We found street parking a short walk away around the corner. My boyfriend and I made a reservation here for Saturday brunch. We were a little late but they managed to accommodate us at a table inside after a short wait. As a vegetarian, I really appreciate how many of the meals on the menu can be made vegan. I chose the vegan Japanese breakfast and I loved it. It was light and simple but wonderfully satisfying. Seasonal watermelon agua frescas weren't on the menu but our server told us we may want to try them! It was very refreshing and we didn't taste any artificial flavors. I tasted a hint of cucumber. We tasted the ice cream, custard, and peach on the stone fruit tart. It was delish. However, the crust on the stone fruit tart was too hard. We really had to drive the fork downward into the crust to even break off a piece. We informed a server about this and we ordered a matcha crème brûlée. We were charged only for the crème brûlée. All in all, we really enjoyed the aesthetic food and the intimate ambiance. The servers were very friendly, there was hardly a wait for our food and drinks once we were seated, and my boyfriend's water glass was never empty. After our pleasant balanced meal, we walked over and visited their super cute, super cool hardware shop next door. I thought the restaurant-hardware business concept is outstanding. Extraordinary little place!! read more

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I love a traditional Japanese breakfast, and I love Azay! Service is always friendly, and the restaurant is cozy and comfortable. The quality of food here is excellent and fresh. This is my go-to spot when I'm craving Japanese breakfast, and it's all I've ever ordered here. I will have to return and try their other menu items to broaden my palette, as I'm sure they are just as delicious. By the way, if you are unable to find street parking, parking in the lot across the street (Judge John Aiso parking garage) is the key! read more

Azay - Japanese breakfast with saba - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Super cozy comfort breakfast we had here! We didn't have a reservation on a Saturday morning, but the staff was so nice in accommodating us and we were seated quite quickly. The unagi bowl is delicious and the traditional Japanese breakfast was yummy too, although it wasn't as filling. The French toast was delicious, I highly highly recommend it. Next time I come I definitely want to try the loco moco! I love how you can look over at the kitchen and see how the chef prepares the food, if there was not bar seating I definitely would have asked to be seated there, but it's a super tight spot - cozy, but def something to keep in mind for large parties. read more

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We had a good time at Azay. I had the daily bento with jidori chicken (the chicken was DELISH), my guests had the Nagoya hitsumabushi (eel bowl) & crab curry. The service was excellent (they even gave me xtra salad since I omitted rice). Water/tea refills were spot-on. My only complaint is that the soba noodles were totally overcooked, like, beyond. Probably needed 2-2.5min less cooking time. Other than that I thought the meal was decent. Would def like to return & try their Japanese breakfast. read more

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So glad to have found this spot in LA! Was really missing traditional Japanese breakfast from our travels abroad and so happy to have come across Azay. Menu is simple but with good variety of options. We tried the breakfast bento and lunch bentos. The array of accompaniments was excellent. Service is also wonderful & very friendly. Food was served hot & fresh, quality was excellent as to be expected. Beautiful, bright and cozy space. Really enjoyed our meal here & looking forward to our next visit. Also got the matcha crème brulee--one of the best desserts we've ever had. Perfect balance of matcha & sweetness. Pro tip: make a resy! Tables fill fast. read more

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First time at Azay in Little Tokyo today, and somehow it felt like I'd been meaning to walk through those doors for years. One of those places that quietly lingers on your "must try" list until you finally give in. Azay was opened by chef Akira Hirose, who built the space around the kind of Japanese breakfast he grew up with. Thoughtful. Seasonal. The opposite of rushed. It's a small, intimate restaurant in the heart of Little Tokyo, where the morning light hits just right and everything feels intentional. The Japanese breakfast was exactly what I hoped for and somehow better. A neat lacquered tray carrying grilled fish, delicate sides, miso soup, rice, pickles. Comforting in that quiet, steady way. Home cooked but precise. Balanced without trying too hard. Elegant, nourishing, and deeply satisfying without ever feeling heavy. It's the kind of meal that doesn't shout for attention. It simply exists with confidence. And sometimes that's exactly what you want. read more

