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Tsubaki Los Angeles Reviews
Been wanting try this spot out for a while so we decided to
Been wanting try this spot out for a while so we decided to celebrate our anniversary dinner here since wanted something a little more casual. First off, parking was difficult lol so we opted to do valet which was $12!!! I thought we were doing casual but suddenly parking made it seem like we were doing luxury dining or something. They literally just left my car right where I parked it lol... welp. We decided to sit inside which was really nice! Pretty small space but they also have outdoor seating and the place got packed really quick! Definitely have a reservation! Food was really good! We underestimated ourselves and ordered a little too much and ended up taking our last entree to go. We ordered a bunch of meats, so next time I want to try more of the fish instead. The dessert was nothing to talk about though... we ordered the fig and cream one which we could've done without. I do have to mention that really made me shocked... was the bill. They automatically put in 18% service charge and highlight that this is NOT the gratuity/tip.... WHAT?! Not sure, but I'm getting the hint that this establishment needs to pay their workers better if they're adding 18% to the customers bill PLUS asking for additional tip. We were shocked by that. The tipping culture in LA especially is outrageous. Other than that, service and good were great!
Food is pretty good, but not everything is amazing.
Highlights were the mapo tofu, the scallops, and the fried rice.
Came here had the ceviche that could feed a baby it was so
Came here had the ceviche that could feed a baby it was so small and the skewers were not that great. They were missing lots of flavor. And last but not least the awkward %18 feet. Will be back to try it again after July first when they lift the fees! :)
I was pretty disappointed when the bill came around.
They charged an additional 18% for "fair wage and operational" charges. This didn't include tip
That mushroom skewer was really good.
Cozy space, intimate. Book a reservation before going!
An absolutely wonderful and intimate restaurant serving up
An absolutely wonderful and intimate restaurant serving up phenomenal Izakaya plates with an excellent wine list and great service! We opted to let our waitress order dishes for us in an omakase style and she nailed it! (Kudos to Madeline) Below is what was tried: Japanese Caesar Salad - 5 Stars. Rich in flavor, this is one of the best Caesar salads I've had! The dressing has a hint of miso, and the panko worked perfectly! Japanese Latkes - 3 1/2 Stars. I admit to picking this dish since I love latkes, but thought the latke could have been more firm with a crisp to it -- the salmon crudo on top was delicious though! Asari saka-mushi (Clams) - 4 1/2 Stars. The clams were rich in flavor and the broth was earthy and savory. The only thing that could have made this better would be a grilled piece of bread to dip your broth into. Aspara Tempura - 5+ stars. They transformed simple asparagus into a delicious tempura moment making them like asparagus fries with a tart and delicious dipping sauce. Ebi sumibi-yaki - 5 Stars. Head on prawns that were plump and rich in flavor! Chicken Oysters - 5+ Stars. This skewered dish was tender and so flavorful! Short ribs nanban-style - 5+ Stars. The short rib was served in a rich but light sweet and sour broth, and the short rib itself was so tender and tasty. Kani chahan - 3 1/2 Stars. Garlic fried rice with dungeness crab. This was mild and a little basic compared to the other dishes, however my two friends that I was dining with absolutely loved this! Scallop Skewer - 4 Stars. Admittedly, I'm not a huge scallop lover but this was done well. Onigiri -- 4 Stars. Sesame Rice balls that my buddy insisted on getting, and he couldn't have loved it more. This was intentionally a bit plain and also quite comforting at the same time. Ginger Poached Apples & Pears - 4 1/2 Stars. A light dessert to finish the meal, packed with flavor and tasty streusel bits. The ambiance is upscale with a minimalist and modern vibe. They add an automatic 18% gratuity to all checks, and we added more to the tip since the service was phenomenal the entire night from the moment we walked in, to the moment we left. I found a parking spot up the street, but love that they have a valet option. I'm still dreaming about this meal and can't wait to come back to continue eating through the menu since there were so many more dishes that I want to try.
Worth the trip to stop by this awesome place if you are in
Worth the trip to stop by this awesome place if you are in LA (was definitely busy mainly because it was right after a Dodgers game and the stadium in close by). Service from our server was great- lots of recommendations for both food and sake. Favorite was definitely the clams!
