Los Angeles restaurants elevate izakaya dining with modern twists on Japanese bar food

Los Angeles is experiencing a new trend in izakaya-style restaurants, offering modern twists on traditional Japanese bar food. This shift began with Tsubaki in Echo Park, known for its unique dishes like a miso parmesan Caesar salad. New establishments are emerging, such as Budonoki, which features a mix of Japanese and Thai influences, and RVR, which sources local ingredients for its menu. Gran Blanco has also transformed from Mediterranean to Japanese-inspired offerings. Rokusho, a recent addition in Hollywood, focuses on local ingredients and creative dishes, moving away from traditional izakaya concepts. The executive chef emphasizes a desire to elevate Japanese cuisine for California tastes.