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I hopped over to Azay for a quick lunch and promptly fell in love. From the ambience, to the joyfulness of the staff, from the presentation and sheer flavor of the food... everything was perfect. I ordered the Japanese Breakfast with mackerel and it was perfectly proportioned and flavored. The mackerel was cooked perfectly crispy without burning or drying out the fish. Folks have said the miso was a bit warm, but proper miso is meant to be made in warm water lest you kill the beneficial bacteria. Which means, the miso soup was also perfect. I also ordered the eel bowl for take out, and it's possibly the best eel I've ever had. More importantly, the way they flavored the rice surprised and delighted me. I don't think I've ever had rice taste so so so delectable. I would honestly just go back to eat the seasoned rice in their eel bowl and be the happiest person ever. The miso butter chocolate chip cookies was also very good--more buttery than miso tasting though. Thank you very much for such fine service and feasting. I left feeling lighter and happier. Thank you thank you thank you. read more

Azay - Japanese breakfast with saba. - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Met a friend here for lunch and thank goodness we had a reservation, place was packed when we showed up. Service was warm and genuinely friendly. The menu is small and everything sounded good. I ordered a coffee and the tofu & maitake bento: super light, clean, and really satisfying. Bonus points for the coffee refills, and it was actually good coffee, not an afterthought. My friend went with the chawanmushi and the miso black cod bento, which was perfectly cooked. We ended with crème brûlée and a cookie, and wow, perfect Japanese-style sweetness. Not cloying, not heavy, just right. Loved it. Only downside: parking is an absolute nightmare. Truly awful. But once you're inside, it's worth the hassle. read more

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Came to Azay in Little Tokyo with my daughter and it did not disappoint. We started with the chicken karaage, which was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside--an instant hit. For our mains, I had the miso cod Japanese breakfast bento box and my daughter ordered the chicken teriyaki bento box. Both were beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. The miso cod was tender, flavorful, and cooked just right, and the variety in the bento made every bite interesting. The chicken teriyaki was equally impressive--savory, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. Everything we tried was exceptional, from the quality of the ingredients to the execution. You can really taste the attention to detail in each dish. Definitely a spot we'll be coming back to. read more

Azay - Japanese Black Cod Breakfast - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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We were so excited to have the chance to try this place for the first time. The service was great. They were able to accommodate us without a reservation. The staff was attentive and courteous. The dining space is clean and they have an open kitchen. The food was excellent. It was an authentic Japanese breakfast experience which brought us back to the ryokan in Kyoto. Restroom was clean, which is always a plus! Street parking available. Reservation is recommended. We will definitely return! read more

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really cool neighborhood vibe although you'd easily miss it amongst the bustle of the area. staff is welcoming and friendly although at times due to the fast pace, you might have to flag down someone for water refills, etc. it's a small place and anyone is willing to help so don't get frustrated. the food is yummy although on the slightly high price for the variety that you might want to expect for Japanese breakfast. the okazu could be better and the rice portion more generous. the standout was the unagi bowl, as the fish was not oily, but cooked to soft tender perfection. the decor is on trend as they recently remodeled (due to a water damage from upstairs tenant). read more

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Absolutely delicious japanese breakfast, a rare find in LA! We got the miso black cod option and the fish was marinated perfectly while still being moist and flaky. The portion isn't huge but it's enough to be a light to moderate sized breakfast that feels healthy and doesn't weigh you down. I would definitely come here again! read more

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Came here as a group of 6 on a weekend lunch. The place is quite small and there was already a line formed outside. The wait was about 45 minutes, which we just wandered around little tokyo in the meantime. The chawanmushi was decent. It just tastes like a steamed egg with broth, which it is but nothing super special. Most of the table got Japanese breakfast with mackerel and enjoyed it. I am not vegetarian but ordered a tofu which was a very good choice. It looked like salmon on all the pictures in yelp so I was intrigued. It DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I highly recommend it. It was tofu with a layer of slightly sweet, umami sauce on it that gave it so much flavor. I also really enjoyed the miso soup here which I usually don't like at other places but it felt less fake and didn't have grainy bits at the bottom. Overall a great choice to eat at when you're around the area in little tokyo. read more

