Honda-Ya

Tucked away on the second floor of a Little Tokyo shopping mall, Honda-Ya is the kind of Japanese pub that solves every group dinner dilemma. When you’ve got a big crew and everyone wants something different, this izakaya delivers with a menu so expansive that even the pickiest eaters will find their happy place.

The kitchen covers serious ground here, turning out everything from pristine yellowtail sashimi to steaming bowls of miso udon and shatteringly crisp vegetable tempura. What makes Honda-Ya stand out isn’t just the range of offerings—it’s that they nail each dish with the kind of consistency that keeps regulars coming back. The food arrives quickly and hits the table hot (or perfectly chilled, in the case of the sashimi).

The real magic of Honda-Ya is the atmosphere. Large communal tables encourage the kind of sprawling, animated dinners where dishes get passed around and conversations overlap. Add in the steady flow of Kirin beer and you’ve got the recipe for a night that stretches longer than anyone planned. The party vibes are authentic and infectious.

Whether you’re kicking off a big night out in Little Tokyo or looking for a satisfying spot to wind down after hours, Honda-Ya fits the bill. Come hungry, bring your crew, and be prepared to stay awhile—once you settle into one of those big tables with a cold beer in hand, leaving is the last thing on anyone’s mind.