame soup

Hōjicha Pudding

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Tiramisu

Tsubaki

My precious friend Amelia G. treated me to dinner at Tsubaki for my 40th birthday last month. I…read moreloved this place went I went before kids and pandemic, apparently almost a decade ago. It was as good as I remembered, and probably even better. I can't imagine letting another eight and a half years pass without going back. The only negative is that parking is either difficult or $15, which feels bad in a pretty quiet residential area. Better to take a car in any case, so you can enjoy the extensive selection of sakes. We shared a full-sized bottle, I forget which but I think it was a junmai daiginjo, and it was lovely. Tsubaki is such a nice, welcoming little izakaya. Service is great, the atmosphere warm and easy. You just want to sit back and drink at a leisurely pace. The food is excellent, with a robust menu of creative Japanese food. We shared everything, starting with a stellar kanpachi crudo with ume ponzu, shiso, sweet onion and habanero pickles, and furikake. My favorite dish of the night was the tsukune katsu. I love tsukune, the tare-glazed chicken meatballs you'll find in any yakitori place. This was my first time having them in katsu form, panko-fried and served over cabbage with Kewpie mayo and tonkatsu sauce. The chawanmushi was delicious, silky steamed egg custard topped with Dungeness crab, truffle salt, and mitsuba. Likewise the kinoko tempura, an array of maitake, shiitake, and enoki mushrooms fried light and crispy, with yuzu shichimi and tentsuyu for dipping. We got a skewer of bonchiri from the yakitori menu, delightfully chewy bites of charcoal-grilled jidori chicken tail. Finally, a plate of yakisoba, pan-fried noodles with house-cured Peads & Barnetts char siu, pickled green garlic, and cracklin. We got the hojicha parfait, and it was more or less my ideal dessert. Roasted green tea soft serve with sesame black sugar burnt miso and candied walnuts with cornflake dust. Cold, light, sweet. I could eat a whole one by myself pretty much any time. After nine years in business, Tsubaki feels like an Echo Park institution, and the kitchen is as strong as ever. This was a wonderful dinner, one I hope to repeat soon, with more sake, more yakitori, and more hojicha parfait.

Wow, this is the best izakaya in LA. Though the prices are quite high the food is very high…read morequality! Interior is nice and feels intimate, almost reminds me of restaurants in New York. It's quite small inside and they happen to have a few tables outside. I have mixed feelings about the service though but it is what it is, just feel like we weren't attended properly and service was slower. The menu has tons of options, there is something for everyone. Unfortunately the rice balls I wanted to try were sold out for the night- which how do you run out of something popular at a 7 PM dinner? Anyway, we had the fried tempura, garlic fried rice, short ribs, and chicken oysters. Everything was delicious and I would get these dishes again. But my standouts were the short ribs, they were tender and the marinade was light and fresh. The fried tempura was another standout for me because the sauce paired so well with the lightly friend asparagus. And I'm going to to say the chicken oysters- I think they were grilled to perfection with a tiny bit of wasabi. It's so hard to pick, everything tasted amazing and you can tell everything is thoughtfully prepared and well crafted with a beautiful presentation. I really enjoyed the food here and will be back to try more items.

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Tsukune - chicken meatballs

Fruit tomato kimchi

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HATCH

Without exaggerating, I have to say this is the best culinary experience I've had since visiting…read more"how to cook a Wolf" in Seattle well over a decade ago. The bone marrow was probably the most delicious savory and overall explosive - wow taste buds experience. The squid Inc. fried chicken was the best fried chicken I've ever eaten in my life miso marinated ribs are fall off the bone and absolutely delectable. This was a Thursday night date night with my wife and we also had the pleasure of the consummate host Dez, who made us feel at home. It was an excellent date night and an Elite culinary adventure.

