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Izakaya Tora
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Izakaya Tora
8.0
Vibrant izakaya overlooking the famous rainbow crosswalk serves an explosion of colorful Japanese dishes from tender uni crowned with gold flakes to fresh flower-sprinkled chirashi bowls. The combination of special and casual creates perfect people-watching opportunities with authentic Japanese flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni with Gold Flakes, Chirashi Bowl, Takoyaki
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Rainbow crosswalk views with Instagram-worthy colorful Japanese presentations
Who should go: Couples seeking vibrant atmosphere and visual dining
When to visit: Open seven days, lunch and dinner
What to order: Uni specials, chirashi bowls, creative sushi rolls
Insider tip: Grab umbrella-shaded patio table for prime people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging, especially weekends. Paid lots within 2 blocks $8-15
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans ok but lean dressy for the Instagram crowd
Noise level: Moderate buzz - can conversation comfortably but not whisper-quiet
Weekend wait: 45-75 min without reservation, patio fills first
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 15 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable tempura, inari, cucumber rolls, miso soup
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options including veggie rolls and edamame
Gluten-free options: Some sushi/sashimi options, but cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - outdoor seating breaks awkward silences with people-watching, Instagram-worthy food gives conversation starters, and $$ price won't break the bank
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually fine, but weekend dinner expect 45+ min wait. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - no kids menu, late-night izakaya vibe, and focus on date night atmosphere. Better for teens who appreciate sushi
Best For
Better for: Instagram photos, people-watching entertainment, casual date night energy, and colorful creative presentations over traditional sushi formality
Skip if: You want quiet intimate conversation, traditional omakase experience, or prefer indoor-only dining
Izakaya Tora
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
Pet Friendly Paradise
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This vibrant izakaya brings authentic Japanese pub culture with fresh imported sushi, kushiyaki, and quality ingredients at reasonable prices. The updated space offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a rewards program that makes it perfect for regular neighborhood dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rock Shrimp Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Roll, Signature Omakase
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Authentic izakaya atmosphere with great value sushi combinations
Who should go: Casual diners seeking quality sushi without pretense
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm and 8-9pm daily
What to order: Rock shrimp spicy tuna roll, kushiyaki, sake selection
Insider tip: Ask for Philip or Amanda at the sushi bar
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging in WeHo - arrive early or use nearby paid lots ($8-15). Valet not available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and t-shirt totally fine, no need to dress up
Noise level: Moderate pub atmosphere - can have conversation but gets livelier during happy hour
Weekend wait: 30-45 min wait typical, especially during 6-8pm rush
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - good selection including veggie rolls, tempura vegetables, and tofu dishes
Vegan options: Limited but doable - vegetable rolls without mayo, edamame, some kushiyaki options
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce in most dishes, but can request tamari and stick to sashimi
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - relaxed vibe, shareable plates, and reasonable prices take the pressure off. Avoid peak happy hour if you want quieter conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially before 6pm or after 9pm. Weekend evenings get busy so call ahead or be prepared to wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly with outdoor seating, simple rolls kids love, and casual atmosphere. Good for families with children 5+ who can sit still.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood regulars wanting consistent quality at fair prices, groups sharing multiple dishes, casual sushi cravings without the high-end price tag
Skip if: You want an authentic omakase experience, need a quiet romantic dinner, or are looking for innovative/creative sushi preparations
Izakaya Tora
8.0
This vibrant izakaya brings together premium sushi, expertly grilled yakitori, and creative fusion dishes in a welcoming neighborhood setting. The omakase showcases fresh daily imports while the kushiyaki selections offer smoky, flavorful skewers perfect for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rock Shrimp Spicy Tuna Roll, Miso Chilean Sea Bass Kushiyaki, Omakase Selection
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Authentic izakaya experience with both sushi bar and yakitori grill
Who should go: Casual diners and groups seeking variety
When to visit: Weekend evenings for lively atmosphere
What to order: Omakase, miso sea bass, rock shrimp roll
Insider tip: Pet-friendly patio with heaters for comfortable outdoor dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 6pm, paid lot across street $8-15, valet available Fri-Sat $15
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, no need to dress up
Noise level: Lively but manageable - can have conversation without shouting
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min max during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable sushi rolls, tempura, edamame, agedashi tofu, multiple appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - veggie rolls without mayo, edamame, seaweed salad (confirm dressing)
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - sashimi, most nigiri, can modify rolls, tamari available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - sharing plates create natural conversation, varied menu suits different tastes, lively but not too loud atmosphere keeps energy up without forcing intimacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 15-30 min wait, weekends tough but bar seats open up regularly, patio first-come-first-served
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids - no kids menu but teriyaki, tempura, and california rolls work well, outdoor patio gives more flexibility for families
Best For
Better for: More variety than pure sushi spots - get yakitori, ramen, and sushi in one place, better prices than high-end omakase restaurants, livelier atmosphere than traditional sushi bars
Skip if: Want quiet romantic ambiance, seeking authentic kaiseki experience, need extensive vegan menu, prefer BYOB options
Izakaya Tora
8.1
Opened in 2019, this vibrant izakaya brings modern Japanese tapas culture to WeHo with an extensive menu spanning sushi, kushiyaki, and creative small plates. The welcoming atmosphere and pet-friendly patio make it a neighborhood favorite for casual gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, A5 Wagyu Kushiyaki, Uni Hokkaido Scallop
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern izakaya with something for everyone including vegans
Who should go: Groups wanting variety and sharing plates
When to visit: Weekend lunches for relaxed patio dining
What to order: Chef's omakase, kushiyaki selection, crispy rice
Insider tip: Ask for Philip or Amanda for personalized recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, very limited after 7pm. Consider rideshare on weekends
Dress code: Casual - anything from shorts to business casual fits right in
Noise level: Lively but manageable - groups can converse without shouting
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min peak times without reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive vegetable kushiyaki and tempura options
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan section with 6+ creative options
Gluten-free options: Limited - can modify most dishes but no dedicated menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the lively atmosphere and sharing plates format works when you're already comfortable. For first dates, the noise level might make intimate conversation challenging
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, weekend dinners unlikely. Best bet is arriving right at 5:30pm opening or after 9pm. Bar seating often available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially the patio area before 8pm. High chairs available, kids love the kushiyaki skewers and crispy rice. Gets more adult-oriented after 9pm
Best For
Better for: Variety and groups - more menu options than traditional sushi bars, better sharing format than kaiseki spots, and the patio beats most Japanese restaurants in WeHo
Skip if: You want an intimate omakase experience or authentic traditional sushi - try Sushi Park or Go's Mart instead for those occasions
Hours
Monday12pm - 10pm
Tuesday12pm - 10pm
Wednesday12pm - 10pm
Thursday12pm - 10pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 10pm