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Haru Sushi & Izakaya
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Haru Sushi & Izakaya
8.0
This izakaya brings authentic Japanese pub culture to Hollywood with an emphasis on highest-quality sushi and grilled yakitori skewers cooked over charcoal. The late-night hours until 1-2am cater to post-show crowds from nearby venues, while the vibrant atmosphere and extensive sake selection create the perfect setting for social gatherings. The kitchen balances traditional preparation with approachable pricing for the quality delivered.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yakitori Skewers, Fresh Sashimi, Spicy Tuna Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Authentic izakaya experience with yakitori and late hours until 1-2am
Who should go: Night owls and post-theater crowds seeking authentic Japanese pub dining
When to visit: Late night after 10pm when most restaurants close
What to order: Charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers, fresh sashimi, sake flights
Insider tip: The sushi quality rivals more expensive spots but stays open latest in neighborhood
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 8pm but turnover by midnight. Metered spots on Vermont Ave, residential streets require permits after 6pm
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers fine, no dress code enforcement
Noise level: Lively but conversational - energetic izakaya buzz without nightclub volume, can hear tablemates clearly
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak hours (7-9pm), walk-ins easier after 10pm
Weekday lunch: No wait, immediate seating typical
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable tempura, edamame, mushroom yakitori, tofu dishes, vegetable rolls
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options including edamame, cucumber rolls, vegetable yakitori (specify no butter)
Gluten-free options: Challenging - tamari available for sushi but yakitori glazes contain gluten, minimal cross-contamination controls
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice if your date enjoys Japanese food and lively atmospheres. Sharing yakitori skewers creates natural interaction, but the energetic vibe means less intimate than quiet sushi counters. Better for second/third dates when conversation flows easily.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially after 10pm when they're still busy but past peak crush. Weekdays are easier walk-in territory. Bar seating usually available even during rushes. Weekend prime time (7-9pm) strongly recommend reserving.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - late-night izakaya atmosphere skews adult, limited kids menu, bar-centric layout. Teens comfortable with Japanese food would enjoy it. Better family options exist in neighborhood for dinner with kids under 12.
Best For
Better for: Late-night authentic Japanese when quality matters - superior sushi/yakitori after midnight versus typical late-night options. Best value-to-quality ratio for fresh fish in Los Feliz. Group dining with shareables beats solo sushi counter experiences nearby.
Skip if: You want quiet/romantic atmosphere (try Katsuya instead), need extensive vegan options, dining before 6pm (limited lunch hours), or prefer cooked-only Japanese food (ramen shops better fit)
Haru Sushi & Izakaya
7.8
Late-night izakaya serving traditional Japanese pub fare alongside sushi until midnight most nights. The dual focus on grilled skewers and fresh fish attracts a diverse crowd seeking authentic Japanese drinking food culture in a casual Hollywood setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yakitori Skewers, Sashimi Platter, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: One of few izakayas offering full menu past midnight in the neighborhood
Who should go: Night owls and izakaya enthusiasts wanting yakitori with sushi
When to visit: Late night after 10pm when most sushi spots close
What to order: Mix of yakitori skewers, edamame, and fresh sashimi for full izakaya experience
Insider tip: They specialize in unique Japanese beers to pair with grilled items
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - moderately difficult after 8pm, easier to find spots on side streets off Sunset. Ride-share recommended for late night visits.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine. Late-night izakaya crowd skews relaxed and unpretentious.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly early evening, gets louder after 10pm when bar crowd arrives. Not ideal for quiet intimate talks.
Weekend wait: 20-30 min wait typical 7-9pm, walk-ins usually fine after 10pm when late-night crowd trickles in
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk right in during lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including vegetable tempura, mushroom skewers, agedashi tofu, edamame, and vegetable rolls. Izakaya menu has more veggie items than sushi-only spots.
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options including edamame, cucumber rolls, and select vegetable yakitori. Most dishes contain fish-based dashi stock.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce in most dishes, but can accommodate with tamari upon request. Better for gluten-sensitive than celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Depends on timing - good casual option for early evening (6-8pm) when it's quieter, but skip for late night unless you both want a lively bar atmosphere. Better for second or third dates when you're past the 'getting to know you' stage.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially after 10pm when they hit their stride. Weekday evenings usually fine for walk-ins. Friday/Saturday 7-9pm is the only time you'll really want a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) during early dinner hours. Late-night izakaya vibe with alcohol focus isn't geared toward young families. No kids menu but chicken skewers and basic rolls work for less adventurous eaters.
What's the best time to experience the real izakaya vibe? After 10pm when the kitchen is still going strong but most restaurants are closed. That's when you get the authentic Japanese drinking food culture with a mix of industry workers and night owls.
How does the sushi compare to the izakaya items? Come for the yakitori and izakaya experience, not strictly for sushi. The fish is fresh and competent, but the grilled skewers and Japanese pub fare are where they really shine.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining when you want both sushi and cooked Japanese food in a casual bar setting. Best option in East Hollywood for authentic izakaya experience past midnight. Stronger on variety and atmosphere than sushi-only spots with same hours.
Skip if: You want high-end omakase or quiet romantic ambiance. Go elsewhere if you need extensive vegan options or prefer early dinner (6-7pm) when the energy hasn't picked up yet. Not the spot for business dinners or impressing sushi purists.