Hatch has been on my bookmark for a while and we got a chance to try it for my Aunt's birthday…read moredinner. It's located in the heart of Downtown LA. We order 2 sets of their EGGCELLENT DINNER at $55 a set, definitely worth the price. It came with: MISO CORNY SOUP FIRE HAMACHI HANDROLL MISO BEER SPARE RIBS SQUID INK KARAAGE CHICKEN MEATBALL SKEWER PORK BELLY SKEWER MUSHROOM PARTY SKEWER UNAGI YAKI ONIGIRI We also ordered their: Agedashi Tofu Beef Tongue Black Fried Rice Chicken Heart Corn Tempura Tower And Grilled Fuji Apple for dessert. The our favorites were the Squid Ink Karaage, Unagi, Corn Tempura Tower, mushroom party, and the chicken Thigh & Green Onion. Each had a unique flavor that we haven't had at other izakaya places. The black fried rice was good as well but on the sweet side. We also really liked the Grilled Fuji Apple for dessert. The other dishes were okay. The hamachi handroll lacked hamachi flavor and I mostly tasted the sauce. The miso beer spare ribs, chicken meatball, and onigiri were way too sweet for our liking. I wanted to love the beef tongue but there was way too much of the topping and it really should be on the side. The vibe of Hatch was nice. Their service was pretty good. And if we come back again, we would definitely get their Eggcelent Set Menu.

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HATCH. Modern, clean lines.

Soft shell crab taco

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HATCH. Tuna Tataki handroll. Delicious!

Kinjiro

Came for Christmas Eve dinner. Typically need a RSVP here and was lucky to get one. Was seated…read morepromptly. Ordered salmon sashimi, adagashi tofu, chicken, wagyu short rib, some don, soup with plums, and panna cotta. Everything was delicious, as usual. Probably ordered one too many dishes though! Definitely an awesome time, and will be back for sure!

Kinjiro is one of those places that makes you slow down and savor every bite. The truffle udon was…read moreeasily the star of the night! The noodles had just the right chew, coated in that rich, earthy truffle flavor that felt both indulgent and comforting, but not too heavy. The beef tongue was surprisingly good too. It was crispy on the outside, chewy and good on the inside. It paired really well with wine and the sauce that goes with it is not to be missed. The portions lean on the smaller side and can be quite pricey. Service was warm and attentive without being overbearing, and the vibe is intimate yet lively. If you're into elevated izakaya dining, Kinjiro hits the sweet spot. I'd come back just for that truffle udon alone.

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Indoor

American Wagyu Beef Tataki

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Beef tongue

Izakaya Tora

Wow the food is so good!! Recommended by a friend that this place was like Izakaya Osen several…read moreyears ago. Chirashi - the fish is QUALITY. 2 types of each fish, so it's still shareable with a friend. Standouts: their Uni was so creamy and fresh. Also loved the kanpachi pieces - firm and flavorful. Hamachi was also so buttery and fresh. The Miso Chilean Seabass skewers were the best. So tender, soft and grilled and marinated perfectly. What a nice thick satisfying chunk. This is a must order. Pressed sushi - these are hard to find outside of Vancouver so it was a delight to see them! We had the salmon and hamachi version. Loved that the Hamachi had a delicious spicy kick to it! The matcha mochi chocolate cake was so soft, gooey with strong matcha flavor! Great way to end the meal. It's on a poppin street on West Hollywood. We walked to Dayglow for matcha and the Pacific Design Center for inspiration.

10/10 Experience!…read more We stumbled upon this spot since it was within easy walking distance of our hotel, and we are so glad we did. It has the warm, welcoming feel of a family-owned business. We ordered the Kiss of Fire roll, spicy tuna roll, and a selection of nigiri (I've attached photos of all of them). Everything was delicious and clearly made with very high-quality fish. On top of that, it's incredibly well-priced compared to nearby alternatives. Excellent value for the quality. We will definitely be returning!

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House dessert

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Scoop of Heaven

kodo

4.3

(569 reviews)

4.7 mi

Kodō perfectly bridges the gap between creative Japanese fusion and an elevated fine dining…read moreexperience. I came here with a group of friends to celebrate my birthday, and the entire evening was exceptional from start to finish. The atmosphere is absolutely stunning, especially the outdoor patio. It has a beautiful, relaxed yet stylish energy that makes it perfect for a celebration. The service matched the vibe perfectly--the staff was incredibly friendly, engaging, and attentive. They even surprised me with a complimentary slice of cake for my birthday, which was a wonderful touch! We started with drinks, and their cocktail program is incredibly refreshing and inventive. I ordered a melon-flavored cocktail, which was my first time having that flavor profile in a drink in the US, and it completely blew me away. As for the food, everything was beautifully executed: Uni Pasta: An absolute 10/10. I can confidently say this is the best sea urchin I have ever had. It was remarkably fresh and creamy, without even a hint of fishiness. A flawless dish. Steak: We ordered it medium, and it was cooked perfectly. It was incredibly fragrant and seared beautifully without being overly raw or bleeding onto the plate. It was served with a variety of delicious dipping sauces, allowing us to customize every bite. Risotto: This dish was a bit more standard compared to the phenomenal pasta and steak, but it was still solid, comforting, and didn't detract from the meal at all. Overall, kodō delivers a fantastic dining experience with top-tier service, creative drinks, and phenomenal food. Highly recommend it for a special occasion or a nice night out in LA!

