Otomisan - Los Angeles

Food was tasty and fresh but definitely overpriced for the quantity and the quality. How is it possible to ask more than $17 for a dish ? The food was very basic, none of the ingredients used were expensive. This restaurant is the oldest Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles. Vegetarian options: Very few options for vegetarian or vegan

First the atmosphere: it's a cute, well put together little Japanese restaurant. Walls line with art and photos. You can read the history of the place as you eat. Dining tables and a bar to sit and enjoy a meal.Second, the food: impeccable food displayed on nice plates. Large chunks of fish in the sushi rolls. Spicy tuna and salmon roll had a smooth texture and world-class taste. I did not use soy sauce or because the fish was amazing by itself. This alone will bring me back. I ordered a combo with beef teriyaki and pork cutlet. The pork cutlet was succulent. Pick it up with chopsticks and marvel at the juiced flow. The crust had standalone flavor that I might use as a topping by itself if that were an option. The beef was cooked to perfection. The yeriyaki sauce had a unique taste to it. Came with soup and salad. Miso is a simple dish that this establishment has perfected. The salad was a standard side salad with ginger dressing. Great way to cleanse the palatte. Tempura was also served, and it was again a world-class dish. Fresh tasting veggies and two healthy shrimp.Lastly, the service:the older woman who was there was a gem, and this review is not about her. This review is about the young, inexperienced waitress. I don't think she has enough experience to be serving folks, so this may not be the best place for her to learn. This establishment is the longest running japanese restaurant in Los Angeles. That comes with a heavy burden. The young waitress was not warm or inviting. These two traits are set in stone within japanese culture. As the older woman tried coaching the younger, she younger woman gave dirty looks and rolled her eyes. She seemed uninterested and worse than that, unwilling to learn from her elder. I will be back at some point and hope to see how her journey is going.Overall, you will be satisfied here. Please come one and all to a modern marvel of japanese cuisine in the greater Los Angeles area.

Seating is limited and It’s slightly cramped for big people.The food is great and so is the service.

I just don’t get the magic about this restaurant, we tried 3 times to get in for this mediocre dinner, the first 2 times the waiting is too long and they close at 8pm.I thought it must be good, but I was so wrong.The green tea and oolong tea and the natto it’s not even house made, they got them from supermarket—this is the first time in a Japanese restaurant I saw somebody take out bottle drinks from fridge and serve to us lmao.And for the salmon and spicy chicken bowl we ordered, it’s nothing special, like I can get them from anyother Japanese restaurant.the only thing I like about this restaurant maybe it’s the atmosphere, like a Japanese old house kitchen.I have to mention that this area is not a safe area, and I don’t think it worth the wait.

The rolls tasted very freshMy beef teriyaki combination was delightful.Beef udon was packed with flavor, it would’ve been perfect if it was raining!The noodles were very tender.The salmon rice bowl was delicious.The experience felt like you were in a traditional Japanese family owned restaurant. The owner greeted you and was attentive. Felt like you were in a city in Japan and not in LA.