Look, it's good but not good enough to warrant a 18%
Look, it's good but not good enough to warrant a 18% service (which is taxed, so effectively 20%) fee AND expect a tip on top of it. Get your fkn sht together. Either you charge me a service fee or expect a tip, not both.
I ordered the hotate skewer and chicken oyster skewers.
I also tasted the black cod and yakisoba dishes. They were all delicious and I think the black cod was probably the best one. . The yakisoba was more spicy than I expected. They added an 18% service charge to the bill for everyone in my party of four and asked for a tip in addition to that, so the 18% service charge is really a menu price increase. The one thing that made me unhappy with my visit was the kitchen service was very SLOW! It took over an hour to get all the izakaya small plate food we ordered on a Tuesday night and the restaurant was not busy. I left hungry because I ordered two dishes which was not enough. If it was busy would it have been even slower? The wait staff was very friendly and willl help you figure out what to order. So if you want tasty izakaya food but are not in a rush and won't be irked by the mandatory 18% service charge then Tsubaki is a good place for you.
" ok! come on! Silverlake ? From WeHo? Really???" I say to
" ok! come on! Silverlake ? From WeHo? Really???" I say to my friend who made this suggestion. But what a great suggestion it was Tsubaki, an Izakaya in Silverlake is the place to dine. Even if you have to drive, Uber, Lyft or Public Trans to get there, DO IT! I had the pleasure of meeting Courtney Kaplan, owner and Somalier of Tsubaki (and also OTOTO next door). She was polite and explained her concept of Sake and her Izakaya dishes. Food 5 stars- I can't recall all the dishes as I just did my job of eating the yummy food, Ambiance 5 stars- Pretty open air type feeling, Service 5 stars- our waiter did an excellent job of serving us and making recommendations on what we should try Pricing 4 stars- pricey; but good. And I'm not sure because I was a guest here but maybe they already add tip to the tab when you check out. Be sure you ask; only because I overheard my host talking about it. Location? well it depends of whether or not you are a Silverlake resident and its a small Establishment on the corner of Allison and Sunset in Silverlake. Note that parking is an issue so you'll have to hunt for street parking or, they do offer value parking service. I suggest reservations as they appeared to get busy as the hours ticked by. (TIP AND SUGGESTION- go early like 4:30 or so on the weekends and try the Sake School recommendations next door at OTOTO, then go to TSUBAKI for their Izakaya.... look at it this way, if you valeted your vehicle, you got to enjoy 2 establishments for the price of 1 valet)
I went back with a couple girlfriends after having such a
I went back with a couple girlfriends after having such a good experience a few years ago. Honestly, the food just wasn't as good as I remember and I was shocked by the 18% kitchen/service fee tacked onto the bill. After paying tip on top of that you end up paying A LOT of money for a meal and service that isn't on par with the money you're spending.
Personally I'm not big on Izakaya.
I don't hate it but it's just never been my vibe because the portions are small and the dishes cum out slow. I do believe that people who do get excited about it will like this tho, as there was quite a long line of people waiting after we arrived. Personally I love Japanese flavors so there were a couple dishes that I did enjoy. The staff was friendly and gave us blankets to keep us warm on the patio. I think the ambiance was mid but that's mostly due to the location. If you're into Izakaya, this is one to consider if you're in the LA area.
Flavor: 3/5 - The dishes here were pretty good with the
Flavor: 3/5 - The dishes here were pretty good with the Asari Saka-Mushi, Kanpachi Crudo, and Japanese Caesar Salad standing out the most to me. The dessert was rich, creamy, and sweet, which I actually loved despite not typically being into desserts. Each dish was crafted with unique ingredients and had enjoyable flavors, although nothing was exceptional. Price: 2/5 - The price to portion ratio was poor, and the 18% service charge felt off-putting. If the menu items were 18% more expensive, I don't think anyone would come here. This is not meant as an insult but an honest reflection of the hefty price. Quality: 3.5/5 - Many ingredients were intentionally sourced and hard to find. Each dish had balanced flavors with unique taste points not found at other restaurants. However, the organic status of common ingredients and cooking oil quality were unknown. One notable disappointment was the Brisket Kushiyaki, which was techinicallyyyyy wagyu but it lacked any wagyu beef and consisted almost entirely of fat. While this was disappointing given the price, I didn't deduct a full point from service as I believe the issue could have been remedied had I brought it up to the waitress. Service: 4/5 - The service was good, with a kind waitress and provision of blankets for outdoor seating. A complimentary parfait for my birthday was greatly appreciated. However, the ordering style was a downside. At an izakaya, you typically order as you go, but here, it was one large order without the option to add to it. Ambiance: Upscale, izakaya, and cozy.
