Azay

Tucked into a modest storefront on 1st Street in Little Tokyo, Azay might look like an art gallery or boutique shop from the outside with its large glass windows and striking red trim. Step inside and you’ll find something far more compelling: a family-run restaurant where French and Japanese cuisines intertwine with remarkable skill. The mother-and-son team running the front of house, along with their chef patriarch, have deep roots in the neighborhood stretching back to 1946.

The menu moves fluidly between two culinary traditions without feeling forced. You might start with sukiyaki beef or pork belly omurice before pivoting to duck confit or a perfectly executed French omelette. The Japanese breakfast stands as a must-order regardless of the hour—a thoughtfully composed tray of broiled fish with flaky tops and moist centers, delicate tamago, silky tofu, warming miso soup, and sticky rice. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without weighing you down. The Nagoya Hitsumabushi presents grilled eel as an interactive experience, enjoyed three different ways that build from simple to complex.

What sets Azay apart is its ability to shapeshift. One visit might feature yakitori-style tacos, another could offer a traditional tea ceremony or an elegant prix-fixe dinner accompanied by live jazz. The French offerings hold their own too—the boeuf bourguignon delivers hearty satisfaction with tender beef chunks swimming in a rich, wine-infused stew.

Whether you’re seeking a contemplative solo breakfast, a casual brunch with friends, or a memorable lunch adventure, Azay rewards curiosity. This is the kind of neighborhood gem where genuine hospitality meets genuine cooking, and the fusion of cultures feels less like a concept and more like a natural expression of the family behind it.