30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Yakitana
7.7
A Little Tokyo food truck grilling individual skewers of A5 wagyu, filet mignon, and lamb chop over open flame at street-food accessibility — premium cuts without the steakhouse markup. The late-night window and walk-up format make it a natural post-bar stop, though the sharply polarized review pattern (74% five-star, 22% one-star, nothing in between) suggests experiences vary enough that expectations should stay calibrated to the food-truck format.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon Skewer, Wagyu Skewer, Chicken Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Yakitori food truck in Little Tokyo grilling premium cuts like A5 wagyu and filet mignon over open flame on individual skewers
Who should go: Late-night skewer seekers wanting premium street-side yakitori
When to visit: Late evening for the full food truck experience
What to order: Start with the 4 Skewer Combo Plate mixing filet mignon and wagyu, add a side of chicken fried rice
Insider tip: The garlic noodles with shrimp are a sleeper hit — regulars order them alongside skewers instead of fried rice
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available in the Little Tokyo area around 2nd & San Pedro. Japanese Village Plaza garage (335 E 2nd St) nearby with validation from plaza businesses. Multiple paid lots within walking distance ($15–21/day). No valet.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Four vegetable skewers: cherry tomato, shishito peppers, white mushrooms, and zucchini ($3.96 each). Plain fried rice and steamed rice also available. Note: bacon-wrapped veggie skewers (asparagus, enoki, tomato) are not vegetarian.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — Yakitana is a food truck in Little Tokyo, so there's no intimate dining room, controlled lighting, or private tables. It's a walk-up window with casual outdoor eating. That said, if your idea of a great first date is sharing A5 Wagyu skewers and garlic noodles on the sidewalk in Little Tokyo, the food quality punches well above the setting. Better suited for a fun, low-pressure hangout than a romantic evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a food truck, so there are no reservations. It's walk-up ordering only. Show up, order at the window, and grab whatever seating is available nearby. No booking system exists on any platform. Hours can vary since it's mobile — check their Instagram (@yaki.tana) for current location and schedule before heading out.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the menu is simple enough for kids (skewers, fried rice, noodles), but there are no kids menu, high chairs, or family amenities. It's a food truck with limited outdoor seating. The late-night hours (open until midnight or later) suggest the crowd skews adult. Fine for older kids who enjoy street food, but not set up for young children.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups only — everyone orders individually at the truck window, so there's no max party size issue for ordering. However, seating is limited to whatever outdoor spots are available near the truck, so a group larger than 4-5 may struggle to sit together. No private dining, no large tables, no group booking. Best for 2-4 people grabbing food together.
Is there outdoor seating? Limited — some seating is available outside the food truck, but details on whether it's their own setup or nearby public seating are not confirmed. There is no covered patio, no heaters, and no dedicated outdoor dining area. Expect a few spots to stand or sit near the truck in the Little Tokyo area. Not a traditional outdoor dining experience.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings — open until midnight Tue–Thu and 1am Fri–Sat. Quick, affordable yakitori skewers with no-fuss outdoor seating. The filet mignon skewer is their signature best-seller.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down restaurant experience with table service, a full bar, or indoor seating — this is a food truck. Closed Sunday and Monday. Limited options if nobody in your group eats meat.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday10am - 12am
Wednesday10am - 12am
Thursday10am - 12am
Friday10am - 12am
Saturday10am - 12am
SundayClosed