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles near Echo Park, Tsubaki
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles near Echo Park, Tsubaki Restaurant offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends Japanese tradition with modern innovation. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with a warm ambiance and impeccable service. The menu at Tsubaki is a masterpiece of creativity and authenticity. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing the freshest ingredients and bold flavors that Japanese cuisine is known for. Whether you're indulging in their signature sashimi platter or savoring their expertly grilled yakitori skewers, every bite is a culinary delight. The ambiance of Tsubaki is equally captivating. With its minimalist decor and intimate seating, the restaurant exudes an air of understated elegance. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, Tsubaki provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Tsubaki Restaurant stands as a shining example of Japanese culinary excellence in Los Angeles. With its innovative yet authentic approach to Japanese cuisine, impeccable service, and commitment to sustainability, it's no wonder that Tsubaki has earned its place as a beloved dining destination in the city. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Tsubaki is not to be missed.
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Silver Lake, Tsubaki
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Silver Lake, Tsubaki beckons with its authentic Japanese yakitori experience, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure. My recent visit to this charming establishment left me enamored with its delectable offerings and warm ambiance. The evening began with a tantalizing selection of starters, each showcasing the artistry and precision of Tsubaki's culinary team. The Chicken Wings, with their crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat, were a flavorful introduction to the yakitori feast ahead. The Chicken Oysters, a delicacy rarely found outside of Japan, delighted with their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The Short Ribs Nankin-style were a revelation, offering a unique twist on the traditional yakitori skewers. The succulent ribs, glazed with a savory-sweet sauce, were tender and flavorful, leaving a lasting impression on my taste buds. The Chawanmushi, a traditional Japanese egg custard, was a delicate and comforting addition to the meal. Its velvety texture and subtle flavors provided a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the yakitori skewers. As the evening progressed, the Steamed Clams emerged as a highlight of the meal. Served in a fragrant broth infused with ginger and sake, the plump clams were a testament to Tsubaki's commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Throughout the dining experience, the ambiance at Tsubaki added to the overall charm of the evening. The intimate setting, with its minimalist decor and warm lighting, provided the perfect backdrop for savoring each dish and engaging in lively conversation. In conclusion, Tsubaki offers a truly authentic yakitori experience that is sure to delight aficionados of Japanese cuisine. From the succulent yakitori skewers to the comforting starters, every dish is executed with precision and care. Whether seeking a memorable dining experience or simply indulging in the art of yakitori, Tsubaki stands out as a must-visit destination in Silver Lake.
Food was fantastic! Must haves: Caesar salad, prawns,
Food was fantastic! Must haves: Caesar salad, prawns, clams, chicken oysters and chicken wings !! The only reason for the 4 star is because of the valet guy. Very rude. VERY rude. we visited on 2/24, 8-10pm. other than that, this place deserves a 10 star
Food was delicious and the experience was great.
Followed down the menu in order and picked from each section. Prawns were delicious and the chicken oysters as well. The steamed egg with crab was amazing and the drinks on point. 100% would go back again.
A cute and cozy Japanese restaurant in the Silver Lake area.
We sat at the bar. They have a nice selection of sake. And you can ask for a taste before ordering a carafe or bottle. We love the Yakitori, the selections are limited but it's very good. Charcoal grilled and we ask to go light on the sauce so we can taste the charcoal flavor. Dessert is a must, the parfait is delicious!! I believe the soft serve flavor changes but the parfait is a must have. The 3 stars is for the added service charge. We have seen service charge at many place but it is 18% here which is really hefty. We weren't too happy about that. Love the food but not sure if we would return because of the added service charge.