The inside is low lit & gives an elevated ambiance. Service was fantastic and very attentive. We…read morestarted with the pacific oysters & spicy tuna crispy rice. The pacific oysters are a good size and I really enjoyed the yuzu-kosho ponzu sauce on it. The spicy tuna crispy rice have a good amount of spicy tuna on top & I loved how crispy they made the rice underneath. The Kodo trio comes with uni, toro, & wagyu and the Toro sampler comes with o-toro, chu-toro, akami. All of these handrolls were phenomenal & just left you wanting more. The Wagyu katsu you cook on a hot stone at the table which I liked as an interactive dish. The Wagyu cheeseburger was dripping with juice but still had those crunchy edges. The Uni pasta was beautiful & delicious. The Chimichurri prawns I could eat multiple plates of- the shell comes sliced down the middle so you just have to peel it off. For dessert we ordered the Kodo basque cheesecake & Miso chocolate torte. I love a basque cheesecake & the sesame crumble added great texture. The miso chocolate torte made me wish I ordered my own. Everything from start to finish was amazing, it's hard to pick favorites. Parking- valet $13

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Nanban-Kan

Tony (owner) is there every day to ensure operation runs smoothly. And there seems to be quite a…read morebit of regulars because I noticed Tony would greets them by their name and open arm. The hostess is always welcoming while the wait staff is attentive. Expect a slight bit of wait if you don't have a reservation but it's well worth it. We usually ask for bar seating because we enjoy watching them grill. To start, we get the Ochazuke, check the chalkboard for any specials and order some sake/beer while we browse through the menu. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

Wow, I'm so impressed with this yakitori spot! Parking was pretty easy to find on a Saturday night…read morearound the corner. It was busy!! I think it's best to make reservations if you want to come in. They turned away a couple people/groups because they didn't have reservations. The pricing for everything was reasonable. Definitely ask what's unavailable before ordering. The yakitori sticks came one by one and cooked well. I think my favorite was a non-yakitori item, miso cod. Sooo good!! It did take awhile to be served. Since the sticks kept coming out slow, we all got full fast. Id love to come back again if I know I'm going to be in the area.

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Chicken wings

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Stuffed Shiitake

Manuela

A few weeks ago, I tried a sample of a Venison burger at Sprouts and it was pretty amazing. I felt…read morethat I needed to try this here as well. My friend just flew in for a day because his relative had forgot her passport and needed to travel to Korea, so we stopped here. He missed a few meetings, a vet appointment and other things, but also saved the day, otherwise his relative wouldn't have been able to make it to Korea. While here, they ordered a salad with cherries and pecans that was pretty amazing. I think that may have been one of the better salads I've eaten. In addition to that, a cucumber burrata salad was ordered, and that was made well too. When my venison burger arrived, I took a few bites and it had the exact flavor I was hoping for and I thought the burger was done extremely well. My friend also ordered a pork chop, and it was an amazing cut, cooked perfectly, tender, juicy and everything you could ever want in a bone in pork chop. They also cut the entire piece for you and scraped every last bit off of the bone too. The service is really attentive. They come by your table a lot to ensure you have everything you need. The ambiance is a bit dim in lighting which sets a nice mood. And the place just happens to be dog friendly too. Sorry for the lack of photos, but I didn't wanna intrude on everyone else's meals. However, if you come here, definitely try the salad with cherries and the venison burger or the pork chop!

Amazing apple butter 10/10 easy must get The dip was okay,…read morenot a big fan but it is a bigger portion. Great for pics The pop Benedict was good but not super filling, the eggs well seasoned and good sauce Bacon super bomb, if you like sweet Canadian bacon. Not a fan of the grits Tartar 10/10 easy really good dish to get to share Chile was okay nothing else besides sauce and chips 4/10 Ribeye steak very small like 6 oz steak for $58 it's great but not for the size and quality Great service, really fast and their mixed drinks were bomb too. I liked the melon one 9/10 Overnight oats is good too but on the higher end, 7/10 nothing crazy but still good If I go back the butter, burger and pop Benedict would be the move or bacon

