Stunned and sad, I found out (too late) that the Little Tokyo’s Japanese-French restaurant Grill Lyon had closed down. The space was replaced by a Korean Japanese izakaya chain called Raku (the original is at Westside). The interior is slick and aimed for trendy crowd…ironically that is how izakaya is known as in LA now.
The menu is a unique blend of Korean + tradition Japanese + California fusion.
Monk Fish Liver. Big thick pieces. Prosciutto wrapped Vegetable Rolls with balsamic vinegar.
Simmered Pork: not as good as Sasaya’s (the meat is a bit dry and flavor not cooked in). My favorite of the night: Cripsy Shrimp with Zucchini.
We waited for a long time for this Okonomiyaki. Turns out it’s very good: easy to eat, crunchy (cabbages), pillowy like scramble egg…good to stuff stomach with it at the end of the meal. Dessert is Green Tea Pudding.
Nothing particularly stands out enough to call this place a favorite, but it’s a pretty nice addition to the area.
Raku
11678 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tags: Izakaya, Japanese, Okonomiyaki
Sooo many interesting restaurants on the westside and not enough energy nor time on my part to drive out there. Food here looks interesting, I’ve never had any of it before besides the pudding and the pork.
OMG never seen monk fish liver in such huge pieces. Did it taste fresh?
Yeah I was shocked by how gigantic the monk fish liver was too, but it taste fresh.