All right, so, where do I even begin? I agonized over
All right, so, where do I even begin? I agonized over booking a reservation for a cute date after work and ended up deciding on Tsubaki. The hosts were gracious; I had my work backpack and another bag, and they kindly stored my items in the back of the restaurant to free up space for me to sit comfortably. Which, and this was crucial, because the restaurant is pretty small. That being said... Every item was done to perfection. We ordered the following: - Japanese 'latkes': gorgeous presentation, loved the smoked ikura, the crunch of the potatoes, and the fresh, fatty salmon. - 'Mapo tofu' sukui-dofu: a vegetarian/possibly vegan take on mapo tofu! Delicious, refreshing, and just the right amount of spicy and acidic. - Oshinko: please get pickles when you're here! I loved the Asian pear pickles in yuzu and an ACV brine, such a fun accompaniment to the meal. - Chawanmushi: plenty of dungeness crab, egg custard was light and silky. The trick here is to achieve a balance of hot and cold bites, and this was delicious. - Kani chahan: I don't know where I read this, but I was under the impression this was made with duck fat. Much to our luck, it wasn't. Folks, this was really good garlic fried rice with plenty of crab, definitely one of the more satiating dishes here. - Gindara nitsuke: such a delightful, comforting bowl of black cod, tofu, and greens. Not what we expected, but tasty regardless. - Yuzu panna cotta: yuzu perfectly cut the richness of the panna cotta, toasted rice crisps (?) on top were crucial for that diversity of texture. Coming back here again because NE LA has way too many good restaurants, Tsubaki among them. Definitely going to check out Ototo as well, which is right beside Tsubaki! Forgot to mention this, but the sake collection is extensive (to put it lightly), if you're a fan of libations. All in all, our meal wasn't cheap, but definitely worth it for a date. Hell, those Japanese 'latkes' keep me up at night, so it might be time for another trip sooner than later! :D
Have been going here for years.
So I can say is that we're never disappointed. It's such a wonderful ambiance, it's a very romantic and beautiful setting. Just came here again to celebrate Valentine's Day and once again it was stunningly spectacular. The dishes are always so well thought out, savory, plated well and just delicious. The service is always wonderful and the servers are always very well informed and are just delightful to be around. The servers are always on it, keeping in mind I'm the type of person that likes to be left to enjoy my meal and I don't require too much attention. We had the chawannushi which was something we've never had before. It was new, it was vibrant, and just delicate and delectable. The crab was sweet, fresh, tender and worked amazingly with the egg. We also had the fall market tempura which was fried to perfection and the potatoes were nice and tender, plus the sauce that came with it was so good we had to ask for more. One of my favorite dishes of the night was the sakana shio-yaki. Definitely something you must try. The fish was absolutely amazing and just so deliciously delicate in texture, and the skin was nice and crispy with a lot of flavor. The brisket kushiyaki was really nice as well, simple but impressive. The quality of the wagyu was perfect, and the taste was impressive. Finally last but not least the gindara nitsuke was a dish I've had many times before at other establishments, and I can definitely say it ranks high amongst all the dishes I've had prior. It's hard to say and in fact it may be the best I've ever had, what I can tell you we finished it all and that the cod was definitely something special and just cooked to perfection with love and care. And the broth it's served in is something you won't forget anytime soon. Overall this is a place you must try, and I most certainly will continue to patron this establishment as long as they keep making this incredible food.
Last night I celebrated my birthday dinner at Tsubaki and
Last night I celebrated my birthday dinner at Tsubaki and this restaurant was incredible! Our server was patient, accommodating, and truly made the evening special for me and our large group of wild women! We went the prefixed route, family style, and the menu was so well curated and our belly's left full! Highly recommend spending any celebration here and walking your pallets through a tasting!
A little pricy for a regular night out for me but all their
A little pricy for a regular night out for me but all their tapas were so good. Caesar Salad. Wagyu.
The food was so good! Service is a little slow though.
