Asuka@Westwood ★★★

Omakase under $100. In Westwood since 1974 but my first visit. Pre-pandemic pricing. Very friendly environment. Itamae Head Chef Ken Yamamoto was from The Hump at Santa Monica Airport (along with Shunji-san now at Shunji, and Yama-san now at Yamakase). Owner Vincent-san was totally chill. Kaiseki Course $110. Asuka Special Omakase Sushi Course $85. Hot tea $4. Metered parking on street (free after 8pm and on Sundays). Reservation via OpenTable.

Kaiseki Course ($110): Appetizer: Oyster, Seared Scallop, & Shrimp w/ Caviar

Asuka Sushi Omakase ($85): Edamame Tofu

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper)

Kaiseki Course: Chef's Choice Sashimi: Otoro (Fatty Tuna), Akami (Tuna Lean Part), Albacore

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Hotate (Scallop)

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Asuka Sushi Omakase: Toro

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Tai (Snapper)

Kaiseki Course: Mushimono: Crab Chawanmushi

Asuka Sushi Omakase: King Salmon

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Kanpachi (Amber Jack)

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Seared Otoro

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Unagi from Japan (never frozen)

Kaiseki Course: Yakimono: Grilled Gindara (Black Cod) with white & red miso sauce

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Uni & Ikura

Kaiseki Course: 5pcs Chef's Choice Sushi: Toro, Tai (Snapper), Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper), Seared Otoro, Unagi from Japan (never frozen)

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Toro Takuan Hand Roll w/ Shiso Leaf

Asuka Sushi Omakase: Miso Soup

Kaiseki Course: Miso Soup w/ Clams

Seared Toro Hand Roll w/ Shiso Leaf $16 (add-on)

Kaiseki Course: Toro Takuan Hand Roll w/ Shiso Leaf

Yuzu Sorbet $6 (add-on)

Kaiseki Course: Green Tea Tiramisu

Kaiseki Course: Green Tea Tiramisu

Left: Head Chef Ken Yamamoto, Right: Owner Vincent-san

Asuka
1553 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(424) 832-7284

Hakata Izakaya Hero@Westwood ★★★

Authentic Japanese Izakaya. Everything was good. Ankimo is a bit pricier than usual, but it's really good. Motsu Nabe (Intestine Hot Pot) is better than Hachi Torrance. Less chewy. Would like to try their Lemon Ramen next time. Green tea $3.50. Reservation highly recommended, but they allow walk-ins towards the end of the night. Walked in at 8:30pm on a Friday night. Free street parking or metered parking around the block.

Sapporo Draft Beer $6 (glass)

Ankimo $18

Pork Belly Wrapped Skewer w/ Tomato $3.90
Pork Belly Wrapped Skewer w/ Lettuce $3.90

Shishamo Smelt Fish $2.50 per piece

Motsu Nabe (Intestine Hot Pot) $56

Noodles for Motsu Nabe

Teba Gyo $3.50

Hakata Izakaya Hero
1929 Westwood Blvd
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 832-3304
izakayahero.com

Telefèric Barcelona@Westwood ★

Nice Sangria, Tapas, & Paella. Tapas are tasty. I like Paella Negra with seafood. Paella serves 2 people. Some dishes are on the salty side, but alcoholic drinks will help balance it. The Catalan Tomahawk Ribeye was nice. Mandatory 18-20% tip added to the bill. Parking is tough in Westwood area. $10 valet parking, street parking, or metered parking for $2 per hour.

Sangria Flight $29
3 glasses of homemade sangria (Spicy, Telefèric, & Barceloneta)

Jamón Ibérico de Bellota $29
exquisite 38 months cured Iberian Pata Negra ham 38

Bread

Pan con Tomate $9
traditional Spanish dish of toasted bread with tomato dressing & chorizo butter

Iberian Oyster $4 each
fresh oyster with gazpacho & Iberian ham

Artichoke Hearts $12
crispy artichoke with light pistachio foam & red curry

Cali-Flower $10
crispy cauliflower pops with a deliciously tangy 'romesco' glaze

Gambas al Ajillo $18
gulf shrimp, lemon zest & crispy garlic

Ibérico Pork Paella $46
acorn-fed pork chop, pork belly & mushrooms

Paella Negra $46
squid ink, gulf shrimp, scallops, octopus & clams

Catalan Tomahawk 40 oz $115
40 Oz prime rib eye 'chuletón',  potatoes & a set of dressings

Telefèric Barcelona@Westwood
11930 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(424) 832-7595
telefericbarcelona.com

Telefèric Barcelona@Westwood ★★★

Authentic Tapas & Paella from Spain with a Modern Twist. Everything was tasty. Paella serves 2 people. Non-traditional options also available. Servers were nice and helpful. Mandatory 18-20% tip added to the bill. Parking is tough in Westwood area. $10 valet parking, street parking, or metered parking for $2 per hour.

Crab Croquettes $9
topped with tuna sashimi & spicy aioli

Taquitos de Tuna & Avocado $15
marinated ahi tuna, mashed avocado & wonton shells

Churros con Nutella $12
Barcelona street fried dough filled with Nutella

Barceloneta Sangria $12 (non-traditional)
cava, rosemary lemonade, pricky pear juice, & berries

Dragonballs $9
chorizo pops filled with Mahón cheese & corn crust

Bruselas $10
brussels sprouts with a touch of aged cheese & lemon-honey dressing

Paella Negra $46
squid ink, gulf shrimp, scallops, octopus & clams

Telefèric Barcelona@Westwood
11930 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(424) 832-7595
telefericbarcelona.com