Japanese breakfast done authentically! Small and intimate with great food that has all the makings of a home cooked meal. If you're a big eater it won't leave you as satiated as a warning. read more

Azay - Japanese breakfast - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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My husband and I feel tricked by the reviews. 4.6 stars and so we came here for lunch and were sorely disappointed. He had the crab curry and I had the mackerel bento. He said the carrots in his curry weren't cooked all the way and the curry was bland. My mackerel was rubbery I wondered if it was microwaved. The soba was overcooked and the sauce tasted like supermarket jar sauce. The salad dressing just tasted like oil. I really hate leaving bad reviews but we feel like 4.6 is just tricking people into eating here. We also paid $15 just to eat here so overall spent over $100 for food we could've easily cooked better at home. read more

Azay - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

So good! We made a Resy and was able to sit down after a couple of minutes. There was a line for walkins so super glad to know they take reservations. We got the steamed egg with seafood on the bottom for the starter which was perfect. Then we both got Japanese breakfast with miso cod and it was perfection. Definitely a place I'd like to return to over and over again. Service was great and the wait time for food was not long at all. Hot tea wasn't very hot- more lukewarm but they came around with hot water to refill so all good! Not sure why yelp labeled it as Japanese/French- I'd say more Japanese/Hawaiian as they have loco moco on the menu. read more

Azay - Japanese breakfast with miso cod - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Love the Japanese breakfast! Cod was cooked in perfection. Miso soup is the best that I have ever had. Service was superb too. A good vibe here. read more

Azay - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is one if the unique dining place, located in Little Tokyo. Away from the crowd. Japanese french cuisine style. We visited during weekday for lunch. Excellent Meals and Great service all the ways. Price is on higher side but quality meal. Unfortunately they just had recent fire/water damage from above. They are closing starting April 22 til further notice. Good thing we came. We do have to sit outside. They do outdoor dining for about last 3 weeks before they closing for renovation. Hopefully they open soon. Looking forward to try the dinner menu and others option. read more

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Did the takeout bento with jidori chicken thigh. It was pretty good although maybe slightly pricy. Definitely worth trying again

What can I say. Everything was fantastic Had a very nice evening. The food was delicious. Would go again read more

Real Japanese breakfast is getting harder to find on a weekday. I knew from the website that it is on the menu every day they are open. I stood outside by their sign saying wait there to be seated. The door was opened by a friendly smiling young lady waitperson and quickly seated. This isn't a fancy place and not too many tables inside but many family restaurants in Japan are very similar. Minimalistic but relaxing. I ordered chili cucumbers appetizer, Japanese breakfast with saba and hot sencha. The young lady brought out the sencha and cucumbers. What was cool was the little dish provided for the teabag. A gentleman brought out the tray with the Japanese breakfast. Great presentation and the mix of vegetables, orange slice and tamago, rice, miso soup and saba was delicious. When I was done eating I was no longer hungry. Not stuffed; just sated. A wonderful experience and it was good to see they had all tables occupied. read more

This here's a quaint Japanese Breakfast spot in Little Tokyo that offers a upscaled approach to Japanese food. Is it mindblowingly good? Eh. But it's good to try out once. Make a reservation if you want to avoid waiting long on weekends as the space is small. Anyway, what's good? I got myself their omurice which was not as runny as I'd like but still good. The pork belly enhances everything from savory to even better savory. Surprise surprise. The japanese breakfast is, well, your assorted japanese breakfast items. Everything is good quality, but can't say it was hugely memorable. Anyway, all in all, it's a decent dining experience, but I feel like there're better options in Little Toyko or Gardena/Torrance. read more

Azay - Japanese breakfast - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Somehow I blindsided myself, the daytime menu is different from dinner. Only the fixed dinner menu which is quite pricey but: The beef and dessert were absolutely outstanding. I usually don't like more bougie restaurants since the taste isn't as worth the reduction in quantity but this was exceptionally good so I would say definitely worth the occasion in my book. Or if you're a regular to finer dining, this place is cute, small, good quality, and service is over the top nice lol so full marks I guess! Owner/staff are very accommodating both from opening the door until the time they give you umbrellas they took from you. Definitely want to try the day menu!! Very excited to try. Check their website for parking, you want to park in the lot across the street. Very cheap $1 for first 2 hours, then nothing crazy after unless you're gonna stay for a day or night or something. Even then there's worse lots that're 15-25-30+ for anything that's more than a couple hours. read more