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Now offering Wine & Beer for takeaway and delivery. Visit our website for more details. manuela-la.com

Cast Iron Cornbread, Steen's Butter

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Black Beans Chilaquiles, Crema, Fried Egg, Radish, Cilantro, Queso FrescoChilaquiles

Fixins Soul Kitchen

The food was delicious, the staff were so nice, and the vibes were great!…read moreThe place was packed but we didn't have to wait long. I ordered: - fried chicken: the best fried chicken I've had in a long time! So crispy, juicy and packed with flavor. - biscuit: delicious! Buttery and flakey. Not dry at all. The butter it comes with was so good! - Yams: so much flavor! - Mac and cheese: creamy and cheesy. Not watery at all. Perfect texture and flavor. - cobbler: so much flavor! Nice and warm. I wish there was more crust but other than that it was perfect. This was the best way to end the meal! I would definitely come back when in the area.

Fixin's absolutely lived up to the hype…read more The spicy chicken sandwich was fantastic, and adding the Kool-Aid pickle was such a fun, uniquely Southern touch. The deep-fried deviled eggs were good, but the real star of the meal was the collard greens. As someone from the South, I'm picky about my greens, and these were outstanding. I'll definitely be back. Great food, great vibe, and one of my favorite soul food spots in LA. Warning: it can get very crowded. Reservation recommended

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Fun interior and on Friday they had a great DJ

Shrimp and grits

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Side salad

Sonmari

Locally owned & operated

Wheelchair accessible

Parking is ehhh…read more Service 5/5 We made reservations for 2 for 3:30. We got there early around 2:30 and they sat us which was amazing. I would come back for several items * the red snapper & yellow tail nigiri * The A5 Wagyu * the crispy rice (I like the portion size) * maguro monaka * tuna taku My partner liked * the seared salmon * chili yellow tail. The place is cute very traditional. I recommend it you're in the area. Definitely worth the stop.

The vibes are there, indoor is more intimate and the porch you can enjoy the fresh air. The table…read moresetting is really aesthetic. I was trynna order the hikari don but they said it might be too much for a single person so I got 4 hand rolls and the chawanmushi instead which is a good amount to not feel gluttonous. Service was quick with the water refills and food came out pretty fast The chili yellow tail and the seared salmon were the best tasting of the hand rolls. There's no parking bc it's on sunset, but would return if in the area

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Sonmari store sign.

Chili Yellow tail Seared salmon CUT Bluefin tuna

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Clam chowder

Dunsmoor

Have come a few times to Dunsmoor (once as a walk in, once with reservations) and have had a…read morepleasant experience both times. Note: I think it is more difficult to do walk ins now, so be prepared to fight for a reservation online instead WHAT WE'VE ORDERED IN THE PAST (* denotes personal favorite/would order again) APPETIZERS - Baby Albacore: nice bright dish to start the night! I really enjoyed the fried shallots on top. - *Cornbread: a must get! The chile helps cut the richness of the dish so it's not so one dimensional. Butter and honey -- what more can you ask for? - *Cherokee Tomato Caesar: I was surprised by this dish. Four tomatoes used are so delicious and meaty and the dressing coats it perfectly. The little anchovy in the center of the tomato adds to the savoriness of the dish. It's so simple, yet delicious. - *Carolina Gold Rice: a table favorite!! The seafood was abundant and everyone enjoyed each bite. The rice was al dente and not mushy at all, but helped meld all the flavors together. Everyone agreed we would reorder. MAIN - *Beef Ribeye: delicious. It's good to share because of the richness of the ribeye plus the bone marrow. I personally could not eat the whole ribeye by myself. Medium rare is the way to go. - *Mushroom Crusted Pork Chop: cooked well and was delicious! Not dry whatsoever. The crust on the pork chop was great. SIDES - *Dressed Lettuce: their salad which is a necessity to have vegetables at the table. The dressing is citrusy and bright, which helps cut the richness of the food. DESSERT - *Sticky Date Pudding: this does take some time to make since it's in a skillet. But when it comes out, it's so decadent with the ice cream. I tell myself that I'm healthy eating it since it's made with dates. - Chocolate Cake: dense, rich, dark chocolate, not too sweet. I love dark chocolate so I was a fan of this cake. We even got it to go and it still tasted good a few days after the meal. It's pretty dense for a cake and I really only need a few bites -- so its a nice way to end the meal. If 2-3 people: recommend 2-3 app/sides + 1 main protein If 4-5 people: 3-5 app/sides + 1 main protein I think it's a great celebratory meal. Everyone that I've come with has stated they would go come back -- especially since the menu does change seasonally. PARKING: street parking; there is usually some around the corner and down the block; no more than 5 minutes walking

