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Master Critic Review
Chinchikurin (Sawtelle)
8.0
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki specialist from a 1999-founded chain, doing one thing with layered precision — yakisoba noodles, pork belly, cabbage, and egg pressed into a savory pancake that splits easily among two or three people at under twenty dollars. The Sawtelle outpost runs counter-service in a stripped-down space with parking-lot patio seating, but the portions-to-price ratio makes it one of the stronger value plays on the strip. Stick to the core okonomiyaki menu and skip the sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, Squid and scallion okonomiyaki, Yakisoba add-on
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: One of LA’s few dedicated Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki spots.
Who should go: Friends celebrating casually over something shareable.
When to visit: Early evening to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Classic okonomiyaki, seafood version, yakisoba.
Insider tip: Split two styles to compare sauces and noodle textures.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—two-hour spots available on weekday lunches, but evenings and weekends are restricted. Best bet is the large lot at the shopping center across Sawtelle (near the big-box retailers). The restaurant's own lot is tiny and almost always full.
Weekend wait: 15 minutes to an hour depending on party size—drop someone off to put your name on the list while the rest find parking
Weekday lunch: Shorter waits, typically around 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Vegetarian okonomiyaki versions available—the Yasai (vegetable) option is the go-to
Best For
Better for: Solo counter lunch watching the teppan grill, cheap adventurous group dinners, or a quick Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki fix—not a linger-over-cocktails spot
Consider Alternatives If: You want variety on one visit—this is a one-dish-done-perfectly place. Also skip the edamame (reported ice-cold straight from the freezer)
Hours
Monday11:30am - 4pm, 5pm - 9pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11:30am - 4pm, 5pm - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 4pm, 5pm - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 4pm, 5pm - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 4pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 4pm, 5pm - 9pm