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Azay in Little Tokyo is a cute little spot. Went for breakfast and it was really busy, waited about 30 minutes for a table. Got the traditional Japanese breakfast, which is surprisingly hard to find in LA. It came with saba mackerel, dashimaki tamago, tofu, tsukemono, seasonal vegetables, miso soup, and rice. Also tried the eel bowl, which came with some sort of tea to pour over it. Not sure if I liked it, but it was interesting. Desserts were great--the matcha crème brûlée and miso chocolate chip cookie were both solid. Definitely want to come back for dinner. read more

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Small, family-owned Japanese spot in little tokyo! Everything (mackerel, rice, veggies, miso soup) was cooked/seasoned sooo perfectly. That one judge from culinary class wars would approve. Loved the pork katsu curry too wow 10/10. My boyfriend and I walked in on a Sunday afternoon, put our names on the waitlist with a server, and were seated in ~20 minutes. We were treated with kindness and excellent service the entire meal. We will definitely be back and can't wait to try their other menu items. Street parking or Aiso garage $1/hr. read more

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So happy that Azay is back from its months-long closure! Azay truly has one of the most unique Japanese menus in Little Tokyo and beyond. Sure, there are lots of places that serve "bentos", but it's always the same thing--teriyaki chicken/beef/fish, tempura, katsu, blah blah blah. Azay's bento and Japanese breakfast feel more representative of a traditional Japanese bento, with small dishes that are balanced, varied, and seasonally relevant. Their proteins taste like there has been some care put into them, and are not doused in overly sweet and salty sauces. I also like their special dishes that they occasionally have, like katsu sandwiches and a loco moco that I had recently. All of the staff is hardworking and do their best to take care of you even when it's busy. Prices are higher than other places but I do feel like the ingredients and care put into their dishes is represented in the prices. I know that Azay is also involved in the Little Tokyo community, which is always great to see. read more

Azay - Loco moco - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Azay was a nice little restaurant to eat at for lunch. I got the bento box with the chicken Karaage protein which was not on the menu that day. Food: the vegetables were a different mix of flavors such as pickled, grilled, and etc. An assortment of flavors for the vegetable was a nice touch. The rice and miso soup tastes exactly how you think. The chicken Karaage was cooked to perfection, absolute star of the show. Service: It is great and inviting. The server gave me a description of the menu and also offered me a tea on the house to pair with my meal. Price: I paid around $25 including tip with my meal and I thought that was fair considering the area I was in. Overall: Azay was a nice place to eat at and you check it out! read more

Azay - Daily bento box with chicken Karaage. - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Thank you Azay for a lovely date! Especially thank you to Timothy and Andrea, who were both so lovely and made our first experience so warm and welcoming! It's clear they're both dedicated to a high level of guest services and you can really tell they're kind and honest people :) I had a lovely chat with Andrea especially, and she was beyond sweet The food was amazing as well!! So filling and comforting read more

Azay - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here because who doesn't love a Japanese breakfast? Had the idea, checked with friends who said that the folks there were just so nice, and supportive of the Little Tokyo community - and they were right! Staff were attentive, chatty, helped me out with my suitcase, let me sit while waiting for my Lyft to the airport.... It was a warm, inviting space with a lot of natural light - loved being in there. We go to restaurants for food - and it was delicious. I had the breakfast - and decided on that because the day before, unknowingly, i got their bento box at a Celebration of Life and may have ordered that if I hadn't had it the day before. The black cod was so good, and it came with delicious rice with a little furikake, nimono, pickles, miso, egg omelette, yudofu. The hubs had crab curry - also delicious. Was going to order chawan mushi, but i was already so full... would definitely go back again. read more