I recommend getting the clams and the yuzu chicken yakitori. Also the cod was very flavorful. They have a wide variety of sake to try. It's a little cute place with a great somewhat more fancy ambience, so it would be a great place for a date! Overall, highly recommend
Came here for an early valentines dinner! We had a
Came here for an early valentines dinner! We had a reservation but it did take a while to be seated, however staff was really great while we waited. Indoor and outdoor seating available, parking can be a nightmare in this area at times so if you're going for the first time come early just in case. Pricey but every plate was delicious, I could have eaten about five of the Japanese latkes honestly. We did six plates + a dessert which was just enough to satiate us for dinner without being stuffed. -18% service charge for all checks-reservation recommended
Booked a reservation for 2 here on a Friday night with no
Booked a reservation for 2 here on a Friday night with no troubles. Yes, the other reviews have some valid points such as difficult parking and smaller portion sizes, but the one thing that cannot be disputed is the quality and flavor of the food. And that alone is enough to give Tsubaki a 5/5 in my book.Food we ordered:1. Chawanmushi (10/10) - a surprisingly big amount of crab, in healthy pieces, and savory steamed egg2. Crab Fried Rice (forgot the name, 10/10) - despite being the 2nd crab dish we ordered, it still was amazing and couldn't get enough3. Braised Short Rib (10/10) - savory, deep, sweet, tender, please order this when you come. Not a big portion size, but every bite will be delicious4. Got a bunch of skewers, our preference went Wagyu, Pork Jowl, Chicken Wing, Chicken Gizzard (10/10 to 7/10 for the gizzard)Definitely come check it out and there is a huge selection of sake to pair with dinner.
Excellent food!
I could come here and eat order after order of the croquettes (SO good), but then I would miss out on the tempura mushrooms-and the chicken-and the short ribs-and you get the picture… I enjoyed it so much that by the 2nd dish I kept forgetting to take pics of the beautiful food!
Attentive and informative servers and recommendations from
Attentive and informative servers and recommendations from them were great. Suggest make reservation if you plan on dining after 7pmThe space is small ~36 for indoor seating, but you can also reserve ourdoor seating. They do have outdoor heaters but you will be seated on a slanted sidewalk outside dining.
Amazing food, but this review is for Zoe's wonderful
Amazing food, but this review is for Zoe's wonderful service! I have a food allergy and she was very attentive to my needs. She spent extra time working with the chef to determine which dishes could be modified for me and made great recommendations. The food is fantastic (get the pork loin & udon), the sake selection is superb, and the ambience of the restaurant is warm and cozy. I will be returning!
Tsubaki has a cool NY vibe with the NY prices.
The food was delicious but it comes with a hefty price for an izakaya place in LA. Reservation is a must if you want to score table here. 1. Hirame Kobu-Jime- The hirame was fresh. The grated yuzu made this dish fantastic. 2. Kinoko Tempura- Probably one of my favorite dish one of the night. The tempura batter was nice and light.3. Ebi Sumibi- Yaki- These blue prawns was grilled perfect and sweet. 4. Soriresu ( Chicken Oysters) - Delicious5. Hatsu ( Chicken Heart) - Fantastic, grilled perfectly. 6. Tantoro ( Pork Jowl) - This wasn't that great. I had better pork jowl else where.7. Yaki Onigiri- This was great. An order comes with two onigiri a side of pickled cucumber and a sweet soy which was perfect the onigiri.Parking- Good luck finding street parking around there. Valet ($11)Service- Tsubaki service was professional. Overall Tsubaki was delicious but the portion is small for the price. An 18% service charge is already included in the final bill but you can ask them to remove it from the bill you wish to.
Good food! They attend to our table to make sure we had
Good food! They attend to our table to make sure we had what we needed. They also gave out blankets since we were eating outside and it was cold so that was very thoughtful . Highly recommend!
delicious food.
yum! my boo took me for my bday and i enjoyed it so much! Chicken Heart
Surprised by the hype
We went here after hearing rave reviews. The place small and adorable. The service was solid, not great. They keep the door open to the outside and it was in the 40’s last night so they put blankets on the backs of the chairs so people can stay warm? I’d rather just have the door closed. ??? Now the food…. Everything was good but there wasn’t one dish, out of about 9 that we shared, that I thought was good enough to go back for. The place was packed with lots of people waiting outside, so I seem to be in the minority. I think it is overall good but way overpriced.
Authentic Izakaya Echo Park= Tokyo
The food was amazing and the flavors are different as they take great care both with the ingredients and the wood that they use. Portions are small so order accordingly, the japanese beer selection was pretty good.
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