Sasaya

Sasaya Restaurant Review:

Near the bevy of Asian restaurants along the Sawtelle corridor, Sasaya is an informal and fun spot to grab a beer or cold saké while nibbling on flavorful dishes from the dozens of menu options. The décor is that of a pub, complete with brick walls, dim lighting and rickety tables, while the service is friendly and knowledgeable. Pan-fried edamame gyoza is a good starter, the bright green exterior made from the ubiquitous soybean and the filling crafted from a blend of vegetables. Takoyaki is a traditional izakaya dish that is similar to croquettes, filled with octopus and finished with tonkatsu sauce, creating a pleasing blend of salty and sweet flavors on the palate. Karaage “fried chicken” is crispy and hot, featuring plump free-range birds. There are plenty of skewers, such as rib-eye or asparagus wrapped with pork, in addition to teriyaki and sushi. Una don is a hearty large plate of rice mixed with a pan-fried egg and topped with sweet freshwater eel --- a borderline dessert. Traditional desserts, however, include cheesecake and green tea ice cream. The cold saké list includes plenty of dry and sweet selections.