Azay - Japanese Breakfast! - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had the great fortune of having an enlightening and comforting conversation with both Chef Akira and Jo Ann outside of Azay's storefront while waiting for my time slot for h. woo's culinary pop up this past May. Moving out of Southern California and a social media cleanse isolated me from the food scene of the area, and it was only after my most recent visit a few days ago that I learned of Chef Akira's passing. It was comforting to also learn that Azay's dinner service has been left in the hands of Chef Ono, who I also had the pleasure of meeting in passing as he answered some of my questions about a dish at said pop up. My friend and I came for their day menu and were lucky enough to find street parking down the block. 11:45 on a Saturday was the perfect time to beat the lunch rush, as right after we were seated the line simply exploded. The onsen egg in dashi broth was a wonderful starter, a familiar blend of sweet and savory that stayed both light and creamy on the tongue. I opted for the Japanese breakfast ($23), which featured a flaky piece of saba mackerel with crispy charbroiled skin paired with pickled vegetables, radish (?) and a lemon wedge. Accompanying my protein were a variety of side dishes, my favorites which included a cold tofu, steamed egg, and some unforgettably chewy and well-seasoned rice. My friend's protein had a mushier texture and a fishier aftertaste that she wasn't the fondest of, but was encased in a wonderfully crispy exterior that she enjoyed. Her meal came with buckwheat noodles, a spring mix salad, tsukemono, potato salad, and, like mine, rice and miso soup. I had a fun time picking at the cucumbers in her potato salad once she was full, which were a fresh compliment to the heaviness of the side itself. We ended our meal with a red bean mochi dessert that was unbelievably soft (think cheese pull!) and was accompanied by what I believe was a candied dried konbu that may have been the coolest idea I've seen in a while. Although I don't find myself in LA that often anymore, I can guarantee that the next time I come down will be highlighted by a dinner service at Azay. I am adamant that Chef Akira and the entire Azay team's impact on the LA culinary community, through cultural relations or creating a platform for budding and blooming chefs, has been and will continue to hold its legacy. See you again soon. read more

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I really love Azay so much. The simplicity of the food that somehow still manages to provide such gentle and bold flavors and textures is really what Japanese food should be about. Although the interior is a bit small, it helps add to the coziness of it all. The open kitchen, the gentle atmosphere, the amazing food; they all add to incredible experience that I have here every single time I choose Azay. This is what little tokyo is all about. read more

Azay - Japanese breakfast Nagoya hitsumabushi - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It was a big loss when Chef Akira passed away but I was glad to see that his second restaurant remains open under chef Gary Matsumoto. We were fortunate to havd a private dinner at Azay recently, and while it was a good experience overall, the food was a little hit-or-miss. Some dishes were really tasty and well-done, but others just didn't quite land--the flavors felt uneven at times. The okinawa sweet potato poke had such a poke flavor, we weren't sure we were still eating sweet potato. The tuna negi toro, while a more familiar flavor, wasn't very tender and was a little disappointing. The grilled romaine salad had a unique presentation and was quite delicious while the miso marinated cod, while tender, didnt have a great balance of flavor. The braised short ribs were a little tough and lacked flavor while the pommes puree was rich, creamy, and delicious. You get the point. It wasn't bad by any means, but I was hoping for more consistency. What I did love was the service--it was fantastic! The staff were super attentive and friendly, making sure we were taken care of the whole time. That alone made the experience feel special. The cozy vibe of the restaurant was great for a private dinner, and even though the food wasn't perfect, I'd still recommend giving it a try, especially if you're into French-Japanese cuisine. read more

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I recommend getting reservations here in advance; because it is a popular spot on the weekends and weekdays during lunch time! Nothing compares to Japanese breakfast in Japan of course, but this does come very close. I enjoyed all the sides, the rice was a great texture, and the fish was perfectly cooked. The restaurant itself is very quaint, but authentic and inviting. And the hosts and waiters are welcoming. Service is relatively quick here too. I've eaten an eel bowl here before. I enjoy both the eel and Japanese breakfast, so it depends on what mood you're in. read more