Wanted to try this place because of all the good reviews. It was OK. Ate there on Saturday night…read moreafter securing a reservation. Something happened and when we arrived there was a mix up with the reservation so we ended up sitting in the bar for about 45 minutes. This place is extremely casual, think shorts, t shirts, and flip flops and you won't be out of place. Servers and bartenders all have the eagle rock/highland park grunge vibe. I went there with my wife and 2 teenage daughters. We started with the cornbread. I thought it was good (4/5) but with the amount of butter and honey anything would have been good. Wife didn't care for it, thought the buttermilk made it too sour. Just know that it's tiny. For the four of us, each had one bite. The menu for mains is pretty limited. Steak, swordfish, or porkchop. We ended up going with the steak, 2 swordfish, and then added the brown eyed peas, mashed potatoes, and then wanted to start off with the pork chile (which is really chile verde). The chile verde was the star of the night. If I ever went back, this is what I would order. Maybe it's because all the chef's are hispanic, but it was really good. They serve it with homemade tortillas and it was excellent. The steak is a large 2 pound bone in rib eye. I ordered it medium rare. It was more on the rare side, which i don't have a problem with, but the steak was a little tough. Not super tough but for $150 I definitely expected a little more "melt in your mouth" rather that fighting some pieces. Bone marrow was a nice touch. probably a 3/5. The fish was well cooked, not dry but the flavor was not amazing either. Hard to explain but the sauce was a little too sour. I like lemon on my fish but the sour almost made me think the fish was past it's prime. It wasn't, but the sauce didn't really highlight the fish. I shouldn't have ordered two and would skip this one next time. My least favorite and a 2/5 The sides were good. Mashed potatoes with garlic and butter, nothing special but good. Brown eyed peas were really just white beans. They were good, but not steal the show good. About a 3/5 For dessert we split the chocolate cake which was more like a muffin with a hazelnut whipped cream. Don't think of chocolate cake, think of it rather as a small piece of chocolate flavored loaf with no frosting or chocolate pieces. I liked it because I like things that are not very sweet but I was the only one that cared for it. Overall portions are fairly small. Between me, my wife, and two teenagers we ate everything. Total bill with tip was about $510. Pretty crazy when you think about it. Would I go back? Probably not but the ambiance was nice with the grill and real candles.

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Another view from my seat at the chef's counter

Dressed Lettuces: herbs, vinaigrette | $13

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Cornbread inside

Beethoven Market

Came in with no expectations, but was pleasantly surprised by our experience here! Came with a…read moreparty of 5 people and ordered the following: DISHES (* denotes favorite/would order again) - *Mezzi Rigatoni Carbonara: not your average carbonara, but was delicious nonetheless. The rigatoni was cooked perfectly al dente - *Duck Pappardelle: a table favorite! The duck was plentiful and was enjoyed by all. The pappardelle was a little too soft for some people at the table, but I personally enjoy a wide, flat noodle. - Linguine al Limone: lemony and bright. I only wish there was a protein (like seafood?) with this to help enhance the flavor - Margherita pizza: Classic and delicious. The crust was delicious on this slice. - *Mushroom pizza: Toppings were generous and we all liked the mushrooms. Our crust in particular was a little on the burnt side, but we just picked off the areas that were more blackened. - *Green Beans: served chilled which provided a nice brightness to our dishes - Grilled Broccolini: good bite and also helped break up the meal Overall the dishes were easy to be shared and we left pretty full. Prices are also pretty reasonable for the amount of food that we got. PARKING Street parking only, but it wasn't too difficult to find parking on the street.

A solid 3.5. Came…read morehere for lunch on a Friday. Cute but food was underwhelming as you'd maybe imagine for the location... Focaccia w whipped ricotta and honey was so good! We had a gem Caesar salad (just ok, boring), the carbonara (just ok, pancetta? was chewy) and the bolognese (just ok, under seasoned). It was just ok! Service was weird but we also came right when shifts were changing cuz we saw our waitress walking down the street at one point. There she goes! Sat outside, such a cute area but as soon as you get your food here come the flies! Also, people talking loudly even tho it was not busy - inside would have been better, less busy, super open and so much seating. Saw 2 girls there who got ALL the breakfast foods and this is where I realized we went wrong. If you come here for lunch, I'd recommend the breakfast food - it looked FANTASTIC! Or maybe a pizza. The dinner food also looks better than the lunch food from the pics I see here on yelp!

