THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Izayoi

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Izayoi Restaurant Review:

One of the city's top sushi chefs, Junichi Shiode, operates Izayoi, a bustling little izakaya that specializes in tapas-sized Japanese pub food. Housed in a modern structure in Little Tokyo, the basic but hip interior involves a soaring ceiling exposing noodles of duct work, a polished blonde wood sushi bar looking into an open kitchen, and dark wood tables partitioned into intimate groups, all in the midst of muted colors and contemporary lighting. Along with sushi, diners will encounter a diverse array of items, such as a trio of seafood croquettes whose crisp panko crust protects a creamy bliss inside; smelt fish; a few squid preparations; and sardines that are enveloped by shiso leaves and then deep-fried. The portions are small, so it's worth taking a chance on adventurous items. Izayoi is an exciting place, as the room buzzes with intrigued diners exploring Japanese cuisine far beyond teriyaki and sushi.