Tsubaki

Name: Tsubaki
Address: 1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90026-4401
Telephone: (213) 900-4900
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

421 Reviews

$31 to $50

Japanese

Top Tags:

Tsubaki is a contemporary California version of a classic Japanese izakaya in Echo Park, Los Angeles. The food, paired with sake, wine, and beer, complemented by the warm, genuine hospitality that Japan is famous for, offers guests a peek into modern Japan through the lens of Los Angeles. Tsubaki’s little brother, OTOTO is now open next door.

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(213) 900-4900

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Japanese
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday; Tuesday - Thursday; 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM; Friday & Saturday; 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM;
Phone number
(213) 900-4900
Website
http://www.tsubakila.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Charles Toshio Namba

Location
1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026-4401
Neighborhood
Echo Park
Cross street
Sunset Boulevard
Parking details
We offer valet on Allison Avenue directly in front of the restaurant. $8 per car.
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wine

Featured in

The Best Wings in Los Angeles

sashimi santen-mori$43.00
chef's selection of three types of sashimi with accompaniments
hirame kobu-jime$22.00
kombu-cured japanese ikejime fluke, yuzu oil, lemon zest, seaweed salt
japanese 'latkes'$22.00
potato pancakes, dry-aged ora king salmon, iburi gakko, pickled cucumber, yuzu scallion crème fraiche
japanese 'caesar' salad$16.00
the garden of... market lettuces, panko, creamy miso dressing, shredded bonito threads, nori
sukui tofu$14.00
meiji supreme tofu, nametake mushrooms, pickled myoga, scallions
oshinko$8.00
assorted housemade japanese pickles
'peas and carrots' salad$15.00
sugar snap peas, carrot ginger dressing, baby greens, brined meiji tofu, crispy rice
chawanmushi$18.00
steamed egg custard, dungeness crab, tutti fruitti english peas, truffle salt, mitsuba
asari saka-mushi$19.00
donabe-steamed clams, beurre bordier seaweed butter
kinoko tempura$16.00
mixed market mushrooms, yuzu shichimi, tentsuyu, daikon oroshi
'french onion' korokke$9.00
flora bella potato, caramelized onion, and gruyère croquettes, mushroom demi-glace dip
sakana shio-yaki$18.00
salt-grilled spanish branzino over japanese charcoal, ponzu, pickled lotus root
eringii kushiyaki$10.00
grilled king trumpet mushroom skewers, garlic koji miso
ika-yaki$16.00
charcoal-grilled monterey squid, sakura su-miso
ebi sumibi-yaki$22.00
charcoal-grilled blue prawns, garlic chive butter
wagyu kushiyaki$24.00
A5 miyazaki ribeye skewer, lava salt
tontoro kushiyaki$14.00
charcoal-grilled peads + barnetts pork jowl skewer, kanzuri miso dip
buta rosu$26.00
honey- and koji-marinated grilled peads + barnetts pork loin, shiso shishito chimichurri
soriresu$13.00
charcoal-grilled chicken oysters, yuzu kosho (two skewers)
bonchiri$7.00
charcoal-grilled jidori chicken tail
tebasaki$7.00
charcoal-grilled jidori chicken wings
sunagimo$5.00
charcoal-grilled jidori chicken gizzards
hatsu$7.00
charcoal-grilled jidori chicken hearts
nankotsu$6.00
charcoal-grilled jidori chicken cartilage
gindara nitsuke$22.00
simmered japanese black cod, meiji tofu, chrysanthenum greens, young ginger, mitsuba
short ribs nanban-style$33.00
braised short ribs, girl n dug squashini, rainbow carrots, pearl onions, sweet + sour glaze, shaved fennel salad
yaki-onigiri$9.00
charcoal-grilled sesame rice balls, cucumber pickles
kani chahan$26.00
garlic fried rice with dungeness crab
tan tan yakisoba$18.00
pan-fried noodles, peads + barnetts pork ragu, takana, komatsuna, sesame tobanjian, crispy cracklin
hojicha soft cream$8.00
roasted green tea soft serve ice cream
hojicha parfait$12.00
roasted green tea-infused chocolate soft serve, sesame black sugar burnt miso, candied k&k ranch walnuts

sake

sake
Our sake list is an ever-changing being, but will always focus above all on featuring small, craft breweries, aka jizake. We like both tradition and innovation, and will always have a mix of both traditionally made styles as well as those that push the boundaries of modern techniques. Our sake selections are served at a variety of temperatures depending on how they drink best, and we do our best to source sake brewed from organically or biodynamically grown rice. There may be a lot of unfamiliar names on our list, but our team is here to guide you through it and help you find something new and delicious. If sake's not your thing, we also offer Japanese craft beer both on tap and in cans or bottles, as well as a large selection of shochu, Japan's indigenous distilled spirit. We love wine, too, and keep our list short and sweet with selections from small, hands-on farmers working in France. To see a copy of today's list, please email hello@tsubakila.com.

