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ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Sakura House
8.0
Kushiyaki grilled over imported Japanese charcoal at a counter where you watch every skewer hit the flames — the kind of strip-mall spot that rewards people who know what they came for. Fifteen-plus years in Mar Vista with a tight menu of wings, ribeye skewers, and quail egg maki keeps regulars cycling back on a short rotation. Small room, loud on weekends, best enjoyed early or with a group that doesn't mind eating elbow-to-elbow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings, Ribeye Skewer, Spicy Chicken Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Kushiyaki grilled over imported Japanese charcoal at a counter where you watch the chef work the flames, running strong for over 15 years in a strip-mall setting most people walk right past.
Who should go: Yakitori purists and groups who eat with their hands.
When to visit: Weeknights for bar seats with a direct view of the grill.
What to order: Start with chicken wings, move through skewers like the ribeye and spicy chicken meatballs, and close with the quail egg maki as a savory finisher.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar counter directly facing the charcoal grill — you get first-look at skewers coming off the fire and can ask the chef what's running best that night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot with very limited spaces—street parking is your realistic backup. No valet. Give yourself extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—think jeans and a tee. No dress code enforced; the vibe is informal and low-key.
Noise level: Small space with an open charcoal grill—gets loud when full on weekend evenings. Early arrivals enjoy a quieter room; peak hours require leaning in.
Weekend wait: Expect 15–30 minutes without a reservation on weekend evenings. Reservations strongly recommended—standing guests wait in the middle of the dining room.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection: grilled vegetable skewers (okra, asparagus, eggplant, shishito, shiitake), edamame, tofu salad, vegetable tempura, and a dedicated vegetable dinner course ($20). Warning: the 'Vegetable Maki' rolls are wrapped in thin pork—not vegetarian despite the name.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, with the right expectations - this tiny yakitori spot has a cozy, intimate feel with only about 6 tables and 10 bar seats around an open charcoal grill. The bar seats watching the chefs work make for natural conversation starters. However, it's more 'charming neighborhood gem' than 'romantic fine dining' - it's in a strip mall, the space is casual, and tight quarters mean you may be close to other diners. Best for a low-key, food-focused date where the quality of the meal is the main event.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky given the size - with only about 6 tables and a 10-seat bar in a 3-hour service window (6-9 PM, Wed-Sun), capacity fills quickly. Walk-ins do get seated, sometimes within 15 minutes, but there's no formal waitlist system. Call ahead at (310) 306-7010 to reserve, especially for Friday and Saturday. Weeknights are your best bet for walking in. Note: they're closed Monday and Tuesday.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved eaters - high chairs are available, and families are regular customers (some reviewers describe 15+ years of family visits). There's no dedicated kids menu, but the regular menu has approachable options like rice balls, edamame, tempura, and simple grilled skewers. Keep in mind the space is very small, so a fussy toddler would be noticed by every table. Best for kids who can sit through a meal. Aim for earlier in the 6-9 PM window.
Is it good for groups? Only for small groups - the restaurant has roughly 6 tables and 10 bar seats total, so parties of 4-6 are manageable but anything larger becomes a logistics challenge. No private dining room and no large communal tables. If you're bringing more than 4 people, call well ahead to coordinate seating, as the 3-hour nightly service window limits flexibility. Not the venue for a party of 8+.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. Sakura House is a small indoor-only restaurant in a strip mall. All dining is inside at tables or the bar facing the open grill.
Best For
Better for: Authentic charcoal-grilled yakitori beyond the usual sushi scene—adventurous eaters who want organ meats, Japanese dainties, and shareable skewers in an intimate setting. Considered among the best yakitori in LA.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet romantic dinner (loud and cramped when full), need lunch (dinner-only, opens 5:30 PM, closed Mon–Tue), are on a tight budget (pricier than comparable spots), or are sensitive to smoke from the open grill.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday6pm - 9pm
Thursday6pm - 9pm
Friday6pm - 9pm
Saturday6pm - 9pm
Sunday6pm - 9pm