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12/12/25. IG: @jasfoodchronicles

Roasted potatoes

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Strawberry sundae

Checker Hall

This spot is so cute for dinner with the girls or a cute little date! I went with 2 other friends…read moreand we left so satisfied with all the food we had. Our server Kieran was very helpful with explaining the different items on the menu. We ordered the whipped feta, halloumi fattoush, chicken skewers and sticky sweet potato! I would drive over an hour for the whipped feta alone, sooo good!

This is definitely one of those trendy, hipster-style spots in Highland Park. Walking upstairs and…read moreinto the restaurant gave me a slightly dark, eerie feeling at first, but once inside, the atmosphere felt very Roaring Twenties-inspired with a jazzy, vintage vibe. The lighting is extremely dim, which isn't really my preference, but it definitely adds to the ambiance. The restaurant was packed, yet we were seated right away in a cozy corner booth. We started with an appetizer that our server recommended over the hummus, and I'm glad we took the suggestion. It had a unique flavor, and the pita bread was absolutely delicious. Be prepared to spend some money here. Dinner for two can easily run over $100 if you're ordering more than just an appetizer and salad. The food itself was interesting, with bold and unique seasonings. Some dishes leaned a little salty for my taste, and I found myself going back and forth on whether I loved them or not, but they were definitely memorable. If you're looking for a fun date-night spot or a lively place to meet up with friends, this restaurant is worth checking out. It has a great vibe and a lot of character. While it's probably not somewhere I'd visit regularly, I'm glad I gave it a try.

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17 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Gustavo P.

Elite 24

350

217

3969

1 year ago

5 Stars: A Sublime Culinary Journey at Budonoki In a city teeming with exceptional dining establishments, Budonoki distinguishes itself as a true gastronomic gem. This unassuming restaurant delivers an unforgettable culinary experience, expertly marrying impeccable service with inventive, expertly crafted dishes. From the moment we stepped through the doors, the service was top-notch, with a warm, attentive staff that anticipated our every need. The atmosphere, while understated, provided an intimate backdrop for the culinary fireworks that were to come. And then, the food. Each dish that emerged from the kitchen was a masterclass in flavor, technique, and presentation. Standouts included the Naem, with its delicate balance of spicy and sour notes; the Aburi Salmon, seared to perfection and boasting a satisfying crunch; and the pork jowls, which melted in our mouths like a tender, unctuous cloud. But the true pièce de résistance was the Budo Black truffle gnocchi. This sublime creation - at once earthy, rich, and indulgent - redefined our understanding of comfort food. Each bite was a masterful harmony of textures and flavors, with the truffle's deep, loamy notes elevating the dish to unprecedented heights. In short, Budonoki is a must-visit destination for any serious food enthusiast. With its unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction, this restaurant has earned its place among the culinary elite. Rating Breakdown: - Food: 5/5 - Service: 5/5 - Ambience: 5/5 - Value: 5/5 Recommendation: Budonoki is an absolute must-visit for foodies and anyone seeking a world-class dining experience. Be sure to reserve well in advance, as tables are likely to be in high demand. read more

Marie D.

Elite 18

708

332

500

1 year ago

My recent visit to Budonoki was nothing short of spectacular, with each dish showcasing the restaurant's masterful blend of traditional Japanese techniques and innovative flavor combinations. We started with their pressed sushi - perfectly formed rectangles of seasoned rice topped with meticulously torch-seared fish and delicate dots of bright green wasabi cream. Presented on a sleek slate plate, each piece delivered a perfect harmony of flavors and textures - crisp, tender, and umami-rich in every bite. The standout dish was undoubtedly their gnocchi fusion creation - pillowy pasta bathed in a savory mushroom sauce and crowned with a cloud-like dollop of cream and delicate shavings of black truffle. This brilliant East-meets-West approach exemplifies what makes Budonoki so special - the fearless melding of culinary traditions that somehow feels both surprising and natural. We also enjoyed a vibrant donburi bowl topped with a generous layer of glistening orange tobiko and fresh scallions, paired perfectly with their tender tataki-style meat plate garnished with microgreens. The contrasting textures and temperatures made each bite more exciting than the last. The experience was enhanced by their creative presentation, including a whimsical bear-shaped cocktail mug adorned with edible purple flowers and served alongside traditional Japanese design elements. This playful touch perfectly encapsulated the restaurant's personality - sophisticated without being stuffy. The warm wooden tables, delicate glassware, and traditional shoji screens created an atmosphere that felt both authentic and contemporary. Every visual detail complemented the exceptional food, making our meal at Budonoki amazing! read more

Melissa P.