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please note
an 18% service charge will be added to all checks. this goes to cover wages for all staff and full medical benefits to all full-time employees. if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

What 421 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7

4.7 based on all time ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great, our server was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks and great at providing rec's. Even though everything was small-plates, they were still generously portioned. Excellent all around!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quickly welcomed to our table and provided a rundown of the food and drinks. We had a wonderful meal, sampled many dishes and a few sake selections made by the som.
J
Jules
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Came here for a birthday dinner with my mom – we had a fantastic time! Delicious food, kind staff, beautiful interior.
JM
JustMe
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience4
We LOVED this place. Everything was amazing. The food was next level, the flavors and pairings were out of this world. Our server was very knowledgeable and helpful in both her food and sake knowledge. Unfortunate part of the review (which really isn’t even bad, just pretty annoying) we had a reservation for 9:15 and checked in on time however this involved us finding someone to check in with because there wasn’t a traditional host. Upon checking in were told a few minutes which made sense since there were open pairs of bars seats available (to mention, we reserved bar seats). After waiting 35 minutes I went to check in on our “few minute” guesstimate from staff and was told “Yeah, so sorry for the wait we just have a three top we have to seat before you”. I knew that three top had a reservation at 9:30 because we had all been chatting outside. So, not really the biggest deal, but for such a nice restaurant I’d expect things to run a little tighter.
JS
JamesS
San Francisco
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely sublime
C
Charbark
Los Angeles
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent variety and each dish has its unique flavors
ZM
ZoeM
Dallas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the food; our server was very helpful, she accommodated us when another person arrived so we could move to a bigger table; also loved stopping by Ototo next door for drinks before our reservation and then being able to walk our drinks over to Tsubaki.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing dinner!
SM
SMiller
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this restaurant! The service and ambiance are amazing. The food is spectacular. I can't say enough about it
m
miker
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 2, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience4
It has nice ambience, and they seem to really craft the experience well, however it was just over priced and the food was not outstanding, it was good, not great.
L
Leah
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Don’t think twice. This is one of the best restaurants in LA without a doubt.
TP
TinaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
They very kindly held our table. Food was delicious and service outstanding!
J
Jonathan
Los Angeles
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite restaurants in LA. Best to go with a group to share multiple dishes. They had a Uni and steak toast that was amazing. The abalone is always a favorite.
k
kfox
Los Angeles
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall3food2service3ambience3
Disappointing. After hearing from people and seeing Tsubaki on ‘best of’ lists we expected much better. Not very authentic and server didn’t come around to ask us if we wanted a second drink. There are better Japanese places if you want something closer to what you’d get in Japan. I’ll not give away the names of the better places so they don’t get over run and harder for me to get a table.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience3
We arrived at the restaurant at 8:50p for 9p reservation, but we got the table and sat down at 9:30p. I do not know the point to make reservation if we still have to wait more than 30mins for the table... foods are tasty but little bit pricy... lots of variety of sake. Maybe will pass in the future..
AK
AlisonK
Los Angeles
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing creative interesting food! Super lovely staff. We had a wonderful meal and experience here.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great here. Pro status
AH
AmyH
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sea bream grilled over charcoal was delicious, as was the yaki-onigiri.
SM
SamanthaM
Los Angeles
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely incredible. Can’t wait to go back. The black sesame balls, pork dumplings, sake selection, green tea soft serve and ambience were amazing! Love this place
e
ellie
Los Angeles
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience5
Excellent service and presentation. My partner and I went here for valentine's day, the ambiance was intimate yet lively in this small brick and mortar spot in LA. Although we have tried better versions of some of the Japanese dishes we ordered, I would go back to try other dishes and drinks. The Japanese IPA beer I tried was delicious. I already started to recommend to friends. Queer-friendly.
A
lizA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic. I brought a friend and he loved it. I will be back soon!
Y
Yazz
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience5
Inventive, beautiful food. Outstanding sake menu. Amazing, kind service. They were so accommodating and understanding of a gluten intolerance we had at the table. Highlight dish was the kinoko mushroom dish, the sashimi (can't remember if it was from the menu or a special but it was incredible), and kani chahan (duck fat fried rice). Nothing was too heavy / over-bearing. Definitely on the lighter side. Would definitely go back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience3
Definitely worth more than a couple visits. Wonderful menu. Best yakatori I tried in LA.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was exceptional.
AS
AngelaS
Alabama
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was very good . I’m glad I found this gem right in my neighborhood .
C
Cameron
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were seated 30 minutes late, despite a reservation, but the staff was very gracious and brought us a few free dishes. Overall, the food was excellent and we were very happy with the service.
U
Usagi33
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing especially with the sake. I recommend the abalone that was my favorite.
LS
LaurenS
Portland
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience4
I live on the westside and hate traffic. So even though I am a foodie, if I didn’t have to be in Echo Park for an event, I probably would not have tried it. I enjoyed my meal for the most part. The sea bream appetizer was good. The croquettes were delicious. I was not wowed by the rice balls in the soup. And the meat in the NY steak uni special was so tough,both my friend and I had to gnaw with our teeth for what seemed like minutes to bite through it. And the toast was so buttery, it tasted greasy. We did point this out to the server seeing as it was $28 for two teeny pieces. And they did take it off the check. All in all, the meal was good but not great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Super nice
s
steevenp
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
GREAT PLACE. Super friendly and the food is so nice
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great food. Disappointed we had to sit at the bar. Service good. A bit loud. Very expensive.
b
bbaa
Los Angeles
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2020
overall2food4service2ambience4
Food was excellent but the portions were too small, even for a tapas style. The service was also slow. The worse part was how bluntly they skimped on the alcohol: we ordered a $48- half bottle of sake. It was served in a pretty clay pot that only afforded two small shots. When we complained to the waitress, she said that she served what was left in the bottle, and that they only serve 1/3 of bottles not halves. The two shots were not even a 1/3 of a bottle-We left her 10% tip, we should have left her even less.
CE
CommonEater
Los Angeles
120 reviews
vip
5.0
120 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow what a great restaurant. A lovey place to enjoy an authentic and approachable Japanese meal. The ambiance is fantastic, and service was on point. Started the night next door at Ototo for a glass of sake and snacky snacks (same ownership) which I recommend, then we went to our reservation for dinner. Everything was delicious. No misses. Especially loved the duck fat garlic fried rice and the chicken thigh oyster skewers. So good!
JL
JohnL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
this might be the best restaurant in LA, but definitely the best on the east side. their attention to detail, service and of course the food was incredible. the dungeoness crab custard was a stand out, in addition to the braised short rib. great sake selection. everything was absolutely perfect. i'll also add, that while dining there, an A++++ list celebrity tried to get a table without a reservation in the already fully-packed restaurant, and to my surprise, the restaurant did not punt a reservation to make it happen. the celeb very politely demurred and the restaurant kept their reservation. more places should in los angeles have this much integrity. couldn't have loved it more.
W
William
Los Angeles
329 reviews
vip
4.0
329 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience2
I liked the short rib, turnips and steamed egg very much. The tuna, spanish octopus, beef/uni toast, crab fried rice were ok
a
apples
London
100 reviews
vip
5.0
100 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
One of the great restaurants in LA at the moment. Everything we ordered was delicious and there is wide variety on the menu.
k
kristinp
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was delicious and special!
PS
PascaleS
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 27, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience4
Way too expensive ; friendly staff and nice interior.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Third time at least as good as the first! Avoid the rice dishes and definitely get the short ribs.
C
Caroline
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is absolutely delicious! Enjoyed my visit and excited to come back again and try other dishes!

