Izakaya Akatora

Izakaya Akatora Restaurant Review:

Restaurateur Michael Cardenas expanded on the success of Manhattan Beach restaurant Sushi Akatora, named for his grandfather’s Japanese fishing boat, by opening Izakaya Akatora in downtown Alhambra. The space features a small bamboo planter-lined patio, reclaimed wood, tan brick walls with an Akatora hull, and rounded sushi bar. Cardenas has once again teamed with chef Hiroyuki Fujita, who presides over a varied menu. At lunch, his bento box is a high-value proposition, containing tempura shrimp and vegetables, bincho-grilled skewers that may include chicken meatball, salmon and rib-eye, and an array of sashimi, all chef’s choice. Other highlights include silky salmon sushi with a dab of wasabi, bacon-wrapped shrimp with a chunky caper-tomato sauce, and yellowtail jalapeño carpaccio dressed with ponzu sauce, microgreens and a hint of truffle oil, not that the fish needs that embellishment. For dessert, by all means order the cool green tea pudding with honey syrup and fresh berries. To drink, draw from a well-balanced saké list, or consider wine or beer instead.