2 years ago

I had the pleasure of dining at Budonoki on a busy Friday night. The place was packed, with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that felt like a cool nightclub mixed with a laid-back pub. From the moment we sat down, it was clear that the menu was thoughtfully crafted, with each dish carefully designed to be a complete experience. The menu ingenuity added to the experience. We decided to go all in and ordered every item on the menu--and let me tell you, Budonoki did not disappoint. Here are a few highlights: - Tuna Hand Roll: Absolutely delicious, with crunchy bits that added a perfect textural contrast. - Curry Pan: This dish was AMAZING--like a curry-stuffed samosa that was hearty, crispy, and incredibly satisfying. - Grilled Pork Jowl: A fantastic combination of flavors and textures. Truly mouthwatering. - Seafood Pancake: Crisped to absolute perfection. The mix of seafood flavors paired with the airy, crispy goodness was a delight. - Budo-Gnocchi: We weren't sure what to expect with this one, but it was delicious! A must-try for anyone visiting. The drinks were spot on and the service was excellent. The dishes were spaced out perfectly coming from the kitchen - overall a phenomenal experience. Budonoki has quickly become a new favorite, and I can't recommend it enough. If you're looking for great food, a fun vibe, and a memorable dining experience, this is the place to visit. read more

Michelle X.

Elite 26

104

1 year ago

Woweee, I can't rave about this place enough! Came in for an early dinner on a Wednesday night and it completely blew us away. Every dish was executed to perfection - flavors were bold, balanced, and absolutely delicious. We ordered the scallop crudo, yellowtail sashimi, negima (chicken skewers), spicy tuna handroll, budo-gnocchi, and steak frites. And honestly? I couldn't even pick a favorite because everything was that good. Each dish was beautifully plated, perfectly seasoned, and bursting with incredible flavors. The spicy tuna handroll was especially unexpected - it came as a DIY setup with four crispy sheets of seaweed, making it a fun and interactive experience for a tasty bite. The budo-gnocchi was also a pleasant surprise with its rice cake/gnocchi blend, just wow! I could go on with each dish, but it's best to just try them out! Beyond the food, the service was top notch! Our server was incredibly attentive and made sure that our water glasses were never empty, and every staff member we interacted with was warm and welcoming. The ambiance also adds to the experience - it has a cool Japanese bar vibe with an LA twist, making it an ideal place for a night out with a small group. This place exceeded all expectations and I already can't wait to come back! read more

Joel K.

11 months ago

Budonoki is a special spot. The vibe is effortlessly cool - it's intimate and trendy but in an approachable kind of way. Moody lighting and upscale furniture is juxtaposed by retro gaming posters and neon signs. The service was spot-on - our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. Now, let's talk about the food and drinks. The cocktails are really creative and unique here. They blend in asian flavors really well. Each one is a bit of an experience so I'd rather not spoil it. For the food, every dish was a hit, but a few stood out as true stars. The scallop crudo was incredibly fresh and beautifully presented, a perfect light start. The aburi salmon is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a perfect sear. And you absolutely cannot leave without trying the curry pan--it's warm, savory, and the perfect comforting bite. Budonoki has quickly become one of my favorite places. It's the kind of spot you can return to again and again and never get tired of. read more

Patrick M.

590

7487

1 year ago

This Izakaya on Virgil Avenue offers a delightful experience for those looking to savor a variety of small dishes accompanied by cocktails. The atmosphere is charmingly dark and cozy, evoking a traditional Japanese drinking establishment while incorporating modern elements. Service is commendable and attentive. The Raba Mule, crafted with Bonal, Shiso, Cucumber, Ginger Beer, and Lime, is refreshing and easy to enjoy. The Scallop Crudo, featuring fresh Hokkaido scallops, presents a lovely sweetness and pleasing texture, complemented by cilantro, vinaigrette, and pomelo that adds a satisfying acidity to the dish. The Budo Gnocchi is a flavorful fusion that effectively marries different tastes and textures. Noteworthy dishes include the Seafood Pancake, Negima skewers, and the exceptional Steak Frites. The Charred Japanese Sweet Potato also stands out, presenting a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors alongside a soft and creamy consistency. read more

T D.