FAQs

Tsubaki offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (213) 900-4900.

Tsubaki is rated 4.7 stars by 421 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(213) 900-4900

1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026-4401

Additional information

Cross street
Sunset Boulevard
Neighborhood
Echo Park
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday; Tuesday - Thursday; 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM; Friday & Saturday; 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM;
Cuisines
Japanese
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
We offer valet on Allison Avenue directly in front of the restaurant. $8 per car.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Charles Toshio Namba
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.tsubakila.com/
Phone number
(213) 900-4900

Featured in

The Best Wings in Los Angeles

Tsubaki

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

The Best Wings in Los Angeles

menu

sashimi santen-mori$43.00

hirame kobu-jime$22.00

japanese 'latkes'$22.00

japanese 'caesar' salad$16.00

sukui tofu$14.00

oshinko$8.00

'peas and carrots' salad$15.00

chawanmushi$18.00

asari saka-mushi$19.00

kinoko tempura$16.00

'french onion' korokke$9.00

sakana shio-yaki$18.00

eringii kushiyaki$10.00

ika-yaki$16.00

ebi sumibi-yaki$22.00

wagyu kushiyaki$24.00

tontoro kushiyaki$14.00

buta rosu$26.00

soriresu$13.00

bonchiri$7.00

tebasaki$7.00

sunagimo$5.00

hatsu$7.00

nankotsu$6.00

gindara nitsuke$22.00

short ribs nanban-style$33.00

yaki-onigiri$9.00

kani chahan$26.00

tan tan yakisoba$18.00

hojicha soft cream$8.00

hojicha parfait$12.00

sake

sake

---

please note

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

Does Tsubaki offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Tsubaki restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Wings in Los Angeles