An excellent lunch at Azay! An intimate beautiful restaurant if you're looking for unique French Japanese inspired dishes. We made a reservation to guarantee a table and the staff were very lovely. Started with the chawanmushi which is a classic. The soba salad was very refreshing and light. The fish of the day was perfectly cooked and the sauce was packed with umami, I practically licked it off the plate. We ended with the zenzai which was an interesting dessert. The mochi was airy yet chewy sitting atop a traditional red bean soup. It came with konbu which made for a sweet and savory combo. It was great to try but not sure I would get again. Overall, Azay is a great restaurant to have in Little Tokyo and I would recommend it to anyone. read more

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Azay's bento boxes are legendary among local foodies and for good reason. The "Daily Bento," available at lunch, is a curated balance of flavors: think delicately grilled miso black cod or jidori chicken teriyaki, nestled beside house-pickled veggies, a bright farmer's market salad, and perfectly steamed Koda Farms rice. It's comfort food at its finest--each main shines, but it's the thoughtful supporting players (zippy tsukemono, umami-rich miso soup, and tender veggies) that elevate the ensemble into culinary harmony. No memorable meal is complete without a well-chosen wine, and Azay's team brings their "A game." The wine pairings are meticulously matched to the tasting menu each week--think crisp whites to cut through rich salmon, or velvety reds that sing alongside braised short rib or lamb. The list, though tight, is clearly curated with care, making even the most discerning oenophile feel right at home. Above all, what sets Azay apart is its hospitality. From the moment you walk in, the service is warm, welcoming, and attentive--never hovering, always genuine. Servers are quick to recommend pairings or share insights on the origins of the day's produce. Many regulars mention that the owners and staff remember your favorites and check in to ensure you feel part of the family. Whether you're here for a cozy brunch, a celebratory dinner, or a casual bento lunch, you're in excellent hands. read more

Azay - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Incredible little cafe in Little Tokyo! Cute decor in and outside and very friendly wonderful staff. We got the seasonal ratatouille and the omurice and both were fantastic. Perfect lunch portions and such a nice comforting meal. Their hot tea is the perfect compliment to the food. Hope to come back to try more! read more

Azay - Kakuni omurice - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I came here with my sister to grab some breakfast on our day trip to LA so here I am. I ordered the Japanese breakfast. I never had Japanese breakfast before and I've always wanted to try it. I'm glad to say that it did not disappoint. :) The Japanese breakfast was light and savory. All of the components just go really well together. The service here was good as well. Our waitress was really kind and patient with us while giving us a rundown of the menu. Our waitress also frequently refilled our water. The food also came out at a reasonable pace. The restaurant itself is pretty small. They have some outdoor as well as in door seating. It is located in Little Tokyo. Definitely a spot I recommend checking out. Try it out if you like. :) read more

Azay - Japanese breakfast - Japanese Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Wonderful authentic, home-made, delicious japanese food. The Japanese breakfast is a delight, as are all the dishes on the menu. If you would like a real taste of japanese breakfast or lunch, Azay is the best. Lovely service and atmosphere too. So grateful they exist! read more

Came here on a Saturday evening, and the experience was lovely! For dinner, they have a 3 course set menu to order from, and they were very accommodating for allergies. The food quality was very fresh, balanced, and not heavy at all. I really liked their use of various sauces, like how the shiso pesto complimented their tomato & yellow peach salad, and the miso cabbage purée being flavorful and not salty as all with the jidori chicken. For $65 per person, it's actually of good value considering the quality presented here. Service was very nice here and they were quick to respond to requests. My only complaint was that initially when coming in, the restaurant smelled a little stinky to me, but I think the general area of Little Tokyo can sometimes smell like sewage to me sadly. Other than that, 5 star experience, would come again to try their lunch set. read more

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This quaint space packs so much ambience, attentive warm service and delicious thoughtful dishes. The staff make you feel like you're among old friends. If your dear friends could cook like they had access to the freshest ingredients and years of kitchen expertise. Every dish was so fresh, complementary with every flavor on the plate and perfectly seasoned to allow the ingredients to shine. The prices were so reasonable for the quality meal. Honestly enjoyed this meal more than some popular, high priced restaurants. Best yet, the menu is seasonal so there's always enticing reason to go back. read more

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