565

11 months ago

Budonoki is a fantastic little izakaya that's perfect for a night out with friends. I went with three others and, in the spirit of trying everything, I literally ordered one of everything on the menu. Highlights for me were the steak frites, sweet potatoes, and hand rolls, all absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a great spot for partying, sharing plates, and enjoying good conversation. The portions are generous, so it's ideal for sharing (we definitely overordered but happily brought leftovers home). The drinks were excellent as well, adding to the overall vibe. I'd definitely come back here again, maybe not order everything next time, but for sure try as much as you can. Great food, great drinks, and a super fun environment! read more

Albert N.

10 months ago

I had an incredible experience at Budonoki! From start to finish, the service was outstanding, thank you Josh and bar staff. The food was absolutely delicious -- full of flavor and beautifully presented. I highly recommend the Negima Skewers, Steak Frites, and the Aburrida Salmon. You can really taste the quality and attention to detail in every dish. The vibe here is perfect, too. It was my first time seeing the patio deck, and it's vibey-- the perfect spot to relax, enjoy great food, and soak up the Silver Lake atmosphere. Overall, I left extremely satisfied and can't wait to come back. If you're in the area and want a spot with incredible food, great hospitality, and an awesome ambiance, Budonoki is a must-visit! read more

Karina I.

1 year ago

I decided to visit this place because many of my friends had been raving about it. Taking a chance, I walked in and was seated at the bar. I'm so glad I listened to my friends because this restaurant exceeded my expectations! The service, food, and drinks were all exceptional. It's truly one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. The vibe and decor was very intimate and the music playlist was PERFECT. Even the valet staff were friendly! I'd give it a perfect score of 100/10! The vibe and decor was very intimate. Definitely make a point to check this place out! read more

Talin S.

2 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Budonoki restaurant, and it was an incredible culinary experience. From the moment we walked in, everything and everyone in this establishment exceeded our expectations. Our waiter suggested we order at least 2-3 items since they are snack sized and so we practically ordered the entire menu, and every dish was a delight. Be sure to make reservations in advance as this small gem fills up quickly, and rightfully so. Budonoki has instantly become my new favorite restaurant, and I'm already eagerly anticipating my next visit. read more

Shannon L.

182

2 years ago

Everything about Budonoki is awesome. If you love the show "The Bear", come to this restaurant to get an unchaotic version of dining in a Carmy-approved restuarant. Chef Dan has created a fantastic and unique menu, the cocktails (particularly the slushies) are delicious, the servers are delightful and the vibe is immaculate. Do not leave without having the naem, the yakisoba or the sweet potatoes. Top your night off with their coconut soft serve to end on a perfectly sweet note. We love Budonoki and can't wait to come back! read more

Patrick S.

1 month ago

Been here a few times now. Should have posted something earlier. This place has become our go to. Everything on the menu is a banger. Simple yet delicious and playful. Haven't delved into the cocktails too much but the food, soft serve and the vibe is on point. A few places around town could learn a thing or two from BUDONOKI and the staff are all outgoing, unpretentious and very knowledgeable about the menu. Even if you live on the west side do yourself a favor and hit up this gem. read more

Chloe C.

6 months ago

The food was incredible, lots of delicious choices, my favorites were the scallop crudo and coppa, we absolutely loved the ambiance and service... unfortunately while we were here the person calling out orders had yelled "are you f**king re***ded". It really ruined our night to see something so disrespectful be said with complete disregard to guests, very unprofessional. read more

Ray S.

8 months ago

Hands down some of the best sushi I've had in a minute. Just wow, I am impressed. love the ambiance and genuine care service of this place. Thanks to the chef and for taking care of us. read more

Shelby B.

1 year ago

Best meal ever. Perfect for two people - we ordered a little bit at a time and absolutely loved the skewers, hand rolls and budognocchi.

Greg O.

2 years ago

My favorite! Can't even explain how goood this place is! Yum yum yum in my tum! Let's go Budo!

Andrea H.

3 years ago

Delicious food, friendly professional staff, fun atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit!

Budonoki - izakaya - Updated June 2026

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17 Budonoki reviews that are not currently recommended

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17 reviews that are not currently recommended

Budonoki - izakaya - Updated June 2026

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